On the Move by Thom Gunn

 The blue jay scuffling in the bushes follows

Some hidden purpose, and the gust of birds

That spurts across the field, the wheeling swallows,

Has nested in the trees and undergrowth.

Seeking their instinct, or their poise, or both,

One moves with an uncertain violence

Under the dust thrown by a baffled sense

Or the dull thunder of approximate words.

On motorcycles, up the road, they come:

Small, black, as flies hanging in heat, the Boys,

Until the distance throws them forth, their hum

Bulges to thunder held by calf and thigh.

In goggles, donned impersonality,

In gleaming jackets trophied with the dust,

They strap in doubt – by hiding it, robust –

And almost hear a meaning in their noise.

Exact conclusion of their hardiness

Has no shape yet, but from known whereabouts

They ride, direction where the tyres press.

They scare a flight of birds across the field:

Much that is natural, to the will must yield.

Men manufacture both machine and soul,

And use what they imperfectly control

To dare a future from the taken routes.

It is a part solution, after all.

One is not necessarily discord

On earth; or damned because, half animal,

One lacks direct instinct, because one wakes

Afloat on movement that divides and breaks.

One joins the movement in a valueless world,

Choosing it, till, both hurler and the hurled,

One moves as well, always toward, toward.

A minute holds them, who have come to go:

The self-defined, astride the created will

They burst away; the towns they travel through

Are home for neither bird nor holiness,

For birds and saints complete their purposes.

At worst, one is in motion; and at best,

Reaching no absolute, in which to rest,

One is always nearer by not keeping still.

Thom Gunn's "On the Move" is a powerful poem that explores themes of freedom, identity, and the restless nature of human desire. Gunn, known for his concise, vivid language and exploration of contemporary issues, offers a nuanced portrayal of individuals who are constantly in motion—physically, emotionally, and metaphorically.

Themes and Interpretation

1. Restlessness and the Search for Identity:
   The poem captures the essence of modern dislocation and the feeling of never settling. The speaker is not just moving geographically but is also in a state of psychological flux. This restlessness could symbolize the human condition—our perpetual search for meaning, belonging, or an elusive sense of self.

2. Freedom vs. Constraint:
   There's an inherent paradox in the poem: while movement often represents freedom, it can also be a form of escapism, a way to avoid facing deeper emotional truths. The poem questions whether true freedom is found in perpetual motion or in the acceptance of one's circumstances.

3. Urban Landscape as a Metaphor:
   Gunn’s portrayal of the city is not just a backdrop but an active participant in the poem’s emotional landscape. The city’s hustle mirrors the internal chaos of the speaker, suggesting that the external environment often reflects our inner states.

Form and Style

• Free Verse and Direct Language:
  Gunn employs free verse, which complements the theme of unbound movement. His language is direct, almost conversational, which makes the poem feel immediate and relatable.

• Imagery and Symbolism:
  Vivid imagery dominates the poem, with urban settings, fleeting encounters, and transient moments all contributing to the feeling of impermanence. The poet’s choice of words often evokes both physical and emotional landscapes.

 Detailed Explanation

Stanza 1: The Natural World and the Idea of Movement

"The blue jay scuffling in the bushes follows"

• The blue jay represents a creature driven by instinct. "Scuffling" suggests a restless, perhaps chaotic motion. This line sets the tone for the theme of movement, both natural and instinctual.

"Some hidden purpose, and the gust of birds"

• The "hidden purpose" hints at an underlying drive or instinct that’s not immediately visible. "Gust of birds" is a vivid image, likening their flight to a sudden, forceful wind—symbolizing spontaneous, uncontrolled movement.

"That spurts across the field, the wheeling swallows,"

• The "spurts" convey a sudden, dynamic burst of activity, and "wheeling swallows" emphasizes freedom and grace, as swallows are known for their agile, circular flight patterns.

"Has nested in the trees and undergrowth."

• Despite their flight, these birds are grounded in their environment. This line connects the idea of movement to the natural world’s cycles, where movement always has a point of origin or return.

