Mutability by John Gould Fletcher
The poem explores the theme of change and impermanence in life, using imagery and symbolism to convey the idea that nothing remains constant. The speaker describes a landscape that is constantly shifting, with mountains rising and falling like waves. This serves as a metaphor for the transience of human experience, where everything is subject to flux and decay.
By John Gould Fletcher · First published 1936 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Imagism, Nature Poetry · 64 words
First lines
The wind shakes the mists Making them quiver With faint drum-tones of thunder.
Out of the crane-haunted mists of autumn, Blue and brown Rolls the moon.
There was a city living here long ago, Of all that city There is only one stone left half-buried in the marsh, With characters upon it which no one now can read.
What this Textopian page supports
Mutability is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Gould Fletcher, dated 1936 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Gould Fletcher
- Date: 1936 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Imagism, Nature Poetry, Symbolism, Modernist Poetry
- Length: 64 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Mutability by John Gould Fletcher
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Mutability?
- How does this poem by John Gould Fletcher fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work features a strong emphasis on personal emotion and vivid imagery, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Imagism — The use of precise language and clear images aligns with the principles of Imagism.
- Nature Poetry — The themes of nature and the changing seasons are central to the work.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols to convey deeper meanings is evident throughout the text.
Tags
Poetry · Symbolism · Imagery · Nature · Change · Transformation · Existentialism · Philosophy · Psychology · Stream-of-consciousness · Free Verse · Modernism