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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Paterson presents death as a stage in the journey of life, thereby normalising it.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • The poem also reflects on personal experiences of death, such as the mention of “our friend’s empty chair”, indicating the narrator’s loss.

  • 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

  • The poem’s portrayal of the Ferryman personifies death in an unexpected way - the Grim Reaper figure is replaced with an approachable bartender.

  • The Ferryman’s depiction as weary and overworked humanises death, implying that it is an unexceptional component of everyday life.

  • 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.