   

  Stanza 2: The Human Parallel—Motorcycles and Youth

  "Seeking their instinct, or their poise, or both,"

  • This line draws a parallel between birds and humans. Just as birds act on instinct, humans often seek a balance between natural drives and self-control ("poise").

  "One moves with an uncertain violence"

  • The movement is described as "uncertain violence," suggesting that human actions, like those of the birds, can be driven by powerful, unpredictable forces.

  "Under the dust thrown by a baffled sense"

  • "Dust thrown" could symbolize confusion or the chaotic aftermath of trying to understand one's purpose. "Baffled sense" implies a struggle to find clarity amid this turbulence.

  "Or the dull thunder of approximate words."

  • The "dull thunder" might refer to the noise of language that lacks clarity or meaning, perhaps the meaningless chatter that surrounds us in modern life.

     

    Stanza 3: The Arrival of the "Boys" on Motorcycles

    "On motorcycles, up the road, they come:"

    • Here, Gunn introduces the central figures—youth on motorcycles. Motorcycles are often symbols of freedom, rebellion, and the pursuit of identity.

    "Small, black, as flies hanging in heat, the Boys,"

    • The comparison to "flies" suggests both a sense of annoyance and an image of something small, persistent, and somewhat chaotic. The word "heat" could imply both literal heat and the metaphorical "heat" of youthful passion or recklessness.

    "Until the distance throws them forth, their hum"

    • This line describes how the boys' presence becomes more pronounced as they approach, their "hum" (the sound of the engines) growing louder.

    "Bulges to thunder held by calf and thigh."

    • The "bulges to thunder" suggests the growing intensity of the sound, while "held by calf and thigh" ties this power back to the physical effort of riding—control over raw energy.

       

      Stanza 4: Identity and the Illusion of Control

      "In goggles, donned impersonality,"

      • The goggles symbolize a mask, hiding personal identity and emotions. This suggests that the boys adopt a persona, perhaps to fit into a certain image of toughness or rebellion.

      "In gleaming jackets trophied with the dust,"

      • The "gleaming jackets" are a facade of polish, but they're "trophied with the dust," indicating that even their polished exterior bears the evidence of their journeys and struggles.

      "They strap in doubt – by hiding it, robust –"

      • This line reveals a paradox: they "strap in doubt" by pretending to be confident and strong. Their robustness is a shield against their inner uncertainties.

      "And almost hear a meaning in their noise."

    • The noise of their engines, the chaotic roar, seems to carry meaning—perhaps as a way to find purpose or identity in their rebellion.

       

      Stanza 5: The Futility and Drive of Human Endeavor

      "Exact conclusion of their hardiness"

      • This line questions whether their toughness or bravado has any real meaning or ultimate purpose.

      "Has no shape yet, but from known whereabouts"

      • Their destination or purpose is undefined, but they come from places they know, grounded in familiar experiences.

      "They ride, direction where the tyres press."

      • The direction is determined by where the tires press, suggesting that movement is influenced by external forces, not just internal choices.

      "They scare a flight of birds across the field:"

      • Their presence disrupts nature, symbolizing how human activity often disturbs the natural world.

      "Much that is natural, to the will must yield."

      • This line suggests that nature isn’t untouched—it yields to human will, whether through construction, technology, or other forms of control.

         

        Stanza 6: Philosophical Reflection on Movement

        "It is a part solution, after all."

        • Movement is a partial answer to life's questions—perhaps an attempt to find meaning through action, even if it’s not complete or satisfying.

        "One is not necessarily discord"

        • The speaker suggests that being in motion doesn’t equate to being in conflict with the world.

        "On earth; or damned because, half animal,"

        • Being "half animal" implies a mix of instinct and rationality, not something to be ashamed of.

        "One lacks direct instinct, because one wakes"

        • Humans may not have the same clear instincts as animals, but they "wake" to consciousness, self-awareness, and the ability to reflect.

        "Afloat on movement that divides and breaks."Life’s movement can be both unifying and fracturing, constantly shifting and challenging us.

      •  Stanza 7: The Nature of Existence and Identity

        "One joins the movement in a valueless world,"

        • In a world that lacks inherent meaning, people find purpose through movement itself.

