Summary
Summary Poem Analysis: History
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Just over 4 pages of notes analysing ‘History’ by John Burnside. From the ‘Poems of the Decade’ for Edexcel A-Level English Literature.
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History (John Burnside)Quick Summary:
Form: irregular, looks like waves on the page, is mimetic the ebb and flow of the natural
world and its gravitational pull. Unordered, fragmentary thoughts.
Imagery: uses detailed observation of the natural world and its transient beauty as an
antidote to manmade destruction. Images are often fleeting, nebulous and ambiguous –
incomplete, ruminative thoughts. Cyclical image of flying kites with his son: importance of
parental relationship, innocent delight in nature. Kite could symbolise unburdened and
free child who is not weighed down by sadness, aspirations. Held onto - by parents/dreams
are grounded.
Rhyme/rhythm: no regular rhyme or rhythm (unpredictable, nebulous thoughts). Lyrical
and fragmentary structure reflects his thought process – cogent and tangible images and
thoughts juxtaposed with nebulous and incomplete snippets → trying to make sense of the
world.
Tone: sombre and reflective, detailed observation of and absorption in the natural world
around him combined with spiritual ideas. Destruction of 9/11 has caused him to re-
evaluate. Contemplates humanity’s place in the universal, and his own position in the
world, particularly as a father - sense of wonder and perspective. Importance of valuing
small and simple moments and living in the present moment.
Title and subheading
• “History” – powerful and momentous event, aware of the significance it has both in
the present and will have in the future.
• Title is simple and straightforward – reflects importance of appreciating simple
moments in life
• Location of “St Andrews” – a long way from New York but profoundly affected by
the event, sense of the widespread significance of this terrorist attack and its
immediate emotional impact and shock that was felt worldwide.
• “West Sands” – specific and remote location, idyllic coastal scene.
• “September 2001” – reference to 9/11, immediate aftermath of the attack (could
be very soon or a few weeks after). Terrible event is a catalyst for making the man
explore and re-evaluate life.
• First word of the poem “Today” is isolated – focus and attention on this particular
moment. Opens in past tense – looking back on the day, seeing it in the context of
past events.
Form
Structure is lyrical and fragmentary which reflects his thought process – stanzas of cogent
and tangible images and thoughts are juxtaposed with snippets of more nebulous and
incomplete ideas, convey him trying to make sense of the world. Form of the poem is
mimetic the ebb and flow of the natural world and its gravitational pull.
, Voice and context
Tone is sombre and reflective, detailed observation of the world around him combined
with spiritual/philosophical ideas (see form points above and notes on the date in the
subheading). The poem is absorbed by the ebb and flow of the natural world, using its
transient beauty as an antidote to the inhumanity and destruction of man-made events.
The profound effect of 9/11 has caused him to see the world with new eyes and re-
evaluate, taking notice of the more simple and temporary moments in the world and
understanding the place that humans have in it – it took a catastrophe to reveal these
priorities.
Possible themes
• Innocence and destruction
• Fragility of life and nature
• Questioning of man and his place in the world
• Hope vs pessimism
• Freedom and captivity
• Parenthood
Contrast of natural/transient and man-made/destructive/virtual
• “the sand spinning off in ribbons along the beach and the gasoline smell from
Leuchars gusting across the golf links” – contrast of sibilant s sounds and image of
natural beauty and simplicity and consonantal g sounds in the description of the
warplanes (man-made, military aircraft station near St Andrews, so planes on
manoeuvre – reminder of military force and capability for human violence)
• “And though we are confined to property what tethers us to gravity and light has
most to do with distance and the shapes we find in water” – ‘property’ = the
material destruction of 9/11. Have to look beyond ‘property’ (materialism,
possession, ambition) to find meaning, natural and more tenuous used as an
antidote to the calamity. Moment of focusing on what is important and
appreciating how amazing nature is. “Distance” – perspective, looking at expanse
of nature and understanding we are just a tiny part of it.
• “Reading from the book of silt and tides the rose or petrol blue of jellyfish and sea
anemone combing with a child’s first nakedness.” Colours described highlight
beautiful and evocative imagery in nature, image of ‘reading’ silt and tides links to
understanding and awareness of the power of the natural world. ‘Jellyfish and sea
anemone” are often seen simply as dangerous animals – should value their
existence beyond this. “Child’s first nakedness” - innocence, image of freedom and
discovery, enjoying natural world without burdens of material society
• “Scarcely apprehend the moment as it happens: shifts of light and weather and the
quiet, local forms of history” – need to appreciate ephemeral moments in nature
and live in the present moment - we are lost to the beauty of natural change. Link
to the title in ‘history’ – history for the poet is not just about large human events,
but also about valuing small details around you
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