sparrow ‘sparrow’ norman maccaig he’s no artist. his taste in clothes is more dowdy than...
Post on 15-Dec-2015
218 Views
Preview:
TRANSCRIPT
Sparrow
‘Sparrow’Norman MacCaig
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
Negative comment.
First thing we learn about
the sparrow is something he
is not.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
This sets the tone for the rest of the
poem…
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
‘artist’ has connotations of
colour, creativity, dexterity, finesse,
flamboyance, etc…
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
Right from the opening line, the sparrow’s ‘skills’
are deemed unworthy.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
Another negative comment. Now
his appearance is being criticised…
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
His ‘clothes’ are his feathers.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
They are referred to as ‘more dowdy
than gaudy’.
Dowdy: not stylish; drab; old-fashioned;
unfashionably dressed.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
They are referred to as ‘more dowdy
than gaudy’.
Gaudy: extravagantly
bright or showy; ostentatiously
dressed.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
He is ‘dressed’ in dull colours of
brown and grey.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
He is hardly the most fashionable of
creatures.
more dowdy…
…than gaudy
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
Keep in mind the negative
connotations of the word ‘gaudy’ for
later in the poem…
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
Now the sparrow’s home is criticised
too…
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
Now the sparrow’s home is criticised
too…
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
The bird’s home, according to the
blackbird at least, is referred to as “a
slum”.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
Slum: a squalid section of a city, characterised by
inferior living conditions.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
The image of the sparrow’s home is therefore one of poverty, squalor and decrepitude.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
Only the poorest, most common bird would live there.
A blackbird wouldn’t want to
be associated with such a habitat.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
Remember, the nest is the
handiwork of the sparrow himself.
Therefore, his ability to build a home is being derided too.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
Of course, this isn’t the only way in
which the sparrow and blackbird
differ…
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
The male blackbird is, unsurprisingly, fully ‘clothed’ in
black. Its beak is a bright orange-yellow
colour.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
This, according to the RSPB, “make
adult male blackbirds one of the most striking
garden birds.”
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
As a result, the metaphor of the blackbird’s beak
being the gold nib of a pen is
understandable.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
A nib is the end of a fountain pen.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
The movement of the bird, as it flies through the air, is
comparable to a pen writing decoratively
in the air.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
The image tells us a lot about the
blackbird itself…
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
The comparison to a fountain pen, for
example, which is seen more as a luxury item and
used by many as a status symbol.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
A biro, for example, is much cheaper and efficient but doesn’t project a superior
image.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
It’s a case of style over substance. The
value is judged on appearance and
status, not ability or capability…
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
…which is key to the central concern of the entire poem.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
The fact that the nib is gold accentuates the idea of affluence
of the blackbird.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
A bird with gold certainly wouldn’t be seen dead in a
slum…
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
Fountain pens are used for calligraphy
(decorative handwriting).
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
Calligraphy itself is considered an art.
This is another direct contrast to
the sparrow (“he’s no artist”).
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
The writing the blackbird produces
is ornate and attractive.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
Calligraphy is used on wedding
invitations, award, certificates, etc. because of its
beauty, but also to emphasise the
importance of the contents.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
“Pretty scrolls” continues the idea of
ornate, decorative writing.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
Scrolls are not written on for
everyday purposes.
Again, form over function.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
Also, the first thing I think of when I see the word “scroll” is the certificate you
are awarded at your graduation ceremony.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
Awards and qualifications for
academic success are something that
we will return to later in the poem…
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
This stanza begins by making the sparrow seem insignificant.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
He isn’t deft or elegant in his movements.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
His feathers are from bright or decorative.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
His nesting habits are decidedly basic.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
The message given is that there is
nothing noteworthy or glamorous about the sparrow at all.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
The colloquial, informal “he’s no
artist” introduction seems appropriate
for the sparrow.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
The sparrow is common.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
He certainly doesn’t command, or
perhaps demand, attention like the blackbird does.
He’s no artist.
His taste in clothes is more
dowdy than gaudy.
And his nest – that blackbird, writing
pretty scrolls on the air with the gold nib of his beak,
would call it a slum.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.A large number of techniques are
used throughout this second stanza…
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.Unlike the opening to the first
stanza, when we were introduced to the sparrow, there is a formality
to the language used here.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
Repetition is prevalent through these three lines…
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
Each line begins in the same way…
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
Each line begins in the same way…
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
Each line begins in the same way…
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
Each line begins in the same way…
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.Each line begins with infinitives (basic form of a verb – to run, to
fly, etc).