        "Choosing it, till, both hurler and the hurled,"

        • Eventually, the person becomes both the one who initiates action ("hurler") and the one who is carried along by it ("hurled").

        "One moves as well, always toward, toward."

      • There’s an endless forward motion, always heading toward something, even if it’s undefined.

         

        Stanza 8: The Ephemeral Nature of Identity

        "A minute holds them, who have come to go:"

        • Their existence is fleeting, defined by their transience.

        "The self-defined, astride the created will"

        • They are both creators and products of their own will—self-defined but shaped by external forces.

        "They burst away; the towns they travel through"

        • Their departure from places symbolizes the impermanence of human life and connections.

        "Are home for neither bird nor holiness,"

        • Towns are temporary spaces, not true homes for natural beings or spiritual fulfillment.

        "For birds and saints complete their purposes."

      • Birds and saints (symbols of nature and spirituality) have clear purposes; humans are more lost in the search.

         

        Stanza 9: The Final Reflection on Movement

        "At worst, one is in motion; and at best,"

        • The worst case is simply existing in motion without purpose; the best case is finding meaning through that motion.

        "Reaching no absolute, in which to rest,"

        • There’s no ultimate destination or final resting place—life is a continuous journey.

        "One is always nearer by not keeping still."

        • Progress comes not from remaining stationary but from embracing the act of moving forward, even if the destination is unclear.

Autumn Chapter in a Novel by Thom Gunn

 

Autumn Chapter In a Novel by Thom Gunn

Through woods, Mme Une Telle, a trifle ill
With idleness, but no less beautiful,
Walks with the young tutor, round their feet
Mob syllables slurred to a fine complaint,
Which in their time held off the natural heat.

The sun is distant, and they fill out space
Sweatless as watercolour under glass.
He kicks abruptly. But we may suppose
The leaves he scatters thus will settle back
In much the same position as they rose.

A tutor's indignation works on air,
Altering nothing; action bustles where,
Towards the pool by which they lately stood,
The husband comes discussing with his bailiff
Poachers, the broken fences round the wood.

Pighead! The poacher is at large, and lingers,          
A dead mouse gripped between his sensitive fingers          
Fences already keep the live game out:
See how your property twists her parasol,   
Hesitates in the tender trap of doubt.

Here they repair, here daily handle lightly
The brief excitements that disturb them nightly;
Sap draws back inch by inch, and to the ground
The words they uttered rustle constantly:
Silent, they watch the growing, weightless mound.

They leave at last a chosen element,
Resume the motions of their discontent;
She takes her sewing up, and he again
Names to her son the deserts on the globe,
And leaves thrust violently upon the pane.

Critical Appreciation

Thom Gunn’s "Autumn Chapter in a Novel" is a contemplative exploration of change, mortality, and the ephemeral nature of life, woven with the poet's characteristic precision and clarity. Gunn, known for his sharp observations and mastery of form, uses the autumnal setting as a metaphorical lens to examine the passage of time and the inevitable decline that accompanies it.

Mme Une Telle, a woman of status, walks through the woods with a young tutor. She is described as “a trifle ill with idleness,” suggesting a languid dissatisfaction or ennui that comes from a life of leisure. Despite this, her beauty remains untouched, emphasizing that her allure persists beyond her lack of purpose or excitement.

The act of walking through the woods with a young tutor suggests an intimate, perhaps intellectual companionship. The phrase “mob syllables slurred to a fine complaint” is particularly striking. It evokes the idea of words or sounds—perhaps the chaotic, indistinct murmurs of a crowd—being transformed into something more refined, almost artful. This could symbolize the way casual, everyday chatter is elevated in the context of their relationship, or how their shared discourse masks deeper dissatisfaction.

The final line of the first stanza is layered with meaning. “Held off the natural heat” could refer to the way their conversation or the act of walking serves as a distraction from the inevitable, more primal aspects of life—like physical desire, emotional intensity, or even the literal heat of summer. Alternatively, it may suggest that their intellectual or superficial engagement postpones confronting deeper truths, such as the inevitability of change, aging, or mortality.

