The exploration of the idea and concept of landscapes relates to the inhabitants and the habitat to which they are surrounded by; the landscape. This relationship is a main idea which is explored in Thomas Shapcott’s poem ‘In the Forest’. To me, this poem suits many others analysed as a class, focusing upon the notion of a changing society although each poet has used their own twist to convey this in a unique way.
Shapcott has used various literary techniques in order to illustrate his perception of the change in society; a change in the landscape. However, unlike other poems he cuts right to the chase. The introductory line to his poem ‘Wait for-the axe sound in the forest’ and the use of sensory imagery enhances the responder’s attention and allures them to question what this axe is doing, who is controlling the axe. To me, the repetition and recurring reference to ‘axe’ is a symbolism of mankind. It is a representation of human existence within the landscape and the negative way in which we approach it.
Personally, I perceive the poem to explore human actions, like deforestation. The destruction of land for the satisfaction for humans. This follows the concept of our selfishness and our narrow view on society, placing ourselves and priorities ahead of anything else and only if we have time may consider what the affect of these actions are. This also highlights the fast moving nature of society, we are always looking on how to improve and get the best result. The first stanza of the poem supports this idea as the truncated sentences create a feeling of angst among the wildlife that are just waiting for the ‘approaching pace’. Shapcott here is representing how humans just come do not consider the other inhabitants, they ambush the land take what they can and leave the inhabitants to fend for themselves.
The persona however is attempting to show this lack of judgement and draw to our attention that the landscape may actually be alive. The reference to ‘the creatures that are nearest the earth’ (Stanza 1, Line 3-4) clearly identifies that they feel the change, they are not just there to make the landscape beautiful, they are not there for human amusement and show, they have a purpose just like humans they have feelings and they depend of the environment just as greatly as humans do. Stanza 2, Line 1 ‘And they must wait.’ this short sentence has been used to show that there is no questioning the situation there is no debate nor is there another choice revolving the issue. The non-human elements of the landscape; the trees the creatures, the lizards, the birds all must wait for the human interactions of the earth as they alter the varied life forms interactions with the earth.
The rhetorical questions used “Then has the time come?” and “But has the time come?” again have connotations of change. The change of human’s consideration of their physical surroundings to the ignorance of anything that does not provide for a greater benefit within their own lives.
The poem coveys the landscape as vunerable as if they are attempting to hide away from humans, ‘The snake moves into the reeds quickly’- Stanza 3, Line 3-4 identifies and demonstrates that other inhabitants are needing to change their way of living as a result of human existence’s desire and wants. The line also presents a new idea of Mother Nature as a provider and a nurturer as she did originally, but also showing that she may be providing humans in a materialistic way she still provides for all-even in a way she never intended to.
‘That! Slap of an axe. That!’ (Stanza 4, Line 1) The truncated sentences paired with the punctuality, heighten the responder’s suspense questioning what is ‘that’? What the slap of the axe? It can be perceived both for its literal meaning the physical destruction of the environment, being taken away and destroyed but also for the subliminal message being the existence of nature in whole- the animals ‘They flee.’ (Stanza 4, Line 4) taking away destroying their home, their habitat, the life of the tree which has inconsiderably been destroyed to again accustom to suit the human needs. ‘The possums clutch their young’ (Stanza 4, Line 4) again can possesses a dual meaning whether this is for the possums protecting their young or animal life, trying to clutch onto their natural habitat before it is completely taken away from them. This dual message approach reaches the responder in getting them to question are they associated with this type of humans? The ones who take and take from society to leave nothing and be inconsiderate for the other inhabitants of the land and in using such literary techniques Shapcott are successful in portraying his purpose.
“The skull of the forest is opened up” (Stanza 7, Line 2) is extremely effective in stressing the importance of the issue. It is goes beyond the destruction of a tree or two and beyond the loss of an animal’s habitat to create a greater building or house. A skull can be perceived as a representation of death, it can be seen what remains after death as well. A skull is bare, it is not alive, and it is not filled with thought or love or does not cater a purpose. This skull is the landscape, and what it is to become with this behaviour and attitudes of society. However, it is not only the physical but also inner and imaginative landscape as what will become of us if we have no change in environment, materialistic items have an expirary date and when this time comes and the landscape has stopped providing newer and greater things what will happen to us? What will we become? Will we become just like this skull lying open where the forest once was, bare and without a purpose?
I loved reading yours, it was awesome. My favourite part was the way you analysed the skull so deeply :)
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