The Daily Poem Cecil Day Lewis' "The Christmas Tree"
Dec 27, 2024
Dive into the enchanting world of Cecil Day-Lewis' 'The Christmas Tree.' The poem is beautifully read, showcasing its rich themes and vivid imagery. Discover the contrasting warmth of the tree against the winter's chill. The discussion highlights metaphysical ideas of peace and the cyclical essence of Christmas, reminding listeners of the emotional journey tied to this festive symbol. Perfect for reflecting on the holiday spirit, this exploration is sure to resonate with hearts both young and old.
09:52
Cosmic Christmas
- The poem shifts from a domestic scene to a cosmic scale, contrasting the warm, lit Christmas tree with the cold, harsh outside world.
- This juxtaposition highlights the magical, transcendent nature of Christmas, a vision that momentarily touches the mundane.
Shared Vision
- The poem's use of "vision" connects it to Auden's work, suggesting a shared exploration of transcendent experiences.
- Lewis and Auden's close relationship likely influenced this shared imagery, as seen in their poems published in the same year.
Eternal Christmas
- The repetition of "now" throughout the poem emphasizes the cyclical nature of Christmas, an eternal reality we enter and exit.
- This repetition offers comfort; though the Christmas vision fades, it persists and will return, offering solace and hope.
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Get the app The Georgics
The Georgics
Cecil Day-Lewis
Virgil
The Georgics, written by Virgil between 39 and 29 BC, are a series of poems that appear to provide agricultural advice but are rich in allegorical meaning. They reflect the political instability of the time and emphasize values such as hard work, piety, and peace. The poems are influenced by the Greek poet Hesiod and are known for their detailed descriptions of nature and agricultural practices, despite their lack of practicality. The translation by Cecil Day-Lewis is a notable rendition of this classic work[3][4][5].
Eclogues
Virgil
The Eclogues, also known as the Bucolics, are a set of ten pastoral poems written by Virgil between 42 and 39 BCE. These poems are set in an idealized rural landscape known as Arcadia and feature shepherds and their interactions, songs, and reflections on love, nature, and the human condition. The collection is divided into two sets of five poems, with the first set being more forward-looking and peaceful, and the second set more ambiguous and concerned with the past. Notable eclogues include the fourth, which prophesies the birth of a child who will usher in a new golden age, and the sixth, which describes the capture of Silenus and his subsequent song about the creation of the world and various mythological tales. The poems are written in dactylic hexameters and reflect Virgil's deep love for the countryside and his vision of a peaceful, idyllic world[2][4][5].
For the Time Being
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Cecil Day-Lewis
While not explicitly mentioned as a book in the transcript, "For the Time Being" is a poem by W.H. Auden, referenced by Sean Johnson in relation to Cecil Day-Lewis's "The Christmas Tree." Auden's poem shares similar themes and imagery with Day-Lewis's work, particularly regarding the concept of vision and its transience. The connection between the two poems highlights the influence and shared artistic sensibilities between Auden and Day-Lewis. The shared themes and imagery suggest a deeper exploration of the cyclical nature of time and the enduring power of faith and hope. The poems' shared vocabulary and imagery underscore their mutual influence and artistic kinship.
The Room and Other Poems
The Room and Other Poems
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Cecil Day-Lewis
Cecil Day-Lewis's "The Room and Other Poems" is a collection of his later works, showcasing his mature style and themes. The poems explore a range of subjects, from personal reflections to observations of the natural world. Day-Lewis's characteristic blend of personal lyricism and social commentary is evident throughout the collection. The poems demonstrate his mastery of language and his ability to evoke powerful emotions in the reader. The collection offers a glimpse into the mind of a poet at the height of his powers, reflecting on life, love, and the passage of time. It is a testament to his enduring skill and artistry.
Transitional Poem
Transitional Poem
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Cecil Day-Lewis
Cecil Day-Lewis's "Transitional Poem" marks a significant point in his poetic development. The work showcases his early style and themes, reflecting his engagement with political and social issues. The poem demonstrates his skill in using language to convey complex ideas and emotions. It is a key work in understanding the evolution of his poetic voice and his contribution to the literary landscape of his time. The poem's themes and style foreshadow his later works, highlighting the development of his unique poetic perspective. It remains a valuable piece for understanding his early career and his artistic growth.
The Whispering Roots
The Whispering Roots
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Cecil Day-Lewis
Cecil Day-Lewis's "The Whispering Roots" is a collection of poems that explores themes of nature, memory, and the passage of time. The poems often feature vivid imagery and evocative language, creating a sense of atmosphere and emotion. Day-Lewis's mature style is evident in his skillful use of rhythm and rhyme, creating a musicality that enhances the emotional impact of the poems. The collection reflects on the interconnectedness of life and the enduring power of nature. The poems offer a contemplative and introspective journey, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences and memories. It is a testament to Day-Lewis's enduring skill as a poet.