The line "The sun is distant, and they fill out space / Sweatless as watercolour under glass" conveys a sense of detachment and stillness. The sun, typically a source of heat and energy, is described as distant, suggesting a lack of warmth or passion. The figures in the scene—possibly Mme Une Telle and the tutor—exist within this space but remain cool and almost unreal, like a watercolor painting preserved behind glass, untouched by the elements.

The next lines introduce a sudden movement: "He kicks abruptly." This moment of action disrupts the stillness, but Gunn quickly undercuts its significance with speculation: "But we may suppose / The leaves he scatters thus will settle back / In much the same position as they rose." The scattered leaves represent the small, seemingly insignificant disturbances in life—actions that might cause temporary disruption but ultimately have little lasting effect.The kicked leaves may flutter in the air, but they will return to nearly the same arrangement, reinforcing a theme of inevitability and stasis.

In the next stanza, the tutor’s indignation is described as having no tangible effect—it “works on air.” This suggests that his emotional outburst or moral outrage is hollow, ineffective, and disconnected from any real consequences. The phrase implies that his anger is more performative than transformative, perhaps reflective of a broader theme in the poem: the futility of human emotions when faced with life’s larger, indifferent forces.

"Altering nothing; action bustles where,"

This line reinforces the idea that despite the tutor’s indignation, nothing changes. The word "bustles" introduces a contrast: while the tutor’s emotional energy is stagnant and pointless, other forms of action—practical, perhaps mundane—continue around him. It suggests a world where life’s movements are indifferent to individual feelings or moral stances.

"Towards the pool by which they lately stood,"

The pool here serves as a specific, almost symbolic location. It’s a place they “lately stood,” suggesting a moment of reflection or connection that has now passed. The pool might represent a threshold between contemplation and action, or the fleeting nature of moments that once held significance.

"The husband comes discussing with his bailiff"

The husband’s arrival, engaging in a conversation with his bailiff, introduces a figure of authority and practicality. This contrast to the tutor’s emotional outburst highlights a shift from abstract indignation to the business of daily life—concerns about land, management, and control. The husband’s discussion seems grounded in reality, in contrast to the tutor’s disconnected moral outrage.

"Poachers, the broken fences round the wood."

The final line grounds the conversation in concrete, even somewhat petty, concerns: poachers and broken fences. These issues are tangible and immediate, representing the everyday struggles of maintaining order and control over nature and property. The mention of poachers and broken fences juxtaposes the grand, existential themes of the earlier lines with the mundane, suggesting that life’s persistent, practical concerns often overshadow philosophical or emotional conflicts.

In the next stanza the term "Pighead!" is an insult, directed at someone—possibly the husband or another authority figure—suggesting foolishness or stubbornness. It conveys frustration, perhaps with someone who is oblivious to obvious problems. The poacher being "at large" introduces a figure of transgression, someone who defies authority, and the fact that he lingers implies a brazen, almost defiant presence, refusing to be hidden or subdued.

"A dead mouse gripped between his sensitive fingers"
This image is both disturbing and strangely tender. The poacher holds a dead mouse—an object that should evoke revulsion or indifference—with "sensitive fingers," suggesting an unexpected care or delicacy. This contrast hints at the complex nature of the poacher: not just a villain or outsider, but someone who feels, perhaps even empathizes with the fragile life he handles. It blurs the line between hunter and caretaker, complicating the simple moral dichotomy.

"Fences already keep the live game out:"
Here, the fences serve as a literal and symbolic barrier. While they are meant to keep "live game"—valuable or desirable creatures—inside, the line suggests that the fences are already doing their job, keeping the creatures out. This could symbolize the futility of the husband’s or landowner’s attempts to control nature and property, as the barriers themselves are part of the larger system of control and exclusion.

"See how your property twists her parasol,"
Then, the perspective shifts to "your property," likely referring to Mme Une Telle. Her act of twisting her parasol seems minor, but Gunn frames it with precision—it suggests unease, hesitation, or suppressed emotion. The phrase "Hesitates in the tender trap of doubt" is particularly poignant, portraying uncertainty as a form of entrapment. Whether her doubt is romantic, moral, or existential remains open-ended.

