The Touchstone

By William Allingham

Narrative Poem
A man there came, whence none could tell, Bearing a Touchstone in his hand; And tested all things in the land By its unerring spell. Quick birth of transmutation smote The fair to foul, the foul to fair; Purple nor ermine did he spare, Nor scorn the dusty coat. Of heirloom jewels, prized so much, Were many changed to chips and clods, And even statues of the Gods Crumbled beneath its touch. Then angrily the people cried, 'The loss outweighs the profit far; Our goods suffice us as they are We will not have then tried.' And since they could not so prevail To check this unrelenting guest, They seized him, saying - 'Let him test How real it is, our jail!' But, though they slew him with the sword, And in a fire his Touchstone burn'd, Its doings could not be o'erturned, Its undoings restored. And when to stop all future harm, They strew'd its ashes on the breeze; They little guess'd each grain of these Convey'd the perfect charm. North, south, in rings and amulets, Throughout the crowded world 'tis borne; Which, as a fashion long outworn, In ancient mind forgets.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem operates in the realm of allegory, using a journeying man with a transformative touchstone as its central metaphor. The man, a symbolic figure, seems to represent a force of change and judgement, perhaps an embodiment of truth or a radical new perspective. The touchstone he carries, a symbol for a test of authenticity, has the power to transmutate all it touches, revealing the true nature of things and people, often to their dismay. This is a critique of appearances, social status, and the value placed on material possessions, as the touchstone reduces even "heirloom jewels" to "chips and clods".

The poem's tone is reflective and a little ominous, infusing the narrative with a sense of inevitability. Despite the people's resistance to change and their attempts to destroy the touchstone, its influence spreads, suggesting that truth and authentic evaluation cannot be suppressed. Structurally, the poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme and meter, establishing a rhythmic flow that contributes to the sense of an unalterable course of events. The use of imagery is particularly effective, especially in the final lines where the ashes of the touchstone are scattered to the wind, dispersing its transformative power across the world. This imagery underscores the poem's theme of the pervasive and enduring nature of truth.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.