作者: Norman Gale

John Clare (1793–1864) was an English poet, born into rural poverty in the small village of Helpston, Northamptonshire. Known for his celebratory representations of the English countryside and his lamentation of its disruption, Clare”s poetry is infused with a keen observation of nature and a profound empathy for the physical landscape and its inhabitants. His reputation is founded largely upon his talent for detailing the intricacies of rural life and natural history, often in a strikingly personal manner. Although he published several volumes, including “Poems Descriptive of Rural Life and Scenery” (1820), “The Rural Muse” (1835), and other collections simply titled “Poems”, his work did not bring him financial success, and he spent the latter half of his life in an asylum. Despite this, Clare”s work has continued to be celebrated for its honest portrayal of the changes in the English countryside due to enclosure and industrialization. He is often referred to as the “Peasant Poet” for his background and his intimate connection to the land. Clare”s poetry is characterized by its detailed observation, emotive force, and natural vernacular. His works, once underrated, have gained prominence and are considered pivotal in the Romantic movement, influencing later naturalist writers and poets.