The opening lines—"Here they repair, here daily handle lightly / The brief excitements that disturb them nightly;"—suggest a repeated, almost ritualistic return to a place or habit where they address fleeting passions or anxieties. The phrase "handle lightly" implies a certain detachment—perhaps they acknowledge their nightly disturbances without fully confronting them.

"Sap draws back inch by inch, and to the ground / The words they uttered rustle constantly:" introduces a natural parallel to this emotional withdrawal. Just as sap retreats in autumn, signaling the slow decay of life, their spoken words rustle to the ground—like fallen leaves, ephemeral and ultimately settling into silence.

The final line—"Silent, they watch the growing, weightless mound."—is especially haunting. The "mound" could symbolize accumulating fallen leaves, remnants of past conversations, or even time itself piling up unnoticed. The phrase "weightless mound" suggests that despite its growth, it carries no real substance—perhaps hinting at futility, resignation, or the fleeting nature of existence.

"Here they repair, here daily handle lightly"
The repetition of "here" creates a rhythmic anchor, emphasizing that this is a recurring, almost ritualistic action. "They repair" suggests an attempt to fix or maintain something—perhaps their environment, their relationships, or even their own sense of purpose. The phrase "handle lightly" implies that their efforts are superficial, done with a kind of delicate touch that avoids confronting the deeper issues. It reflects a tendency to manage life’s disturbances without fully engaging with them, maintaining a fragile facade.

"The brief excitements that disturb them nightly;"
This line introduces the idea of "brief excitements," fleeting events or emotions that temporarily disrupt their routine. The fact that these disturbances occur "nightly" suggests a cyclical, almost predictable nature—small upheavals that are part of the rhythm of their lives. The word "brief" downplays their significance, as if to suggest that these emotional or dramatic spikes are ephemeral and ultimately inconsequential.

"Sap draws back inch by inch, and to the ground"
Here, Gunn shifts to a natural metaphor. The image of "sap drawing back" evokes the slow, almost imperceptible process of decline or withdrawal, much like the approach of autumn when life retreats into itself. This is not a sudden collapse but a gradual fading, symbolizing aging, emotional withdrawal, or the slow loss of vitality. The sap’s movement "to the ground" implies a return to the earth, a cycle of life and decay.

"The words they uttered rustle constantly:"
This line personifies the words spoken by the characters, likening them to leaves rustling on the ground. The idea of words "rustling constantly" suggests that even after being spoken, they remain present, lingering in the background, subtly affecting the environment and the individuals involved. It reflects how language and communication, even if seemingly insignificant in the moment, have an ongoing, almost unconscious impact.

"Silent, they watch the growing, weightless mound."
The stanza concludes with an image of silent observation. The "growing, weightless mound" could symbolize something like a pile of leaves, a grave, or even an abstract accumulation of time, memory, or unspoken emotions. The word "weightless" adds a paradoxical quality—while the mound grows, it carries no tangible weight, suggesting that it’s not the physical but the emotional or existential burden that matters. Their silence implies resignation, an acceptance of this slow, inevitable process without resistance.

The first line of the final stanza suggests that the characters have finally departed from a place or moment that held some significance—a "chosen element." The phrase implies that this was not just a random departure but one marked by a deliberate choice, possibly reflecting a decision to move on from an emotional or existential engagement. It could symbolize leaving behind a fleeting connection, a memory, or even an emotional state that no longer serves them.

"Resume the motions of their discontent;"
Here, Gunn introduces a sense of inevitable return to the mundane. Despite the departure, the characters fall back into the "motions"—a mechanical, almost robotic repetition of actions—driven by an underlying discontent. This suggests that their dissatisfaction is not tied to a specific place or situation but is an intrinsic part of their lives. It reflects the existential idea that discontent can be a constant companion, not easily shaken by change or movement.

"She takes her sewing up, and he again"
The resumption of ordinary activities—"she takes her sewing up"—symbolizes a return to domestic, repetitive tasks that offer little emotional or intellectual stimulation. The use of "again" for the husband’s action suggests that whatever he does is also part of this monotonous cycle, reinforcing the idea that their lives are marked by routine, devoid of real engagement or growth.

