Darkness
The dark is a key motif within many of Hughes' poems; however, it is particularly obvious in 'The Thought-Fox.' As this poem uses the fox as a symbol representing the thoughts and ideas of the speaker and the process of deciphering and recording them, the darkness represents the struggles of writer's block, of thinking deeply and of being lost in the darkness of one's own mind, without illuaniation by inspiration. However, the darkness also contrasts with the light of creativity and productivity, which is shown in that the page is finally printed. A fox seems to thrive in the darkness, which perhaps is a message telling the reader to persevere, as the greatest writing or ideas comes in a moment, when the mind is not busy with many things, but silently focused in the dead of night. The line, 'Something more near / Though deeper within darkness / Is entering the loneliness,' associates darkness with isolation, which plays into the character of the fox as a relatively solitary animal. The writer is seen to follow the same path, being secluded from the world and working at night, in order to focus and produce their best work. The simile, 'delicately as the dark snow,' brings a sense of impurity surrounding the fox's touch, perhaps symbolising the blots of ink on the printed page, as something beautiful, but yet potentially ignited by its curiosity whilst on a lonely path. Finally, the phrase, 'It enters the dark hole of the head,' emphasised by alliteration, shows the potential of a mind free o cluttered thoughts to be enlightened by what is truly significant and creative.
The Moon
The image and character of the moon is a poignant and important motif in numerous poems by Hughes, particularly in those that have a title depicting its significance in the poem, such as 'Earth-Moon,' 'Full Moon and Little Frieda, and 'The Harvest Moon.' In the poem, 'The Harvest Moon,' the very words of this title are repeated throughout the poem, along with many words which internally rhyme with 'moon,' such as 'doubloon,' and 'bassoon.' This creates a focus on the moon itself as the subject of the poem. It isn't just any moon though, as its appearance around harvest time symbolises prosperity and fertility of the land, as the harvest will soon be gathered. The free, natural spectacle strikes an awe in the people, but also has a religious reminder attached, being a reminder of the harvest and the blessing and provision of God.
In 'Earth-Moon,' the moon also symbolises a relationship between the earth and the heavens above, however, not in the same way that the harvest moon connects humans and nature through the celebration of the harvest. In this instance, although the moon is spectacularly presented, it is the 'person,' that attacks and deflates the moon that is of equal importance. The moon symbolises part of the earth's need to be connected with nature, as when it loses its shape, identity and purpose, the night sky loses its main feature also. Whilst the person appears to be rewarded with a trophy, there is a stale tone to the ending of this poem, as if this victory is bitter-sweet and cruel, which reveals the importance of respecting nature.
The presentation of the moon in 'Full Moon and Little Frieda,' is slightly different than in these other two poems, as the focus on the moon only really comes at the end of the poem, when frieda apparently notices it, and the speaker relays the relationship between the moon and a human-being. This is, however, a motif that represents further the relatonship between the people of the earth and the nature of the sky. As, 'The moon stepped back like an artist gazing amazed at a work / That points at him amazed,' relayed in a simile, the awe of 'Little Frieda,' is mirrored in the awe of the moon at the sight of her. This emphasises the importance, significance and magnificance of God's creation. It includes both the natural elements and human elements, revealing the need to appreciate and respect both aspects of creation.
The Creation Story
In the poem, 'Theology,' the allegory of the Creation story is used to present the hypocrisy and manipulation of the truth that can be present when a theological discussion moves away from the Biblical text. The idea od, 'Corruption of the facts,' is ironic, as the following statements are indeed just that, twisting the Bible's meaning and sometimes even adding bits to it. The Creation story as an allegory in this poem represents the sinfulness of man, even when they are judged or thoght of as "relgious" or Christian. This blatant sin and manipulation of this famous Biblical example is both dangerous and wrong, as it could potentially affect church teachings or the understanding of others when reading the Bible. This message is pointed out through this allegory by the satirical tone.
Cows
The cow seems a strange animal to pick as a motif, but it is a symbol presented throghout many of Hughes' poems, becoming a motif in itself. In 'The Harvest Moon,' it speaks of, 'all the moonlit cows,' and in 'Full Moon and Little Frieda,' the reader sees the, 'cows are going home in the lane there,' and actually feels their breath as they pass the hedgerows. This woud indicate an association of the cow with normality, with a tranquility of night, and with a reflection on the comfort and steady nature of the moon. A cow is an everyday animal, mundane and irrelevant in the lives of most, as they pass by fields full of them However, this is symbolic in Hughes' poems, giving a universal or generic outlook in these particular poems. It is normal life being described, not fantasy of mythical proportions, but reality. In 'Pied Beauty' the 'skies [are] of couple-colour as a brinded cow,' which presents the wonders of the sky in parallel with the mundane image of a cow. This actually puts the cow in a different lens, making it appear more beautiful thn before, being intricately designed and painted. Therefore, the symbol of the cow also highlights the great beauty and special aspects of nature that God has presented on earth.
The Swallow
In Hughes' poem, 'Work and Play,' the swallow as a motif is presented in each stanza, giving an element of grace to each one. Interestingly, the swallow, although on one hand representng the beauty of nature, and contrasting with the horrid effects of different human aspects on the lives of nature, is also a symbol of hard work and the worth of toil and dedication to a task.
The beautiful descriptions of the swallow and her work, as well as the feminization of this creature create an elegant picture of nature and birds in particular. Her elegance is juxtaposed against the harsh reality of humanity's laziness: driving crs that poison the world around them and plaing man-made, artificial objects to obscure and hassle the work of the swallow, which is natural and diligent.
The life of the swallow seems so much more appealing than the descriptions of the people at their "play," perhaps on their day off or during the holidays. The swallow is a symbol of joy within work, and that paly and work can be intertwined. It is also a motif that makes the reader aware of the effects of their own lives and activities on nature.
