Poetry

Rain

Summary of the poem:

• The poem 'Rain' by Don Paterson celebrates scenes in films that involve rain. It explores the connection between the cinematic depiction of rain and its significance in human life.
• The poem begins with a declaration of love for films that start with rain and how this sets the mood for the entire film.
• Rain in the poem represents a cleansing and purifying force, providing a fresh start and washing away the past.
• The poem delves into themes of illusion versus reality and the concept of fate and humanity, suggesting that in the world of cinema, one can maintain innocence and suspend disbelief, while in real life, one cannot escape the consequences of one's actions.

The inspiration for the poem:

• The poem draws inspiration from the cinematic portrayal of rain, using it as a metaphor to explore deeper themes related to human nature and the contrast between filmic illusion and real life.

The form of the poem:

• The poem follows a structured AABB rhyme scheme and employs an iambic tetrameter rhythm, giving it a lyrical quality.
• Repetition and parallel structures are used throughout the poem to mimic the rhythm of falling rain, creating a sense of fluidity and continuity.
• Italics are used to emphasise the shift from the illusory world of cinema to a more profound, almost religious voice towards the end.

Explanation of each stanza

The poem begins with a positive declaration, linking rain in films to universal, emotionally impactful rain.

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Poetry

Stanzas 1 and 2

The poem starts with a list of scenes involving rain, setting an atmosphere of anticipation. Paterson uses vivid imagery, such as "rain braiding a windowpane" and "darkening a hung-out dress," to create visual impact. The rain symbolises both atmosphere and potential sin. The mention of "one big thunderous downpour" hints at biblical allusions, emphasising the time "before the act" when humankind was innocent.

Stanzas 3 and 4

These stanzas describe moments in the film that signal loss and unhappiness, like the woman sitting alone and the silent telephone. The "ruined" dress and the girl walking off the overpass evoke a sense of soiled purity. The idea of a "fatal watercourse" suggests both fate and mortality, emphasising the contrast between the film's illusion of innocence and the reality of human imperfection.

Stanzas 5 and 6

These stanzas introduce reality, where actors' accents betray their origins, and the "boom" on a film set recalls the earlier "thunderous downpour." The idea of people following preplanned scripts or roles suggests that life is predetermined. The mention of "a starlit gutter" alludes to both beginnings and endings, emphasising the fallen nature of humanity. The "neon drugstore sign" symbolises the ordinary versus extraordinary theme present in the poem.

The Final Stanza

Written in italics, this stanza commands the reader to "forget the ink, the milk, the blood." These substances represent creation, nurture, and inheritance. The idea of cleansing through a flood, echoing the biblical flood, conveys a sense of renewal. However, the final line, "none of this, none of this matters," presents a nihilistic attitude, suggesting that despite the potential for renewal, human flaws and failures ultimately don't matter.

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Poetry

Fate and humanity:

• The poem explores the idea that humans are on a "fatal watercourse," suggesting that fate is inherent from the beginning.
• It presents a contrast between the make-believe world of cinema, where characters can rewind to unblemished beginnings, and the reality where there is no going back.

Illusion versus reality:

• The poem uses the world of cinema as a metaphor for illusion and the idea that in films, one can maintain innocence and suspend disbelief.
• It highlights the moments when reality intervenes in cinematic illusions, revealing the true nature of the characters and their actions.

Imagery

Rain braiding a windowpane:

• This image likens raindrops to strands of hair overlapping, creating a vivid and visual metaphor.
• It anticipates the introduction of a female figure in the poem and sets a mood of anticipation.

The dress lying ruined on the grass:

• This image suggests the idea of a ruined Garden of Eden, with the dress symbolising purity besmirched.
• It conveys a sense of loss and the downfall of innocence.

Style techniques

Repetition:

• The poem uses repetition of the word "rain" to emphasise its significance and create a rhythmic effect.
• The repetition of phrases like "before the act" adds depth to the poem's meaning and creates a sense of continuity.

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Poetry

Enjambment:

• Enjambment is used between stanzas to maintain the flow of the poem, enhancing the sense of continuity and pace.
• It connects ideas across stanzas and contributes to the poem's fluid structure.

Language techniques

Metaphor:

• The poem uses rain as a metaphor for cleansing and renewal, both in the context of cinema and life.
• It conveys deeper meanings and symbolism by associating rain with purification.

Biblical references:

• The poem incorporates biblical references, such as "the great flood," adding layers of meaning related to sin, cleansing, and fate.
• These references contribute to the poem's exploration of humanity and redemption.

Personal Response

1. How does the poem's exploration of film and reality make you reflect on the role of escapism in your own life and its impact on your perception of the world?

2. What emotions does the poem's contrast between cinematic idealism and the harshness of reality evoke in you, and how do they relate to your own experiences and beliefs?

3. In what ways does the poem challenge or alter your perspective on the world and the beauty found in everyday moments?