Theme Of The Poem To Carew

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In Thomas Carew’s country house poem “To Saxham” the speaker describes the prosperity of the estate and the experience people would have within it. The speaker in the poem creates the distinction that the people who remain on the exterior of the estate are poor and in a less prosperous position than those who live on the estate. The contrast that the speaker makes throughout the poem suggests there is a larger idea being formed by Carew in regards to the relation of spaces and social structure. The tone throughout the poem praises the estate and they way it provides for its inhabitants and guests, while suggesting that there are enough resources to accommodate unexpected guests. The speaker proposes that there is potential mobility between individuals that remain outside the estate …show more content…

As well as the reoccurring image of warmth and fire that is associated with the estate as a pleasant place to stay and the importance of hospitality. The speaker says that those who come inside the estate are welcome to stay and their stay is not limited by time, similar to how the estate does not experience any other season other than spring as time appears to be limitless. In the final section of the poem, Carew stresses the importance of the estate being an open space, “T’examine, or keep back the poor/Nor locks, nor bolts thy gates have been/ Made only to let strangers in/ Untaught to shut, they do not fear/To stand wide open all the year” (Carew 50-54). Carew creates a type of utopia that appears to be inclusive to everyone, but criticizes the barriers between the lower class and upper class by suggesting that the wealth of these estates are not shared to the lower class as frequently as they should be. Although there may not be physical barriers to keep people from coming inside Saxham, there are social boundaries that keep the lower class on the

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