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
The verbs used are grand and graceful.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.“To stalk” is to walk in a stiff,
arrogant way. Therefore, there are connotations of superiority and
grandeur.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
“To sing” is obviously a graceful, artistic activity.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.“To glide” is to move in a smooth,
effortless way. Again, a very graceful, artistic movement.
There’s no frantic flapping of wings from these birds.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.The repetition of these infinitives serve as a contrast to the sparrow
being “no artist”.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.Continuing the parallel structure of
these three lines, the word “solitary” follows each of the
infinitives.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.Continuing the parallel structure of
these three lines, the word “solitary” follows each of the
infinitives.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.Continuing the parallel structure of
these three lines, the word “solitary” follows each of the
infinitives.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.Continuing the parallel structure of
these three lines, the word “solitary” follows each of the
infinitives.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
Solitary: alone; without companions.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.The repetition of the word
“solitary” emphasises the isolation and aloofness of certain birds.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.They do not wish to be seen with
other birds. They want to command attention in their own
right.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.They may be graceful and elegant, but these birds are left isolated as
a result of their attitude.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.They may be graceful and elegant, but these birds are left isolated as
a result of their attitude.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.The parallel structure continues
with the repetition of prepositional phrases…
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.The parallel structure continues
with the repetition of prepositional phrases…
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.The parallel structure continues
with the repetition of prepositional phrases…
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.The parallel structure continues
with the repetition of prepositional phrases…
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.Obviously, these are three of the
locations where the ‘stalking’, ‘singing’, ‘gliding’ birds can be
found.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
However, it is notable that these areas grow in size…
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.The ever-increasing areas
emphasise the isolation of these birds…
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.Being in solitude on a lawn is one
thing, being in solitude while gliding over something as vast as
the Atlantic is quite another.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
The greater the area, the greater the isolation is…
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.As mentioned earlier, the language used to refer to these other birds is
very formal.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.These lines appear to be building
to a climax. Each line increases in length and the descriptions build
from stalking over a lawn to gliding over the Atlantic ocean.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
At this point, a dash is used…
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
At this point, a dash is used…
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.The dash introduces a dramatic pause, as though the finale is
going to be even grander than the bird that glides over the Atlantic…
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.Instead, what follows the dramatic pause is a huge anti-climax, as the
focus returns to the humble sparrow…
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.Instead, what follows the dramatic pause is a huge anti-climax, as the
focus returns to the humble sparrow…
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.After the grand descriptions of
actions of other birds, what follows is a blunt, simple statement of
“not for him”.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.This is extremely effective, as it reflects the simple nature of the sparrow itself. There is nothing
formal or grand about the sparrow, so why should the language be
any different?
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.To further emphasise the contrast between the grander birds and the
sparrow, MacCaig offers a description of what the sparrow
can be found doing…
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.We are told that the sparrow would “rather” be involved in a punch-up
in the gutter.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.The sparrow would happily be
involved in a fight. It isn’t something he would flee from in fear. He would happily scrap for what he believes is necessary.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
There could not be a greater contrast used here.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.The other birds’ actions (stalking
singing and gliding) are grand and graceful…
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
…while the sparrow’s actions are violent and coarse.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
The other birds’ actions are described using formal language…
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.…while the sparrow’s actions are described using a colloquial term:
“punch-up”.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
Even the location is in sharp contrast to the earlier references…
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
Even the location is in sharp contrast to the earlier references…
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.While a gutter is simply a channel at the edge of a street or road, or a trough under a roof for draining rainwater
(places where it would be quite conceivable to find a sparrow fighting
other birds for scraps of food)…
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.…it also has very negative connotations
of a dirty, degrading place where the lowest classes of humanity end up.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
It’s also a very informal, colloquial term.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.Indeed, the whole sentence is structured
to directly contrast with what came before.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.As well as the blunt “not for him” and
the colloquial “punch-up” and “gutter”, there is the shortened, conversational
“he’d”.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.As well as the blunt “not for him” and
the colloquial “punch-up” and “gutter”, there is the shortened, conversational
“he’d”.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.The informal word choice and sentence structure reflect the ordinary nature of
the sparrow.
To stalk solitary on lawns,
to sing solitary in midnight trees,
to glide solitary over grey Atlantics –
not for him: he’d rather
a punch-up in the gutter.
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
The third stanza focuses on the sparrow’s apparent lack of education…
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
MacCaig suggests that the sparrow economises in what he knows. In terms
of learning, it has retained very little.
