Poetry: Touch and Go Stevie Smith

 Touch and Go By Stevie Smith 

Stevie Smith was an English poet and novelist known for combining simple language, unusual imagery, humour and serious reflections on human life. Her poetry often explores human vulnerability, suffering, uncertainty and the difficulties people face.

The poem Touch and Go presents a symbolic struggle in which a man tries to emerge from the mountains but is hindered by his tail. The man can be interpreted as representing humanity struggling to move beyond primitive instincts and towards progress. 

Summary of the poem

The poem describes a man attempting to come out of the mountains. However, his tail is caught, making his progress difficult. The speaker observes his struggle with sympathy and concern, while other figures appear unwilling to help him.

Despite his difficulties, the man eventually begins to move. The speaker remains uncertain about whether he will succeed.

The poem explores the challenges of human progress, the struggle to overcome limitations, suffering, uncertainty and the possibility of hope.

The Poem 

Man is coming out of the mountains

But his tail is caught in the pass.

Why does he not free himself

Is he not an ass?

Do not be impatient with him

He is bowed with passion and fret

He is not out of the mountains

He is not half out yet.

Look at his sorrowful eyes

His torn cheeks, his brow

He lies with his head in the dust.

Is there no one to help him now?

No, there is no one to help him

Let him get on with it

Cry the ancient enemies of man

As they cough and spit.

The enemies of man are like trees

They stand with the sun in the branches

Is there no one to help my creature

Where he languishes?

Ah, the delicate creature

He lies with his head in the rubble

Pray that the moment pass

And the trouble.

Look, he moves, that is more than a prayer,

But he is so slow

Will he come out of the mountains?

It is touch and go.

Themes in the poem 

Human suffering and vulnerability: The man's painful condition reveals the suffering that can accompany change. His physical difficulties make him appear helpless and vulnerable. Through this portrayal, the poet encourages readers to consider the challenges people face when attempting to improve their circumstances.

Uncertainty and doubt: The poem presents progress as uncertain. Although the man is trying to escape, there is no guarantee that he will succeed. This uncertainty reflects the unpredictability of life and the difficulties involved in achieving important goals.

Perseverance and hope: Despite his difficulties, the man continues his struggle. His determination suggests that progress remains possible, even when the journey is painful or slow. The poem therefore encourages readers to consider the importance of persistence in difficult situations.

Indifference and lack of compassion: The man's enemies observe his suffering without helping him. Their behaviour suggests that people may sometimes be indifferent to the difficulties experienced by others. This theme draws attention to the importance of compassion and support.

Narrative Techniques

Narrative techniques are the methods a writer uses to tell a story and present events to readers.

Allegory: The poem uses allegory to communicate ideas about humanity. The man's struggle to escape from the mountains can be interpreted as humanity's attempt to overcome primitive instincts and achieve civilisation. The physical journey therefore represents a deeper struggle for development and progress.

Third-person narration: The story is presented through a narrator who describes the man and his situation. This allows readers to observe the character's difficulties and understand the circumstances surrounding his struggle.

Characterisation: Stevie Smith develops the man's character through descriptions of his physical condition and emotional state. His suffering and determination make him appear vulnerable but persistent. This encourages readers to sympathise with his situation.

Setting: The mountains, rocks, dust and rubble create an atmosphere of difficulty and confinement. The setting reinforces the idea that the man's journey towards freedom is challenging.

Dialogue and direct address: The speaker uses questions and addresses the audience in ways that encourage readers to think about the man's situation. These techniques make the narrative more engaging and emphasise the uncertainty surrounding his fate.

Suspense: The poet creates suspense by leaving readers uncertain about whether the man will escape. This uncertainty supports the meaning of the title and maintains interest in the outcome of the narrative.

Poetic Devices 

Symbolism: The man's trapped tail is an important symbol. It may represent humanity's primitive instincts or animal nature, which prevents it from moving forward. The mountains can also symbolise obstacles that stand in the way of progress.

Metaphor: The man's journey out of the mountains can be interpreted metaphorically as humanity's journey towards civilisation. His physical struggle represents the difficulties involved in personal and social development.

Imagery: The poet uses visual descriptions of the man's condition and surroundings to help readers imagine his suffering. Images of rocks, dust and rubble emphasise the harshness of the environment and the difficulty of his escape.

Repetition: The repeated expression “out of the mountains” emphasises the man's desire to escape. It also reinforces the idea that leaving his difficult circumstances is a slow and challenging process.

Rhetorical questions: Questions about the man's situation encourage readers to reflect on whether he will succeed and whether anyone will help him. They communicate uncertainty and create suspense.

Irony: The image of a man with a tail is unusual because tails are generally associated with animals. This unusual representation creates an ironic effect while supporting the poem's exploration of humanity's primitive nature.

Rhyme: The poem uses rhyme to create a sense of organisation and musicality. Its generally alternating rhyme pattern in the quatrains contributes to its narrative quality.

Rhythm: The rhythm is not entirely regular. Its variations can be interpreted as reflecting the difficulty and uncertainty of the man's progress.

Enjambment: Where a sentence continues from one line to the next without a full pause, enjambment helps the narrative flow and connects ideas across lines.

Structure: The poem is organised into seven quatrains, which are stanzas of four lines each. This structure gives the narrative a clear organisation.

Rhyme scheme: The poem generally follows an ABCB rhyme scheme in its four-line stanzas. This contributes to its musical quality and narrative movement.

Rhythm: The variations in rhythm reflect the difficulty and uncertainty associated with the man's struggle.

Tone: The tone can be interpreted as sympathetic, anxious and at times darkly humorous. The poet presents the man's suffering while also using an unusual image to communicate ideas about human nature.

Ending: The expression “It is touch and go” reinforces the uncertainty of the outcome. It leaves readers considering whether the man will succeed or remain trapped in his difficult situation