Three poems about England that inspire me in these interesting times.
Descriptions of England
When countries face economic challenges, there is also a period of self reflection in those countries. This is no less true than in England. England is the largest part of the island of Britain. In recent years it has become a nation with something of an identity crisis. For example the other nations of the Union - Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have strong cultural symbols which are lacking in England. Many English people are unsure whether to describe themselves as 'English' or 'British'. It seems as though the English have no national identity. The British are citizens of the UK - the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Therefore in this article I decided to provide three descriptions of England from three very different writers. There are many descriptions of England in poetry, drama, novels etc. Some are flattering, some are negative. But due to the current circumstances I decided to include The following three wonderful examples of descriptions of England.
1. The words of John of Gaunt in Shakespeare's play 'Richard II'
The following words are spoken by John of Gaunt. Gaunt was the 1st Duke of Lancaster and a member of the House of Plantagenet. The name Gaunt comes from his birthplace, Ghent which is in Belgium: 'Ghent' became 'Gaunt' in English. Gaunt was uncle to Richard II. Richard II's reign had caused many problems in England and Gaunt had come to assist him. The speech is made while Gaunt waits to meet Richard with the Duke of York at Ely House.
I like this very much because it conveys the essence of England as a mix of beauty and strength.
SHAKESPEARE: KING RICHARD II, ACT 2 SCENE 1
This royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle
This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars
This other Eden, demi-paradise
This fortress built by Nature for herself
Against infection and the hand of war
This happy breed of men, this little world
This precious stone set in the silver sea
Which serves it in the office of a wall
Or as a moat defensive to a house
Against the envy of less happier lands
This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.
2. 'England My England'
'England My England' was written by William Ernest Henley (August 23, 1849 - July 11, 1903). Henley was an English poet, journalist and critic. Henley was born in Gloucester, England and educated at the Crypt Grammar School. During his life he suffered from a series of terrible illnesses including tuberculosis as a child and spent period in hospital.
ENGLAND MY ENGLAND
England My England
What have I done for you,
England, my England?
What is there I would not do,
England, my own?
With your glorious eyes austere,
As the Lord were walking near,
Whispering terrible things and dear
As the Song on your bugles blown,
England
Round the world on your bugles blown!
Where shall the watchful sun,
England, my England,
Match the master-work you've done,
England, my own?
When shall he rejoice agen
Such a breed of mighty men
As come forward, one to ten,
To the Song on your bugles blown,
England
Down the years on your bugles blown?
Ever the faith endures,
England, my England:
'Take and break us: we are yours,
England, my own!
Life is good, and joy runs high
Between English earth and sky:
Death is death; but we shall die
To the Song on your bugles blown,
England
To the stars on your bugles blown!'
They call you proud and hard,
England, my England:
You with worlds to watch and ward,
England, my own!
You whose mail'd hand keeps the keys
Of such teeming destinies,
You could know nor dread nor ease
Were the Song on your bugles blown,
England,
Round the Pit on your bugles blown!
Mother of Ships whose might,
England, my England,
Is the fierce old Sea's delight,
England, my own,
Chosen daughter of the Lord,
Spouse-in-Chief of the ancient Sword,
There 's the menace of the Word
In the Song on your bugles blown,
England
Out of heaven on your bugles blown!
by William Ernest Henley
3. William Blake - England
The following poem was written by William Blake 1804. Blake was a painter, poet and printmaker. It is interesting from a theological point of view, reflecting the strange English sect 'The New Jerusalem Church" which believed among other things that the 'Holy city' described in the Book of Revelation to be England and that Jesus visited England. It is this last idea that is reflected in the poem.
Despite its theological leanings the poem is very popular in England where it is usually sung to a tune composed by C. Hubert H. Parry in 1916.
The poem is included here because of its famous descriptions of England.
JERUSALEM
And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountains green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen?
And did the Countenance Divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among these dark Satanic mills?
Bring me my bow of burning gold!
Bring me my arrows of desire!
Bring me my spear! O clouds unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!
I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land.
Visit the website of the coolest Englishman on the plant for more descriptions of England The site also includes a description of some famous English people, English news and will include articles on the English psyche.
How to Get into a Top UK University Even If You Don't Have the Right Qualifications
If you have a strong desire to study at a UK university, but do not have the necessary qualifications, this short article describes the perfect route for you.
The Life or Death Guide to being a Student in the UK
The UK is a beautiful country full of many charms, kind and polite people and a rich heritage and culture. But life in the UK can throw-up many surprises for the overseas student! So if you are considering studying in the UK this list is just for you.