The Poetic Image
The Poetic Image
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Cecil Day-Lewis
Cecil Day-Lewis's "The Poetic Image" is a collection of lectures delivered at the University of Cambridge. The book delves into the nature of poetic language and imagery, exploring how poets use language to create meaning and evoke emotion. Day-Lewis examines the relationship between the poet's imagination and the reader's experience, highlighting the power of poetic imagery to shape our understanding of the world. The book offers insights into Day-Lewis's own poetic practice and his views on the role of poetry in society. It remains a valuable resource for students and scholars of poetry, offering a nuanced perspective on the art of poetic creation.
A Hope for Poetry
A Hope for Poetry
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Cecil Day-Lewis
Cecil Day-Lewis's "A Hope for Poetry" is a critical study that explores his views on the role and purpose of poetry in society. The book reflects his engagement with political and social issues, and his belief in the power of poetry to effect positive change. Day-Lewis examines the relationship between poetry and the wider world, discussing the responsibilities and challenges faced by poets. The book offers insights into his own poetic practice and his ideas about the future of poetry. It remains a valuable contribution to literary criticism and a testament to his commitment to the art of poetry. It is a key text for understanding his critical perspective and his engagement with the broader literary and political context of his time.
The Buried Day
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Cecil Day-Lewis
Cecil Day-Lewis's "The Buried Day" is an autobiography that offers a personal account of his life and career. The book covers his early years, his education at Oxford, and his development as a poet. Day-Lewis discusses his involvement in left-wing politics and his later rejection of communism. He reflects on his relationships with other poets, including W.H. Auden, and his experiences as poet laureate. The autobiography provides valuable insights into the life and work of one of Britain's most significant 20th-century poets.
The Complete Poems of C. Day-Lewis
The Complete Poems of C. Day-Lewis
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Cecil Day-Lewis
This comprehensive collection brings together all of Cecil Day-Lewis's published poems, offering a complete overview of his poetic career. The anthology allows readers to trace the evolution of his style and themes, from his early politically charged works to his later more personal and lyrical poems. It provides a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike, offering a deep understanding of Day-Lewis's contribution to British literature. The collection showcases his mastery of language and his ability to evoke powerful emotions. It is a definitive edition that celebrates the life and work of a major 20th-century poet.
Collected Poems
E.E. Cummings
E.E. Cummings' "Collected Poems" is a comprehensive anthology of his groundbreaking work. Known for his experimental style, Cummings revolutionized poetic form and language, using unconventional typography and syntax to create unique and evocative effects. His poems often explore themes of love, nature, and the human condition, characterized by their wit, playfulness, and emotional depth. The collection showcases the breadth and depth of Cummings' poetic genius, offering a rich and rewarding experience for readers. His work continues to inspire and challenge poets and readers alike.
Aeneid
Virgil
James Howard Mantinband
Magnetic mountain
Stephen Kotkin
This book provides a street-level account of what Stalinism meant to the masses of ordinary people who lived it. Kotkin argues that Stalinism offered itself as an opportunity for enlightenment and a new civilization based on the repudiation of capitalism. The book depicts a wide range of life, from blast furnace workers to families struggling with housing and services, and examines the relationship between the state's ambitions and the dreams of ordinary people. It is thematically organized and closely focused, signaling a new stage in the writing of Soviet social history.
“the Christmas Tree is a tree of fable,/A phoenix in evergreen”
Cecil Day Lewis tackles the leave-taking of Christmas and the emotional upheaval in can work in the hearts of kids from 1 to 92. Happy reading (and don’t take down that tree yet!)
Lewis, (born April 27, 1904, Ballintubbert, County Leix, Ire.—died May 22, 1972, Hadley Wood, Hertfordshire, Eng.) was one of the leading British poets of the 1930s; he then turned from poetry of left-wing political statement to an individual lyricism expressed in more traditional forms.
The son of a clergyman, Day-Lewis was educated at the University of Oxford and taught school until 1935. His Transitional Poem (1929) had already attracted attention, and in the 1930s he was closely associated with W.H. Auden (whose style influenced his own) and other poets who sought a left-wing political solution to the ills of the day. Typical of his views at that time is the verse sequence The Magnetic Mountain (1933) and the critical study A Hope for Poetry(1934).
Day-Lewis was Clark lecturer at the University of Cambridge in 1946; his lectures there were published as The Poetic Image (1947). In 1952 he published his verse translation of Virgil’s Aeneid, which was commissioned by the BBC. He also translated Virgil’s Georgics (1940) and Eclogues (1963). He was professor of poetry at Oxford from 1951 to 1956. The Buried Day (1960), his autobiography, discusses his acceptance and later rejection of communism. Collected Poemsappeared in 1954. Later volumes of verse include The Room and Other Poems (1965) and The Whispering Roots (1970). The Complete Poems of C. Day-Lewis was published in 1992.
At his death he was poet laureate, having succeeded John Masefield in 1968. Under the pseudonym of Nicholas Blake he also wrote detective novels, including Minute for Murder (1948) and Whisper in the Gloom (1954).
-bio via Britannica
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