Q- How does Ted Hughes use structure, imagery, and diction to make ‘The Thought Fox’ a

memorable poem?

INTRODUCTION

● Background- The Thought fox was written by Ted Hughes in 1956 while he was
studying at Cambridge University. The poem is inspired by Hughes’s totemic animal - a
fox. He had a vision of the fox that warned him to save his creative spirit.

● Thesis statement topics (3 topics of each of the three paragraphs)-

1) Structure

2) Imagery

3) Diction

● Thesis Statement- The innovative structure, the strong imagery, and the meticulous
diction of the poem make it memorable.

● Question Keyword synonyms- indelible, unforgettable, lasting, imperishable,

unfading, ineffaceable, indestructible, remarkable, impressive, outstanding.

PARAGRAPH 1

Topic sentence – The insightful title, the uneven rhyme scheme, and repetition make the
poem unforgettable.
1) Point – Title
Evidence + Explanation:
 The use of the article “The” focuses on just one entity.
 The word ‘thought’ stops the reader from thinking that this fox is an ordinary one.
 The word “Thought” gives a vague hint that there might be a relation with ideas or
imagination.
Analysis:
Hughes creates mystery/suspense in the reader’s mind about the subject of the poem.

2) Point- Uneven Rhyme scheme

Evidence + Explanation:
 There is no definite rhyme scheme. However, there are several end rhymes and
internal rhymes.
End rhymes:
  Lines 7 and 8 end with “darkness” and “loneliness” respectively
 Lines 13 and 15 end with “snow” and “hollow”
Internal rhymes:
 Line 18 – “widening deepening.”
 Line 19 – “brilliantly concentratedly.”

Analysis:
The poet mimics the unpredictability of the fox’s movement and the flow of creativity in the
poem’s uneven rhyme scheme. The rhyme scheme is unpredictable as well.
3) Point- Repetition
Evidence + Explanation:

 “The window”, “the clock ticks”, “the page”- Repetition of the article “the”
emphasizes that these three items are the only real things in the poem. The same
things are mentioned at the start of the poem.
 “And again now, and now, and now.” –Repetition of “now” mimics the rhythm
of the speaker writing in the real world and the more fluid movement of the fox in
the imagined world.

Analysis- The repetition by Hughes lays emphasis on the integral steps of creation.

Closing Statement:
The structure of the poem makes it an impressive one.

PARAGRAPH 2

Topic sentence – The vivid use of imagery leaves an imperishable mark on the reader.

1) Point- Imagery
Evidence + Explanation:
 “…delicately as the dark snow /A fox’s nose touches twig, leaf;” – Poet
draws a vivid image of a wary fox, cautiously moving through this forest
borne out of the poet’s imagination. In the real world, it is a metaphor for the
first few thoughts emerging gradually in the poet’s mind.
  “Shadow lags by a stump”- The image of the metaphorical fox struggling
to come out of the shadows is compared to the speaker’s thought that is
unable to gain clarity.
 “Across clearings, an eye, /A widening deepening greenness”- Soon, the
poet reveals an image of the fox’s eye in a wide-open field amidst the dense
trees. First glimpse of the fox. Metaphorically links to the clarity of the
thought process after a long struggle.

Analysis:
o The vivid images created in the poem, draws the readers into the
metaphorical forest world of the speaker.
o The struggle of the poet is felt by the reader clearly through the images.

Closing Statement:
The ingenious structure of the poem has a lasting effect on the readers.

PARAGRAPH 3

Topic sentence- The deliberate diction of the poem leaves an indelible impression on the
readers.
1) Point- Opening line of the poem
Evidence + Explanation:
 “I imagine this midnight moment’s forest:”- “I imagine”- immediately lets the
reader know that the poem is in first person narrative and the poem is going to be
about something related to the writer. Also, the writer reveals in the very
beginning that he imagines “this midnight moment’s forest”, which is crucial in
understanding the metaphorical quality of the poem. The forest and everything in
it are unreal. The poem opens in darkness which symbolizes the inactivity of
imagination before the creative process begins.

 “A widening deepening greenness”- The lengthening of the diction by using

assonance slows down the reader and brings focus to the “two eyes” of the fox
 that vaguely “serve a movement” in the previous stanza. The eyes are now close
to the poet and are crystal clear- they are wide, deep, and green. Through the
phrase, the reader also is able to sense the closeness of the fox. Furthermore, the
reader can also feel that the creative breakthrough of the writer is very close.

Analysis: The transition of the poet’s mind being in absolute darkness to being clearly
able to discern ideas is understood clearly by the reader due to the poet’s careful choice
of words.

Closing Statement:
The well-thought-out diction makes the poem outstanding.

CONCLUSION

A careful reading of the poem reveals that the structure, the imagery, and the diction of
the poem make it memorable.