After reading this poem I was reminded of Beowulf and how he as a king wanted to die a warriors death, which meant in battle. Like Fergus, Beowulf could not rule as he wanted to so he too left his throne for battle. The poem feels like a recruitment speech, asking all those that are able and willing to go "pierce the deep wood's woven shade,/And dance upon the level shore? (ll 2-3). It reminds me also of the Saint Crispian's speech. Also in the first stanza the speaker is telling all those that will be left behind, that they should not cry nor should they fear.
This concept begins the second stanza, but for me the poem seems to show that even though Fergus is no longer a king that sits upon a throne, he is king of feasting, king of the hunt and king of the seas. It is where he belongs. The last line of the poem is the most poetic for me, because in my opinion the speaker believes that when Fergus does die, he will become king of the stars. Like all kings I believe that Fergus wants to be remembered and leave some kind of legacy behind.
Tony,
ReplyDeleteInteresting comparisons between Fergus and Beowulf, and good insights into his role as king. OK analysis of the text, but you only quote two lines and don't say very much about them specifically.