Analysis Poem in New Romanticism Era for British Literature

When Winchester races by Jane Austen

When Winchester races first took their beginning
It is said the good people forgot their old Saint
Not applying at all for the leave of Saint Swithin
And that William of Wykeham's approval was faint.

The races however were fixed and determined
The company came and the Weather was charming
The Lords and the Ladies were satine'd and ermined
And nobody saw any future alarming.---

But when the old Saint was informed of these doings
He made but one Spring from his Shrine to the Roof
Of the Palace which now lies so sadly in ruins
And then he addressed them all standing aloof.

'Oh! subjects rebellious! Oh Venta depraved **
When once we are buried you think we are gone
But behold me immortal! By vice you're enslaved
You have sinned and must suffer, ten farther he said

These races and revels and dissolute measures
With which you're debasing a neighboring Plain
Let them stand---You shall meet with your curse in your pleasures
Set off for your course, I'll pursue with my rain.

Ye cannot but know my command o'er July
Henceforward I'll triumph in shewing my powers
Shift your race as you will it shall never be dry
The curse upon Venta is July in showers---'.

 Overview of "When Winchester Races" by Jane Austen

Background
- Written shortly before Jane Austen's death, this poem reflects her observations of the Winchester Races and the associated social behaviors.
- The poem is a commentary on the town's neglect of St. Swithin, a local saint, and critiques the revelry surrounding the races.

Poem Structure and Content
- Opening Lines: Introduces the races and the townspeople's forgetfulness regarding St. Swithin's approval.
- St. Swithin's Wrath: The saint expresses his discontent with the townsfolk's behavior, suggesting that their indulgence will lead to consequences.
- Imagery of Punishment: The poem employs vivid imagery of rain as a divine punishment for moral failings.

 Historical Context
- St. Swithin's Day (July 15): Traditionally believed that the weather on this day predicts rainfall for the next forty days.
- **Winchester Races**: A significant social event attracting diverse participants, including fashionable attendees from London and Bath.

Themes and Analysis
- Critique of Social Morality: Austen uses humor to highlight the moral decay she perceives in her society.
- Symbolism of Rain Represents divine retribution and serves as a metaphor for cleansing societal sins.
- Historical Figures:
  - William of Wykeham: A 14th-century bishop whose faint approval signifies a disconnect between tradition and contemporary behavior.

 Literary Techniques
- Irony and Humor: Austen's use of irony adds depth to her critique, making her observations both entertaining and thought-provoking.
- Personification of St. Swithin: The saint's character embodies moral authority, emphasizing the consequences of societal neglect.

 Cultural Significance
- Social Commentary: Reflects Austen's views on the role of women and societal expectations during her time.
- Legacy and Reception: Although suppressed by her family posthumously, the poem has gained recognition for its insights into Austen's thoughts on morality and society.

Conclusion
"When Winchester Races" serves as a poignant reflection on societal behaviors through the lens of humor and moral critique. It encapsulates Jane Austen's enduring legacy as a writer who adeptly navigated themes of social commentary, tradition, and personal conviction in her work.