Notes

=**"The Owl" with Annotations**=

**"and yet"** These words add a rhythm to the first stanza of the poem that, like Thomas' poetry in general, is more conversional. When compared to the last stanza these words seem contain an element of sadness. The narrator still has warmth and energy in him, others might not.

**"Knowing how cold, hungry, and tired was I"** At this point the narrator is only worried about survival - finding food and shelter.

**"All of the night was quite barred out except**  **An owl's cry, a most melancholy cry"** It seems as if the narrator has been saved. His environment is inside the inn now. But, it is this ominous noise from outside that wakes him out of the comfort he has sought from the night.

**"Salted was my food, and my repose,**  **Salted and sobered, too, by the bird's voice"** The narrator is quieted. He is lucky, but there is no reason to be joyful, for he is reminded of others who could not make it out of the night.

**"Soldiers and poor, unable to rejoice"** This is the only time in the poem where the word 'soldier' is used, which, as the last line, seems to emphasize the reality of war that the narrator has realized.

**References**

Thomas, Edward. "The Owl". __The Norton Anthology of English Literature Eighth Edition Volume 2__. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc,, 2006. 1957-1958.

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