Lockdown - a poem by Poet Laureat Simon Armitage

 Lockdown: A Pictorial Journey of Simon Armitage's Pandemic Poem

This blog is based on a Thinking Task given by Dilip Barad Sir. It explains Simon Armitage's poem "Lockdown" from a historical and literary perspective.

About the Author

Simon Armitage is an English poet, playwright, musician, and novelist. Born on May 26, 1963, he is the current Poet Laureate of the UK, appointed in 2019. Armitage is also a professor of poetry at the University of Leeds. His poems are often related to social issues and human experiences, making them highly relevant and relatable.

About the Poem

Lockdown" was first published in The Guardian on March 21, 2020, at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The poem is isolation, resilience, and hopeful reflection using powerful imagery and historical references connecting past and present experiences of pandemics.

Themes in the Poem

1. Isolation

It mainly focuses on the emotional and physical separation that results from quarantine. This is because, in the context of Emmott Syddall and Rowland Torre-the two lovers from the village of Eyam-whose lovers were kept apart by quarantine due to the plague in 1666-the comparison drawn has a poignant aspect to it. Their silent courtship across a river is used to symbolize the loneliness and longing in the periods of lockdown.

2. Hope

Despite the sorrow, the poem emphasizes hope and the human spirit's endurance. The reference to "Meghadūta," an ancient Indian poem by Kalidasa, symbolizes the desire for reconnection and the belief in brighter days ahead. The cloud in the poem becomes a symbol of communication and hope for reunion.

3. Resilience

The villagers of Eyam, who chose to quarantine themselves to prevent the spread of the plague, symbolize courage and sacrifice. Their story reflects the resilience needed to face challenges. The poem reminds us that even in difficult times, humans find strength to adapt and persevere.

Imagery in the Poem

Historical Imagery

“Infected fleas” and “soggy cloth” evoke the grim reality of the plague in 17th-century England.

"Thimbles full of vinegar wine purifying the infected coins" tells the practice of disinfection of money so that it might not be infected, suggesting a struggle against disease.

"The Boundary Stone, that drunken dice with its six dark apertures" is personification of separation and bars made of quarantine.

Nature and Dream-Like Imagery

The "Streams like necklaces, fan-tailed peacocks, painted elephants" of "Meghadūta" are images signifying beauty, hope and human journey.

"Embroidered bedspreads of meadows and hedges": Nature is depicted as a source of comfort and renewal.

"The glistening lotus flower after rain": A symbol of hope and rebirth.

 

Analysis of the Poem

Armitage takes his readers on a dream-like journey, combining past and present. The poem starts with an allusion to the Eyam village, where the inhabitants quarantined themselves so that the plague would not spread further. The love affair between Emmott Syddall and Rowland Torre gives a personal touch by showing what isolation costs in personal terms.

In the second part, Armitage introduces the story of the Yaksha from “Meghadūta”. The Yaksha, separated from his wife, sends messages through a cloud. This symbolizes the universal experience of separation and longing. The cloud’s journey across beautiful landscapes reminds us of the enduring power of love and hope, even in times of hardship.

Symbolism

The Boundary Stone: Represents isolation and the barriers created by pandemics.

The Cloud: Symbolizes communication, hope, and the human desire for connection.

Emmott and Rowland's Story: It highlights the emotional toll of quarantine and the strength needed to endure separation.

Conclusion

Simon Armitage's "Lockdown" is a powerful meditation on isolation, sacrifice, and resilience. Drawing parallels between the Eyam plague and the COVID-19 pandemic connects history with contemporary experiences. This is through rich imagery, coupled with references to "Meghadūta", reminding the reader of the timelessness of human resilience and how one can always look for better times.

In moments of crisis, this poem by Armitage would call to strengthen ourselves in our bonding and believe that love and hope will win us over difficulties.