Comment closely on Stevenson’s presentation of the natural world in one poem from Granny Scarecrow and say how far this poem is characteristic of Stevenson’s style and concerns in the collection

The speaker, presumably Stevenson herself, suggests the importance of nature as a place of home. In the second stanza, the speaker describes the Wrekin as the “homely shape” of a “shell”, suggesting a protective and unwavering aspect of nature, emphasising the way in which the speaker feels a sense of belonging when they see the hill; however, a closer look may argue it is not belonging, but rather a sense of familiarity alongside a fear of the unknown which keeps the speaker connected to the natural world around them. The use of natal imagery places emphasis on the role of nature as a place of familiarity and belonging, the “womb” of the Wrekin, while not only showing the natural word as a place of growth and cultivation, also shows the speakers connection to the hill. Furthermore, not only is nature seen as a place of beginning, but also of continuation and development. The speaker’s reference to the “vertebrae” suggests how nature has become intertwined with her livelihood, providing the constant support of her emotions; much like a backbone provides support to the body. However, Stevenson juxtaposes this imagery, by suggesting more sinister themes of “barrow” and “blood”; which contrasts the descriptions of birth and growth in the poem. However; there still remains constants in the poem, such as the title, despite this, representing the unchanging form of nature despite the cycle of life.