in the poem the tortoise in eternity,what does the poet refer to writing patterned horn?
Seems to me like the shell. It's of the same material as horns, and has a pattern. The shell functions as a house.
Take a look at the pictures of tortoises and tell us what you think.
http://www.google.com/search?q=tortoise+horn&hl=en&biw=711&bih=453&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=qBCOTsnFBeajsQK6we2HAQ&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&sqi=2&ved=0CBQQ_AUoAQ#hl=en&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=tortoise+&pbx=1&oq=tortoise+&aq=f&aqi=g1g-s1g8&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=4312l4312l0l7743l1l1l0l0l0l0l139l139l0.1l1l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=5541c72b049e9a81&biw=711&bih=453
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-tortoise-in-eternity/
In the poem "The Tortoise in Eternity," the poet refers to the "writing patterned horn" as a metaphor for the tortoise shell. The line states, "And, inside each patterned horn carved by its Maker's own hand, / He records dearest memories and ruminations of the land."
Here, the poet imagines that the tortoise shell is like a book or a recording device, where the tortoise retains and carries its most cherished memories and reflections. The idea of a "writing patterned horn" signifies the intricate and unique markings found on the tortoise shell, which resemble patterns or writing. It implies that these patterns on the tortoise's shell represent a record of its experiences and contemplations throughout its long life in eternity.
To understand what the poet is referring to in the line "writing patterned horn" in the poem "The Tortoise in Eternity," we need to analyze the context and language used in the poem.
First, let's take a look at the entire stanza where this line appears:
"The Tortoise, pacing patiently his cell,
Or with dull stone exploring every field,
Essays at length his limbs; and, backward reel'd
In deep quadrille cut with a strange new cursive;
Writing patterned horn as he'd a fell
Plume of flame trailing from his mandible."
Based on this stanza, we can interpret that the poet is describing the actions of a tortoise. The tortoise is depicted as being confined (pacing in his cell), yet still engaged in exploration and movement (exploring every field). Then, the line in question appears: "Writing patterned horn as he'd a fell plume of flame trailing from his mandible."
In this context, the phrase "writing patterned horn" is metaphorical rather than literal. The poet is using figurative language to compare the movements or actions of the tortoise to writing or creating patterns. The word "horn" refers to the shell of the tortoise, which has a hard and patterned surface. It is not related to the animal's actual horns as tortoises do not have horns.
Therefore, the poet suggests that the tortoise's movements, as it explores its environment, create intricate and repetitive patterns, which resemble writing or the strokes of a pen on paper. This imagery emphasizes the careful and deliberate nature of the tortoise's actions, as well as the idea of the tortoise leaving a lasting trace or mark on its surroundings.
In summary, the line "writing patterned horn" in the poem "The Tortoise in Eternity" uses metaphorical language to describe the delicate and repetitive movements of the tortoise, comparing them to the act of writing or creating patterns.