The Well of St. Keyne

Robert Southey's The Well of St. Keyne

Introduction

Robert Southey's "The Well of St. Keyne" is a masterful example of the Romantic ballad, weaving together elements of folklore, social commentary, and subtle humor to create a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. This poem, published in 1798, exemplifies Southey's fascination with local legends and his ability to transform them into works of literary merit. Through a close analysis of the poem's structure, language, and thematic content, we can uncover the layers of meaning embedded within this seemingly simple tale.

Historical and Cultural Context

To fully appreciate "The Well of St. Keyne," one must first understand its historical and cultural context. The poem is based on a real well located in Cornwall, England, which was associated with Saint Keyne, a 5th-century Welsh princess who became a nun. According to legend, whichever spouse in a married couple drank from the well first would gain dominance in their marriage. Southey, known for his interest in folklore and local traditions, likely encountered this legend during his travels in the West Country.

The late 18th century, when Southey wrote this poem, was a period of significant social change in England. The Industrial Revolution was underway, traditional social structures were being challenged, and there was a growing interest in preserving and celebrating local customs and folklore. This poem can be seen as part of the broader Romantic movement's fascination with the pastoral and the mythic, as well as its critique of modern society.

Structure and Form

Southey employs a ballad form for "The Well of St. Keyne," a choice that aligns the poem with oral traditions and folk tales. The poem consists of fourteen quatrains, each following an ABAB rhyme scheme. This regular structure gives the poem a rhythmic, song-like quality that would have made it easy to memorize and recite—a nod to the oral tradition from which the legend originates.

The meter alternates between iambic tetrameter and iambic trimeter, creating a lilting cadence that mirrors the ebb and flow of conversation. This metrical choice is particularly effective in the dialogue sections, where it lends a natural, speech-like quality to the exchanges between the traveler and the local man.

Narrative Technique

Southey's narrative technique in this poem is particularly noteworthy. He begins with a third-person omniscient narrator who sets the scene and introduces the well's reputation. This opening establishes a sense of timelessness and universality:

"A Well there is in the west country, And a clearer one never was seen; There is not a wife in the west country But has heard of the Well of St. Keyne."

The narrator then focuses on a specific incident, introducing a traveler who arrives at the well. This shift from the general to the particular draws the reader into the story, creating a sense of immediacy and personal involvement.

The bulk of the poem is then presented as a dialogue between the traveler and a local man. This conversational structure allows Southey to reveal the legend of the well organically, through the voice of a character rather than through direct exposition. It also creates dramatic irony, as the reader becomes aware of the well's significance before the traveler does.

Symbolism and Imagery

The poem is rich in symbolism and imagery, beginning with the description of the well itself. The trees surrounding the well—oak, elm, ash, and willow—are all trees with significant symbolic meanings in British folklore. The oak and ash, in particular, are often associated with wisdom and magical properties. The willow, "drooping to the water below," creates a sense of mystery and enclosure, as if the well is a secret, sacred space.

The water of the well is described as "cool and clear," symbolizing purity and truth. However, this purity is complicated by the magical properties attributed to the water, suggesting that appearances can be deceiving and that power often lies hidden beneath a placid surface.

Themes and Interpretation

At its core, "The Well of St. Keyne" explores themes of marriage, power dynamics, and gender roles. The legend of the well presents a simplistic view of marital relationships as a struggle for dominance, reflecting societal attitudes of the time. However, Southey's treatment of this theme is nuanced and somewhat subversive.

The poem can be read as a critique of the notion that marital happiness is achieved through dominance. The traveler's initial reaction to learning of the well's properties is confusion rather than excitement, suggesting a more egalitarian view of marriage:

"But that my draught should be the better for that, I pray you answer me why?"

Furthermore, the twist ending, in which it is revealed that the local man's wife outsmarted him by taking a bottle of the water to church, subverts the expected power dynamic. This clever woman, though never directly present in the poem, becomes its most powerful and memorable character.

Language and Tone

Southey's use of language in the poem is deceptively simple. The vocabulary is largely straightforward, reflecting the poem's roots in folk tradition. However, there are moments of lyrical beauty, particularly in the descriptive passages:

"For from the cock-crow he had been travelling, And there was not a cloud in the sky."

The tone of the poem shifts subtly throughout. It begins with a sense of wonder and mystery, transitions into a more instructive tone as the legend is explained, and ends with gentle humor. This tonal variety keeps the reader engaged and reflects the complexity of the themes being explored.

Conclusion

"The Well of St. Keyne" stands as a testament to Robert Southey's skill as a poet and his deep engagement with folk traditions. Through its careful structure, vivid imagery, and nuanced exploration of marital dynamics, the poem transcends its simple narrative to offer a complex meditation on relationships, power, and the enduring nature of local legends.

The poem's enduring appeal lies in its ability to blend the mythic with the everyday, the serious with the humorous. It invites multiple readings and interpretations, rewarding close analysis with layers of meaning. As a work of Romantic literature, it exemplifies the movement's interest in folk traditions and its ability to use these traditions as a lens through which to examine contemporary society.

In the end, "The Well of St. Keyne" is more than just a retelling of a quaint local legend. It is a sophisticated literary work that uses the framework of folklore to explore timeless questions about human relationships and the nature of power. Southey's poem continues to resonate with readers, offering insights into both the cultural context of its creation and the universal aspects of human experience that it explores.