"Names to her son the deserts on the globe,"
This line adds a curious, almost detached educational or conversational element. The husband is teaching his son about "the deserts on the globe," a fact-based, impersonal subject that contrasts sharply with the emotional distance between the characters. It might reflect an attempt to impart knowledge or values, but it also underscores the lack of deeper connection—he’s discussing geography rather than engaging with his family on a meaningful emotional level.

"And leaves thrust violently upon the pane."
The final image is vivid and somewhat jarring. "Leaves thrust violently upon the pane" could symbolize the way nature intrudes upon the artificial barrier of human life—like the unavoidable passage of time or the persistence of decay. The word "violently" contrasts with the otherwise mundane tone, suggesting that even in the quietest moments, life’s forces—change, death, or the inevitable drift of time—assert themselves with undeniable force.

The Whitsun Wedding by Philip Larkin

 The Whitsun Weddings

By Philip Larkin

That Whitsun, I was late getting away:

    Not till about

One-twenty on the sunlit Saturday

Did my three-quarters-empty train pull out,

All windows down, all cushions hot, all sense   

Of being in a hurry gone. We ran

Behind the backs of houses, crossed a street

Of blinding windscreens, smelt the fish-dock; thence   

The river’s level drifting breadth began,

Where sky and Lincolnshire and water meet.

All afternoon, through the tall heat that slept   

    For miles inland,

A slow and stopping curve southwards we kept.   

Wide farms went by, short-shadowed cattle, and   

Canals with floatings of industrial froth;   

A hothouse flashed uniquely: hedges dipped   

And rose: and now and then a smell of grass   

Displaced the reek of buttoned carriage-cloth   

Until the next town, new and nondescript,   

Approached with acres of dismantled cars.

At first, I didn’t notice what a noise

    The weddings made

Each station that we stopped at: sun destroys   

The interest of what’s happening in the shade,

And down the long cool platforms whoops and skirls   

I took for porters larking with the mails,   

And went on reading. Once we started, though,   

We passed them, grinning and pomaded, girls   

In parodies of fashion, heels and veils,   

All posed irresolutely, watching us go,

As if out on the end of an event

    Waving goodbye

To something that survived it. Struck, I leant   

More promptly out next time, more curiously,   

And saw it all again in different terms:   

The fathers with broad belts under their suits   

And seamy foreheads; mothers loud and fat;   

An uncle shouting smut; and then the perms,   

The nylon gloves and jewellery-substitutes,   

The lemons, mauves, and olive-ochres that

Marked off the girls unreally from the rest.   

    Yes, from cafés

And banquet-halls up yards, and bunting-dressed   

Coach-party annexes, the wedding-days   

Were coming to an end. All down the line

Fresh couples climbed aboard: the rest stood round;

The last confetti and advice were thrown,

And, as we moved, each face seemed to define   

Just what it saw departing: children frowned   

At something dull; fathers had never known

Success so huge and wholly farcical;

    The women shared

The secret like a happy funeral;

While girls, gripping their handbags tighter, stared   

At a religious wounding. Free at last,

And loaded with the sum of all they saw,

We hurried towards London, shuffling gouts of steam.   

Now fields were building-plots, and poplars cast   

Long shadows over major roads, and for

Some fifty minutes, that in time would seem

Just long enough to settle hats and say

    I nearly died,

A dozen marriages got under way.

They watched the landscape, sitting side by side

—An Odeon went past, a cooling tower,   

And someone running up to bowl—and none   

Thought of the others they would never meet   

Or how their lives would all contain this hour.   

I thought of London spread out in the sun,   

Its postal districts packed like squares of wheat:

There we were aimed. And as we raced across   

    Bright knots of rail

Past standing Pullmans, walls of blackened moss   

Came close, and it was nearly done, this frail   

Travelling coincidence; and what it held   

Stood ready to be loosed with all the power   

That being changed can give. We slowed again,

And as the tightened brakes took hold, there swelled

A sense of falling, like an arrow-shower   

Sent out of sight, somewhere becoming rain.