The Summary, Theme, and central idea of the Poem The Huntsman by Edward Lowbury

In this article, I have explained the summary, theme, and critical analyses of the poem "The Huntsman" written by Edward Lowbury. This is a very important poem that is included in B. A syllabus of Punjab University. This is a very important article about this poem if a student prepares this he or she can attempt any question about this poem. I have also given a reference to the context. 






The Huntsman (Edward Lowbury)


Summary


The huntsman by Edward Lowbury is based on a Kenyan fold tale. The poem teaches us a moral lesson that we should avoid talking unnecessarily. The poet makes good use of irony and suspense. He describes how Kagawa, the Huntsman, becomes the prey of his own spear. The fact about the talking skull is full of suspense. The reader remains curious about its response. Kahwa’s end is a fine example of the irony of fate.

Kagwa, a brave hunter, used to hunt lions in jungles. Once he found a sull of man. He asked it humorously how it came there. The skull replied that talking had brought it there. It meant that talking needlessly brought about the death of the man whose skull it was. Kagwa could not understand the underlying message and rushed to the king’s court. He told the king about the talking skull.

The king said that he has never heard of such a skull. However, he appointed two of his guards to accompany Kagawa and find the talking skull. He also ordered them to kill Kagawa immediately if the skull spoke nothing

Kagwa and the guards looked for the skull for many days and nights. Finally, they found it. Kagwa asked the skull how it came there. The skull spoke nothing. He implored repeatedly but in vain. The guard beheaded Kagawa there and then. Now the skull asked Kagawa how they came there. Talking brought me here was Kagawa's reply.

What ideas are presented in the poem “The Huntsman”


Edward Lowbury is a modern British poet. He is a poet of various interests. He has written interesting poems for all types of people. Being a doctor, his poetry has the stamp of minuteness as well as imaginative richness. His stay in Kenya is of great value to him. He happens to study the Africa folklores and folk stories. The poem The Huntsman is based on African folklore which describes the tragic uncertainty of life in Africa.

The poem is based on folklore that is full of the experience of practical life and wisdom. The poet narrates the story of his own tragedy. He is the hunter of the lions, but by a stroke of luck, he becomes the prey. The following facts are revealed in the poem.

The poem tells us that life is a complicated affair.. Sometimes it happens that the hunter becomes the man must be careful before he speaks. He must think before he speaks.

The poem hints at the fact that Kagwa should not have spoken to the king. Kagwa spoke to the king in a carefree and foolish manner. That is why he met his death. Kagwa did not know this fact. Had he known this fact, he would not have met his misfortune. The poem illustrates the moral of the lesson.

“Think before you speak”

The poem contains the element of sick humor. We become the hunted and his tragic death has a shocking effect on the mind of the reader. Deep irony runs through the poem. Like all folk tales, it has a hidden message to convey to his readers. The poet suggests that we should be careful in our conversations with others.

Reference to the context


Reference


These lines have been taken from the poem “The Huntsman” written by Edward Lowbery.

Context


The poet has narrated the story of an African huntsman who was known for hunting lions. His name was Kagwa. He wandered in the forest in search of lions. He went through the forest with a spear in his hand He asked the skull How it came into the forest” the skull opened the mouth and said that careless and irresponsible talk brought it there.


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