The Ferryman's Arms: Themes; Death
“The Ferryman’s Arms: Themes; Death” Overview
- In “The Ferryman’s Arms” one of the key themes Don Paterson explores is death.
Classic Symbolism
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The title of the poem refers to a pub traditionally seen as a place of comfort and camaraderie - yet in this context, it adopts an ominous undertone.
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Here, Paterson uses the figure of the Ferryman from Greek mythology, known for transporting souls of the deceased across the river Styx to Hades - the world of the dead.
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By placing this figure in the familiar environment of a pub, Paterson invites consideration of death as a commonplace and inevitable part of human existence.
Connection with Life
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Paterson presents death as a stage in the journey of life, thereby normalising it.
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Jovial banter between the Ferryman and the narrator - about working hours, weather, and rowing - recognises death as part of the life cycle rather than something morbid or frightening.
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The light-hearted tone serves to underscore the poem’s theme, portraying death not as an end but as merely different, another stage of existence.
Personal Reflection
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The poem also reflects on personal experiences of death, such as the mention of “our friend’s empty chair”, indicating the narrator’s loss.
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This personal reflection demonstrates death’s impact at an individual level, while maintaining the overarching theme that death is a shared, universal experience.
Humanisation of Death
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The poem’s portrayal of the Ferryman personifies death in an unexpected way - the Grim Reaper figure is replaced with an approachable bartender.
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The Ferryman’s depiction as weary and overworked humanises death, implying that it is an unexceptional component of everyday life.
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The Ferryman as a character demonstrates Paterson’s ability to take a well-worn theme like death and approach it from a fresh, innovative standpoint.
Final Thoughts
- Overall, Paterson’s use of classic symbolism, personal reflection, humorous tone and innovative character portrayal presents a new perspective on the theme of Death in “The Ferryman’s Arms”.
-Study and reflection on these aspects will enrich comprehension and analysis of the poem’s exploration of death, an integral part of Paterson’s thought-provoking poetry.