Country Life in the Poetry of John Clare

"Country Life in the Poetry of John Clare" by Mildred M. Coen, is a study that shows how life in the countryside and John Clare's simple beginnings come together in his poems. The work looks at Clare's life story with the big money and societal shifts happening in England, especially how farming changed things for poor people. The study has three parts: the money situation back then, Clare's own life story, and a look at what his poems talk about. His poems are sorted into love, nature, and society, each showing the feelings and beauty of country living, even though Clare had a tough life. Coen points out that Clare's poems aim to show the beauty and softness in tough country life, with nature and love offering comfort during poverty and social problems instead of trying to push an agenda. Through close looks at Clare's poetry, Coen uncovers the many poetic observations of Clare's life and feelings as a country worker, creating a detailed picture of country life during changing times.