Lecture Notes: Analysis of "Snowdrop" by Ted Hughes

Context and Background

• Poem "Snowdrop": Appeared in Ted Hughes' second collection of poems, "Lupercal" (1960).
• Title Origin: Named after the Pagan Lupercalia fertility festival of ancient Rome, celebrated on February 15th.
• Snowdrop Characteristics: Known for its ability to bloom in early February, even under snow.

Themes and Imagery

• Winter's Harshness: The poem paints a picture of winter's severity, where the world seems dead and creatures are muted.
• Creatures' Behavior:
  • Mouse: Tucked in its nest, life force muted.
  • Weasel & Crow: Lacking vitality and rationality, seemingly affected by the surrounding death.
• Snowdrop: Despite delicate appearance, it symbolizes resilience and purpose, thriving in harsh conditions.

Structure and Form

• Single Stanza: Comprising 8 lines, varying from 5 to 11 syllables.
• Rhythm: Ponderous due to stressed syllables, with lines starting and ending on stresses.
• Enjambment & Caesura: Creates a discordant feel, reflecting the harsh atmosphere.
• Rhyme Scheme: Rhyming couplets (aabbccdd), using half-rhymes.
• Alliteration: Repeated initial stressed consonant sounds (e.g., "month" and "metal").

Literary Devices

• Anthropomorphism: Non-human entities given human traits, revealing the writer's attitudes.
• Anastrophe: Inversion of typical word order, creating an archaic and solemn tone.
• Allusion: References to Shakespeare's "Richard III" and John Donne's "A Nocturnal Upon St. Lucy’s Day."

Analysis of Lines

• Opening Lines: Use of anastrophe and stressed syllables highlights the mouse's slowed heartbeat and inertia.
• Description of Weasel and Crow:
  • Simile "as if molded in brass" implies coldness and rigidity.
  • Description of movement through "outer darkness" suggests disorientation.
• Introduction of Snowdrop:
  • Appears mid-line, signifying determination and purpose.
  • Described with oxymoronic "brutal," linked to harsh February constellations.
• Conclusion:
  • Simile "her pale head heavy as metal" evokes the flower's drooping form.
  • Uses stressed syllables and alliteration to convey weight and resilience.

Final Thoughts

• Poem's Impact: Ends with an image of a flower whose appearance belies its resilience, thriving in adversity.
• Audience Interaction: Encouraged to ask questions and subscribe for more content on English literature and exam techniques.