In the poem "The Contraction and Enclosure of the Land" by St J. Page Yako, the speaker's intention appears to be to shed light on the detrimental effects of human interference on the natural landscape and the subsequent loss of its inherent beauty and harmony.
Through vivid imagery and descriptive language, the speaker portrays the gradual transformation of the land from its original state of abundance and openness to one of confinement and scarcity. The use of words such as "contraction" and "enclosure" suggests a deliberate, calculated effort by humans to impose their dominance and control over nature. This can be viewed as a metaphor for the negative impact of human progress and industrialization on the environment.
Additionally, the speaker emphasizes the loss of natural resources and the disruption of the ecological balance that occurs as a result of this encroachment. Lines such as "the land bleeds beneath the violence of the sickly trespassers" and "ravaged hills shorn nakedly" depict a landscape that has been stripped of its vitality and left barren. This serves as a commentary on the short-sightedness of human actions and the disregard for the long-term consequences they may have.
Furthermore, the speaker's intention seems to be to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for a time when the land was untouched and unspoiled by human intervention. This is evident in lines like "Once luxuriant and wild, now tamed and oppressed" and "the land aches, yearning for release," which suggest a deep connection and affinity with nature. By highlighting the loss of this connection, the speaker invites the reader to reflect on their own role in the destruction and to consider the need for change and restoration.
In conclusion, the speaker's intention in "The Contraction and Enclosure of the Land" is to draw attention to the harmful effects of human interference on the natural landscape and to advocate for a more harmonious coexistence with nature. The poem serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting the environment, urging the reader to reconsider their actions and take steps towards sustainable practices and conservation.
Based on the St J. Page Yako’s poem, “The Contraction and Enclosure of the Land ’’ In your opinion, what is the speaker’s intention in this poem? Explain your answer in
paragraph of about 20 lines.
1 answer