November by Edward Thomas (1917)
The poem explores the essence of November, depicting its dreary yet profound beauty. It presents a landscape marked by the remnants of autumn, where the earth is muddy and the days are short. The imagery emphasizes the contrast between the dirty ground and the clarity of the sky, suggesting a duality in perception. The speaker reflects on the thirty days of November, noting the impact of nature on the environment, with paths marked by the footprints of animals and the effects of sheep on the fields. The poem acknowledges the disdain many have for the muddy, mixed earth, yet it also highlights the beauty found in this season's decay. The clean, cold skies serve as a backdrop to the earth's imperfections, creating a sense of tranquility despite the chaos of the elements. The moon's presence symbolizes a connection between the earth and the cosmos, suggesting that even in darkness, there is a form of peace. The speaker presents two perspectives: one that seeks refuge in the purity of the sky and another that finds value in the earth's rawness. This duality reflects a deeper understanding of existence, where the appreciation of the mundane and the messy aspects of life leads to a clearer vision of beauty. The poem ultimately conveys a sense of acceptance and love for both the earth and the sky, recognizing that each enhances the other.
By Edward Thomas · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Lyric · 271 words
First lines
November's days are thirty:
November's earth is dirty, Those thirty days, from first to last;
And the prettiest things on ground are the paths With morning and evening hobnails dinted, With foot and wing-tip overprinted Or separately charactered, Of little beast and little bird.
The fields are mashed by sheep, the roads Make the worst going, the best the woods Where dead leaves upward and downward scatter.
What this Textopian page supports
November is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edward Thomas, dated 1917 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Edward Thomas
- Date: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Lyric, Romanticism, Imagism
- Length: 271 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for November by Edward Thomas
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- An Autumn Day by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and imagery characteristic of poetry.
- Nature Writing — The poem explores themes of nature, the changing seasons, and the relationship between earth and sky.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections on the month of November and its significance.
- Romanticism — The work reflects Romantic ideals, emphasizing emotion, nature, and individual perception.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Autumn · Seasonal · Mood · Atmosphere · Solitude · Reflection · Nostalgia · Melancholy · Sorrow · Loss