“Adlestrop” by Edward Thomas: To Find Solace and Beauty in the Midst of Turmoil of War

 Robert Frost, an American poet, played a pivotal role in the poetic journey of Edward Thomas, a British writer known for his literary criticism and appreciation of emerging talents. Frost's encouragement, coupled with Thomas's contemplation over enlisting in World War I (1914-1918), served as catalysts for Thomas's venture into poetry in late 1914. This marked the beginning of Thomas's illustrious poetic career.

As Thomas ventured into the realm of poetry, he found solace in expressing the profound impact of war on the natural order. His poems became poignant reflections of the violence inflicted upon the harmony of the natural world by the ravages of war. This theme became central to his poetic voice and resonated strongly with his readers.

Thomas's talent and perspective quickly garnered recognition, and he became a prominent figure among the group known as the Georgian poets. This group included not only Robert Frost but also renowned British poets such as Rupert Brooke, Robert Graves, and Wilfred Owen. The Georgian poets, with their diverse backgrounds and styles, collectively embraced a love for nature and a concern for the effects of war on society.

Among Thomas's notable works is the poem "Adlestrop," which captures a serene moment during a train stop at a small town in Gloucestershire that shares its name with the poem. In this piece, Thomas encapsulates the tranquility of the countryside and contrasts it with the chaos of war. The poem stands as a testament to Thomas's ability to find beauty and respite in the natural world, even amidst the horrors of conflict.

"Adlestrop" captures a moment of stillness and serenity in the backdrop of the chaos and violence of war. The poem , like "The Owl" reflects Thomas's observations during a brief stop at the Adlestrop train station in late June. The train unexpectedly halts, and as the steam hisses and someone clears their throat, Thomas finds himself in a world seemingly untouched by time.

He describes the scene with delicate imagery, painting a picture of willows, willow-herb, grass, meadowsweet, and dry haycocks. The tranquility of the surroundings is emphasized, with the landscape appearing as calm and untouched as the clouds in the sky. It is a moment frozen in time, where the beauty of nature stands in stark contrast to the turmoil of war:

"Yes, I remember Adlestrop— 

The name, because one afternoon 

Of heat the express-train drew up there 

Unwontedly. It was late June. "

In the second stanza from Edward Thomas' poem "Adlestrop," the presence of a train at the station is conveyed through the hissing steam and the sound of someone clearing their throat. These auditory cues suggest the train's arrival or departure, indicating human activity. However, there is a distinct sense of solitude and quietness pervading the station, as no one is seen leaving or arriving on the bare platform. This emptiness emphasizes the stillness and absence of movement. Amidst this tranquil scene, the speaker's attention is drawn to the name "Adlestrop," which holds significance in its own right, representing the location itself. In the absence of other noticeable activity, the name takes on a heightened importance, becoming a focal point and symbol of the place. The juxtaposition of the train's presence, the solitude of the station, and the significance of the name creates a sense of introspection and appreciation for the simplicity and quiet beauty found in this unassuming setting:

"The steam hissed. Someone cleared his throat. 

No one left and no one came 

On the bare platform. What I saw 

Was Adlestrop—only the name. "

Next, Thomas vividly portrays the serene ambiance of the station. As the steam hisses and someone clears their throat, the absence of bustling activity becomes evident. The platform stands bare, devoid of anyone entering or leaving. Amidst this tranquil scene, the speaker's gaze falls upon the natural elements surrounding Adlestrop. The presence of willow trees, delicate willow-herb flowers, lush grass, meadowsweet blossoms, and dry haycocks contributes to the overall peaceful atmosphere. It is in this stillness and solitude that the speaker finds solace and beauty. The scene is likened to the ethereal clouds gently adorning the sky, as both the station's quietness and the serene clouds evoke a captivating and enchanting allure. The loneliness of the station becomes a source of fascination and holds equal appeal as the high cloudlets peacefully drifting above, encapsulating a harmonious balance between the man-made and the natural world:

"And willows, willow-herb, and grass, 

And meadowsweet, and haycocks dry, 

No whit less still and lonely fair 

Than the high cloudlets in the sky. "

In the final lines of the poem, Thomas introduces the element of sound. A blackbird begins to sing nearby, and as its song fills the air, it becomes a catalyst for a symphony of birdsong. The birds of Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire join in, creating a chorus that stretches far into the misty distance. This moment of harmony and unity among the birds symbolizes the power of nature to transcend the human conflicts and divisions of war:

"And for that minute a blackbird sang 

Close by, and round him, mistier, 

Farther and farther, all the birds 

Of Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire."

"Adlestrop" is a subtle yet powerful reflection on the impact of war on the natural world. It serves as a reminder of the beauty that exists in the world even in the face of destruction and loss. Through his poetry, Edward Thomas explores the profound connections between humanity and nature, offering a poignant meditation on the enduring power and resilience of the natural world in the face of adversity.

Tragically, Edward Thomas's life was cut short by the very war that fueled his poetic expressions. He eventually lost his life in the line of duty. However, his poems endure, leaving behind a legacy that explores the profound impact of war on the human spirit and the enduring resilience of nature.

In conclusion, Robert Frost's encouragement and Edward Thomas's contemplation of war propelled him towards poetry, where he found his voice as a poet. As part of the Georgian poets, Thomas's poems centered on the violence inflicted upon the natural order by war. His works, such as the renowned poem "Adlestrop," reflect his ability to find solace and beauty in the midst of turmoil. Despite his tragic demise in the war, Thomas's poetic legacy continues to resonate, inviting readers to contemplate the enduring power of nature and the devastating consequences of conflict.

Ardhendu De

References

1. Edward Thomas (poet) - Wikipedia. (2017, October 13). Edward Thomas (Poet) - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Thomas_(poet)

2. Adlestrop by Edward Thomas | Poetry Foundation. (n.d.). Poetry Foundation. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/53744/adlestrop

3. Thomas, Edward. The Norton Anthology of English Literature, 6th ed., vol. 2. New York: W. W. Norton, 1993.