The Shepherd Flashcards
what do christinas beleive jesus acts as?
a guide and protector ffor his followers, just as the shephard cares and guides his flock
What does this poem play on imagery with?
The conventional biblical imagery of the ‘good shepherd’
What does the simplicity of the form reflect?
The pastoral subject matter
“For they know when their shepherd is nigh”
Reinforces the idea of a close relationship between the shepherd and sheep
“he hears” repetition
Attentive to needs of flock
- lambs symbolise innocence
- personification enhances pastoal scene and deepens emotional conncetion between shepherd and flock
“While they are in peace”
pastoral imagery”
“Sweet” repetition
emphasises pleasantness of shephers role
“Strays”
idea of fredom
- he can roam where he pleases and is free from trammels of organised city lfie
- however it could mean literal straying as in lost –> other innocence poems present idea of being lsot/stryaing
What is the shepherd an emblem of?
Perfect natrual freedom
What does the shepherd symbolise?
A connection to nature
“He is warchful”
- He is protecting them while they are in a vulnerable state
- the shepherd is like a god/ultimate father figure –> the lamb and the ewe need his protection”
“Follow his sheep all the day”
- unwavering attention
- protection shoing how he is commited to their care
- he spends his entire day to caring for his sheep
