Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Almae Matres (St. Andrews, 1862; Oxford, 1865,)" a poem written by Andrew Lang, hails from the late 19th century, a period in which romanticism had given way to the realist and naturalist movements in literature. The title of the poem, translating to "Nurturing Mothers" in Latin, refers to two universities Lang attended: St. Andrews in Scotland and Oxford in England.

Lang was a scholar who wrote across various genres, including poetry, literary criticism, and folklore. He attended St. Andrews University before transferring to Oxford. In this poem, he reflects on his experiences and memories from these two institutions, offering a nostalgic yet bitter-sweet depiction of his academic journey and early adulthood.

The poem captures Lang's contrasting feelings towards St. Andrews and Oxford. While the latter is described with its "fair halls," "waters green and clear," and "strong Tradition," St. Andrews, with its "drifting surf," "wintry year," and "scarlet gown," is portrayed as the more meaningful and emotionally charged of the two, as indicated by the repetition of its name and the phrase "haunted town to me."

Lang employs a range of poetic devices to articulate his feelings towards these two places. Imagery is a dominant device, as he creates detailed, vivid scenes of both universities. The descriptions of St. Andrews are particularly evocative, such as "A little city, worn and grey" and "Towers that the salt winds vainly beat." The weather, seasons, and natural landscape become metaphors for his emotional connection to each place.

The poet uses personification in phrases like "Fate would deal with us" to express his experiences of the passing years, and the metaphor "flying terms with bands of gold" beautifully represents the swift passage of academic terms held together by the precious memories they bring.

The use of the refrain at the end of the poem, referring to St. Andrews as a "haunted town," is an example of anaphora, emphasizing the profound emotional attachment Lang feels towards his first university. The word "haunted" suggests a presence that, while not physically there, persistently dwells in the mind and affects one's feelings-a perfect metaphor for cherished memories of past experiences and friendships.

The structure of the poem, with its alternating long and short verses and a consistent rhyme scheme, conveys the rhythm of waves, perhaps reflective of the "grey North Ocean" that surrounds St. Andrews, further tying the form of the poem to its content.

In conclusion, "Almae Matres" is a deeply personal, reflective piece by Andrew Lang. It offers a comparison of his experiences at two institutions of learning while showcasing the emotional depth that a particular place can hold in one's memories. The poem's rich imagery, metaphor, and structured rhythm make it an engaging exploration of nostalgia, memory, and personal attachment.

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