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
Again, MacCaig effectively uses poetic techniques to emphasise the point being
made…
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
Again, MacCaig effectively uses poetic techniques to emphasise the point being
made…
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
The word “lightly” stands out for a number of reasons…
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
Firstly, placing the adverb “lightly” at the end of the clause makes it more
notable.
(compare: ‘he carefully opened the box’ / ‘he opened the box carefully’)
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
MacCaig effectively uses enjambment to further emphasise his point…
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
Enjambment: the running over of a sentence from one line of verse into the
next.
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
As a result, the word “lightly” now appears at the start of the next line.
Followed by a dash, the word stands out for all to see.
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
MacCaig is emphasising that the sparrow is not weighed down with
learning. It retains very little of what it has been educated in.
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
After stating that the sparrow economises in what he knows, MacCaig identifies the learning that the sparrow
retains.
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
The sparrow retains only what is useful for day-to-day survival.
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
The sparrow does not have the academic ability of the other birds.
Therefore, he has to be selective with the information that he retains.
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
He judges the worth of what he learns by how useful it is.
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
He judges the worth of what he learns by how useful it is.
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
Skills such as the ability to glide, to sing, to write pretty scrolls in the air may be impressive, but they are not practical skills that are necessary for survival.
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
In other words, they are not useful.
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
“result”, found at the end of the line, is very notable…
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
“result” continues the idea of academic performance: results from the
examinations we sit when being assessed on our academic ability.
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
However, the only “result” the sparrow is interested in is survival. He is not
concerned with his ‘results’ in singing or gliding…
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
However, the only “result” the sparrow is interested in is survival. He is not
concerned with his ‘results’ in singing or gliding…
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
The stanza concludes with a couple of short, negative sentences, reflecting the simple, ordinary nature of the sparrow…
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
Both sentences are minor sentences as they are lacking a verb or verb phrase (so technically not proper sentences). Therefore, they continue the informal language used when referring to the
sparrow.
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
The sparrow is described as being a “proletarian” bird…
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
Proletarian: belonging to the lower or working class; the class of wage-earners
whose only possession of significant material is their labour.
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
Again, this is an effective description. The sparrow is common. If a human, he
most certainly would be considered working-class. He does not have the
education, skill or grace required to be part of the upper classes.
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
The stanza ends as the poem began – a simple, negative statement of what the
sparrow is not.
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
Sandwiched between being identified as “no artist” and “No scholar”, the sparrow’s appearance, skills and
learning have all been looked down upon.
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
At this point, the poem appears to have been rounded off quite nicely…
He carries what learning he has
lightly – it is, in fact, based only
on the usefulness whose result
is survival. A proletarian bird.
No scholar.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
However, the opening word of the fourth
stanza introduces a
change in direction.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
The first three stanzas may
not have compared the
sparrow favourably to
the other birds, but the
“But” suggests that this may be
about to change…
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
MacCaig effectively
uses personification when referring to the arrival of winter…
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
MacCaig describes
winter as soft-shoeing in.
This makes it sound
secretive, as though winter has crept up behind the
birds without them noticing.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
The use of sibilance adds to the image
of winter softly creeping in…
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
The use of sibilance adds to the image
of winter softly creeping in…
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
Sibilance: repetition of the ‘s’ or ‘sh’
sound.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
This is quite an apt image, as winter quite often creeps
up on us without any warning…
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
There is also irony in the
fact that soft-shoe is a type
of dance. Soft-shoe is a silent version
of tap-dancing. Soft
shoes are worn by highland dancers.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
There is also irony in the
fact that soft-shoe is a type
of dance. Soft-shoe is a silent version
of tap-dancing. Soft
shoes are worn by highland dancers.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
Parenthesis is effectively utilised by MacCaig here…
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
The other birds are
identified as “ballet
dancers, musicians, architects”.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
The “ballet dancers” are the graceful birds who
glide in flight. Both have great poise
and beauty in their
movements.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
The “musicians” are the birds who make beautiful
‘music’ with their songs.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
The “architects” are the birds
who build impressive
nests.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
These are very effective
images of the different birds.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
MacCaig expertly
guides the reader into seeing the comparison
between birds and mankind.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
“ballet dancers,
musicians, architects” are seen as high-fliers (sorry,
couldn’t resist!). They are certainly not jobs held
by the working-class.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
The change in direction is revealed.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
The other birds, despite all their grace and beauty, are the ones who fail to survive the
harsh conditions of
winter.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
The image of birds dying in the snow and being frozen to braches is harsh is itself.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
These birds may have beautiful
songs and glide
majestically across the sky,
but they do not have the
practical skills necessary to
survive.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
This reflects society itself. Some people have beauty and graceful movements,
but they don’t have the
practical skills necessary to deal with the harsh realities
of life.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
Once again, MacCaig
utilises the contrast
between the sparrow and
the other birds…
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
The sparrow, unlike the
other birds, manages to survive the
winter.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
He has the practical skills necessary to survive the
harsh conditions.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
The learning he carries lightly has
proved to be more
important than skills that the
other birds enjoy showing
off.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
MacCaig once again makes reference to
education and academic
performance.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
MacCaig once again makes reference to
education and academic
performance.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
O-levels and A-levels are
qualifications earned by pupils at
school. Our current
equivalent would be Standard
Grades and Highers.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
There is a humorous irony used here. The
sparrow is far from the
brightest bird in terms of the
‘academic’ skills that it
has.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
It wouldn’t achieve A-
level music or A-level writing, that’s for sure.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
However, if practical skills
were assessed, the sparrow would
pass quite comfortably.
