The Complex Relationship Between Humans and Nature in Poetry

Poets have long used the imagery of nature to explore the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world that surrounds them. This connection is often portrayed positively, emphasizing that nature represents beauty and can enrich the human experience. In this essay, we will delve into the works of three renowned poets: Dylan Thomas' "Fern Hill," Robert Frost's "Birches," and Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "Dejection: An Ode." These poems all employ picturesque, serene, and innocent nature imagery to convey messages about the potential for fulfillment through an appreciation of the natural world.

However, as we delve deeper into these works, we will uncover the layers of dejection and ambiguity that exist beneath the surface, ultimately reshaping our understanding of these poems.

The Superficial Levels of Dejection

At a superficial level, the relationship between the speaker and the natural environment plays a crucial role in understanding the levels of dejection in these three poems. In "Dejection: An Ode," the speaker, closely identified with Samuel Taylor Coleridge himself, expresses deep sorrow at his inability to find inspiration in the natural beauty that surrounds him.

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For Coleridge, a mere superficial appreciation of nature is inadequate; he believes that one must establish an emotional connection with the beauty of nature.

In the past, the speaker was able to connect with nature on a profound level, describing how it "sent [his] soul abroad." However, in his present state, he can only "see, not feel, how beautiful [nature is]." As a poet who draws inspiration from the world around him, his inability to connect with the sublime beauty of nature causes profound unhappiness.

Coleridge's poem represents the highest level of dejection, as the natural world loses its meaning to him without the transcendent inspiration he once derived from it.

On the other hand, Thomas' "Fern Hill" presents a different perspective on dejection. The poem emphasizes the importance of appreciating the simple beauty of nature rather than attempting to form a deep emotional connection with it. When examining the speaker's view of the surrounding environment, it initially appears devoid of dejection. The speaker revels in the beauty of his world, stating, "I ran my heedless ways, my wishes raced through the house high hay, and nothing I cared, at my sky blue trades, that time allows." Unlike Coleridge, the speaker in "Fern Hill" is not preoccupied with future achievements; he simply wants to savor the beauty of the world around him while time permits. However, a closer examination of the imagery in Thomas' poem reveals hidden elements of dejection.

Similarly, "Birches" by Robert Frost does not seem overtly depressing at first glance. The poem appears to be a nostalgic reflection on the innocence of childhood. Frost vividly describes a young boy swinging on birch trees, emphasizing the beauty of nature associated with youth. The speaker reflects on his own past when he, too, was "a swinger of birches." The poem underscores the importance of cherishing one's youth and warns against prematurely relinquishing one's innocence.

The Role of Nature Imagery

Nature imagery plays a significant role in shaping the poets' perspectives on the natural world and, in turn, revealing the ambiguity of dejection within each of these poems. The imagery and setting within these works are instrumental in conveying the poets' views rather than the immediate emotions of the speakers.

Coleridge's "Dejection: An Ode" presents a curious contrast between the speaker's professed dejection and his vivid descriptions of nature. He eloquently describes the sky, stars, and crescent moon, showcasing an intricate understanding of the natural world. This ability to portray nature in such exquisite detail challenges the reader's acceptance of the speaker's supposed lack of inspiration. The stars can be interpreted as a metaphor for Coleridge's poetic talent, not always bright and obvious but perpetually within him, waiting to be awakened. The poem's ironic nature, focusing on the struggle to create magnificence in writing while itself being considered one of Coleridge's greatest works, undermines the speaker's dejected attitude.

In "Fern Hill," Thomas employs imagery that enhances the underlying melancholy of the poem. The recurring image of the sun plays a significant role in conveying the passage of time and the inevitability of death. Thomas describes the sun as "the sun that is only young once," emphasizing how it rises day after day. This imagery subtly integrates the theme of time, highlighting that time is constantly in motion and cannot be halted. Thomas' poem is as much about the inescapable reality of death as it is about the beauty of nature. Many of the poem's images focus on the relentless progression of time, reinforcing the idea that life is a journey from birth to an unavoidable death. Thomas suggests that one should appreciate the beauty of nature because, as time passes, everything will eventually fade.

Similarly, Frost's "Birches" takes on a more somber tone when considering its nature imagery. The dominant image in this poem is that of the birch trees, repeatedly referenced throughout the text. These birch trees symbolize childhood innocence, youth, and the aging process. Frost describes how, over time, the birches bend and touch the ground, serving as a metaphor for the loss of innocence as one ages. Children are more imaginative and exploratory than adults, much like the birch trees initially stretching out. However, just as in Thomas' "Fern Hill," time eventually catches up, and the inevitable return to reality occurs. This theme of sacrificing innocence with age injects an element of dejection into Frost's poem that was not immediately evident.

Reevaluating Dejection

While these three poems initially seem to convey varying levels of dejection, a closer examination of the nature imagery and the poets' perspectives on the natural world reshapes our understanding of their meaning. "Dejection: An Ode" shifts from being a poem primarily about loss to a brilliant exploration of the enduring power of nature's beauty. The exquisite descriptions of nature within the poem challenge the speaker's claims of uninspiration.

"Fern Hill," while celebrating the beauty of life on the surface, ultimately becomes a poem about the inevitability of death when one delves into its imagery and themes. It reminds us to appreciate the fleeting beauty of the world around us. "Birches," initially a reflection on the innocence of childhood, also conveys the sadness of losing that innocence as one grows older, revealing deeper layers of dejection.

In conclusion, these three poems by Dylan Thomas, Robert Frost, and Samuel Taylor Coleridge demonstrate the complexity of the human-nature relationship and the ambiguity of dejection. Nature imagery serves as a powerful tool for conveying the poets' perspectives and reshaping our understanding of their work. While these poems may initially appear to convey different levels of dejection, the presence of dejection is tested in Coleridge's case and increased in the Frost and Thomas poems. It is ironic that the poem initially dedicated to dejection, "Dejection: An Ode," ultimately emerges as the most positive of the three, celebrating the enduring inspiration found in the beauty of nature.