Slessors poetry is distinctive in that it evokes string images by emphasising the mood and the setting of his subjects. He uses poetic devices such as personification, metaphors and sound to highlight his philosophical views on life.
Slessors philosophical view is evident in the poems "North country".
"North Country" demonstrates the lack of concern towards the country land enforced by loggers. It's a discovery of change from a peaceful country environment to the harsh and cruel takeover by technological advances in which nature is destroyed.
"When boughs at last relinquish their clench of blowing air", this demonstrates Slessor's concern for the loss of the trees grip on life and their struggle to remain tall. The trees have been drained of life, and this is due to the lacking care of humans to their own environment. This use of imagery, "last relinquish" adds to the dark, grim, barren tone of the poem which emphasises the destruction undertaken by humans.
Slessor expresses strong views towards the destruction of nature, and portrayed in "North country" he stresses his views on preserving environment and how this has been neglected. He suggests that due to the introduction of technology, humans have become greedy and lost any care or concern towards the environment which may have been implemented in previous society. Not only does he stress the change of values amongst humans, but also how this has impacted on nature and that wildlife has been driven out of its natural habitat and left for dead.
Through Slessors strong images of death, destruction and struggle for life presented in "North Country" with his forceful philosophical views; the great extent of distinctiveness is revealed.
Strong images of country life versus city life are highlighted in the poem "Wild Grapes".
"Wild Grapes" is a negative...