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
Indeed, he would pass with ‘flying’
colours! (sorry…)
But when winter soft-shoes in
and these other birds –
ballet dancers, musicians, architects –
die in the snow
and freeze to branches,
watch him happily flying
on the O-levels and A-levels
of the air.
Commentary…
Sparrow begins by making the bird seem insignificant. Words like “dowdy” and “slum” suggest that there is nothing noteworthy or creative about the sparrow’s plumage or nesting habits. The poet continues to emphasise the ordinary nature of the sparrow in the colloquial language that one of this type might use: “a punch-up in the gutter”. By contrast, the blackbird demands attention in his writing in the air; the words “pretty scrolls” and the image of the “gold nib” of a pen (beak) suggest ornate writing which is attractive.
This slang contrasts to the formality of the first three lines of stanza two in the repeated structure of “to stalk”, “to sing” and “to glide”. Each of these infinitives emphasises the isolation of grander birds who cover spaces which grow increasingly larger – from lawns to trees to “grey Atlantics”. The poet suggests that the sparrow economises in what he knows – keeping with him only what is useful for day-to-day survival. The position of the word “lightly” at the beginning of line thirteen emphasises this quality and “proletarian” reinforces the idea that the sparrow is common, one of the masses. Finally, the short negative phrase “No scholar” at the end of stanza three leaves the reader in no doubt about the absence of academic achievement in the bird. The brevity of this phrase and its position at this point in the poem summarises what has been expressed in the first three stanzas and harkens back to the first line: the sparrow is “no artist” but it is ordinary in its appearance, its way of life and its accomplishments.
However, the word “but” signals a change in the direction and ideas of the poem. Once again, the poet invites us to compare the sparrow to other more accomplished birds – artists of air and space, “ballet dancers, musicians, architects”. These birds can charm by their flight, by their songs and even by the way they construct their nests. The personification of winter as a secret enemy, emphasised in the sibilant sounds of words “soft-shoes”, introduces the element of danger. The sinister and sudden appearance of winter is followed by words with bleak connotations. The pictures of birds dying in the snow or, even more dramatically, freezing to death on branches reminds us that the practical skills of survival have their own value.
The poet ends on a lighter note with the sparrow, again in contrast to other birds, surviving happily in the testing times of winter. The “O-levels and A-levels of the air”, as well as other expressions like “punch-up in the gutter” and “proletarian bird”, and even some of the exaggerated contrasts, remind us that the tone here is a bit tongue-in-cheek. The poet is not offering us a serious lesson to take to heart; just a suggestion that maybe some practical skills are as important at the end of the day as aesthetic, creative, scholastic accomplishments. After all, daily survival is the essential ingredient for life before we begin decorating our existence with scrolls and songs.
MacCaig effectively uses word choice, images and structure to establish a contrast between the sparrow and other birds. The sparrow, lacking in grace or beauty, has the practical skills to survive when conditions become tough. He is happy to scrap for food, even if that means “a punch-up in the gutter”, in order to survive the winter.
The comparison between birds and mankind is clear in this poem. Many people are blessed with beauty, aesthetic skills and academic ability. They are decorated with awards as a result. Some may become arrogant and aloof as a result. However, the awards are meaningless if they do not have the practical skills to survive life.
top related