weekly posts on literature, languages, and learning
In this essay, originally published in 1843, the author expounds on the role of poets in the development of a civilized, cultured society. Unavoidably, he has a lot to say on the subject of poetry itself: its origins, character, and purpose. Written almost two centuries ago, Maccall’s view of poets and poetry remains relevant, inspiring, and thought-provoking.
Not long ago, on one of my nature walks I visited a small lake near the town of Barajevo, Serbia. Once I got back home, I searched my library for a poem that would go well with my mental images of the place. And here it is - the subject of this blog post - Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Way through the Woods’.
There is a film adaptation, but read the book first: you won’t be able to put this page-turner down until the very end!
Reading this poem, you immediately find yourself in a wintery nature setting. What T. W. Higginson describes is just a fleeting moment: a wonderful snapshot captured in words.
grammaticus 