Edward Thomas Poetry Analysis

Edward Thomas displays similar themes of nature, the constant presence of war, and the intensity of memory within the poems, “The Sun Used to Shine” and “The Sorrow of True Love”. The words of Robert Frost, an American poet during the early 20th century, greatly influences nature scenes that Thomas chooses. His relationships with Frost, other prominent figures in his life, and also his own personal life experiences shape the memories that Thomas depicts in his poetry. Thomas fought in World War I, therefore war is a significant element of his lifestyle, which translates into his poetry by usage of imagery of battles and the feeling of isolation given to the reader. In the “Sun Used to Shine”, Thomas portrays the scenery as peaceful and

Using the phrase “and true love parting blackens a bright morrow”, he provides reasoning that when true love disappears or is no longer there, it leaves behind pain and feelings of abandonment and loss (2). It is clear that Thomas experiences a tough time or heartbreak during the period in which he writes this poem, especially because of the phrase “hope blinded by its tears, and clear above the storm the heavens wait to be seen,” (4-5). At first, Thomas describes the gut-wrenching feeling of loss, but he also reminds the reader that when the pain is over, there is still a life to be lived and not to be thrown away. Again, Thomas includes descriptions of nature in his poetry within the phrase “of summer, but a frozen drizzle perpetual of drops...”, which portrays the relationship between beginning and ending, meaning that there is neither from the word “perpetual” (9-10). Thomas is trying to communicate the fact that true love can stop the world, but it can also make the world continue forever. Finally, Thomas is describing the fact that true love may be painful, but is also forever and protected from the “sun’s law” or any other outside force