__________

The Horses by Edwin Muir

The poem discusses the use of horses and how we have held them in servitude for so long. It discusses the idea of karma, which, though now widely known, was not common in Muir’s time. It allows us to see another side to the humble creature so often used to symbolize beauty and human victory. It allows us to see that a horse is something in itself, that when we are gone they will still roam and the world will be freer. It compares modern technology with horse, showing use how cold and hard it is and how much we have lost in hope for efficiency.

The poem also discusses the idea of life as a cycle: in six days God created the world; in six days it will be destroyed and on the seventh – nothing, rest and the return of the world as it was before man introduced destruction and death.

Although it was not in use when the poem was written, Muir uses archaic language throughout as a way of reminding us of the happiness that we had in the past and urging us to return to nature instead of trying to block it out of our lives.

By using “Barely a twelve month after” Muir links the poem and the issue being discussed to the Bible and appeals to the religious and cultural part of his audience.

Euphemisms are also commonly used to suggest an idea without putting it forward harshly or offending the ear. An example of this is “the seven days war that put the world to sleep.” Muir uses sleep as a euphemism for death. This well known euphemism makes the reader feel at ease and suggests the idea of death without the horror or violence with which it is often associated.

The poem ends with hope. After a great deal of sadness, we are given the message which the poem was written to achieve. “Our life is changed; their coming our beginning.”

since there is no question i will make-up a answer…

“yes, the sky is blue”

=]

i dont need them!!!

loooooool