Date of Award
7-1936
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
First Advisor
Dr. Mellicent McNeil
Keywords
John Masefield (1878-1967) -- Criticism and interpretation.
Abstract
I. The problem of this thesis is to apply the principles of "Consecration" to certain of John Masefield's poems to ascertain whether he upholds his poetic credo.
II. The procedure is to resolve the general principles which Masefield laid down in "Consecration," which are, first, to limit himself to the lowly people as subjects for his verse, and second, to give a realistic treatmenr of life. Those principles are supplied to the following poems: "Dauber", "The Everlasting Mercy", "The Widow in the Bye Street", "The Daffodil Fields", Renard the Fox, Right Royal, and King Cole. The primary evidence and to give the opinions of critics of literature for the principle under consideration as secondary evidence; the findings of the study are set forth in a conclusing chapter. As necessary introductory or explanatory materials a biography of Masefield, a synipsis of each poem, and a short concluding section for the findings of each chapter are submitted.
III. The findings of this study are that King Cole is at wide variance with the "Consecration" principles. Right Royal and Reynard the Fox presents typical people, which are somewhat of a violation of his consecration to lowly people. In the other four narratives Masefield upheld his two principles and earned for himself the reputation of being the Laureate of the masses, of submerged, aqualid democracy. In all the poems, save King Cole, he has presented his amterials with almost strict adherence to actual facts or realism.
Recommended Citation
Sample, Everett Jean, "John Masefield's adherence to his poetic creed" (1936). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 802.
https://digitalcommons.pittstate.edu/etd/802
