Comparing ‘Slough’ with ‘Belfast Confetti’
‘Belfast Confetti’ is questioning violence with many rhetorical questions, whereas ‘Slough’ is calling for violence to level the city. “Why can’t I escape?” he doesn’t want to be a part of this action, “come friendly bombs, and blow to smithereens.”
He wants rid of Slough. Despite this both poets love their countries fiercely- John Betjeman wants to protect the country from unwelcome change like the staleness of Slough. Ciaran Carson has written many poems about troubles in Belfast. His tone on these topics is always of anger, disbelief and regret.
In ‘Slough’ the writer instantly establishes that he despises what Slough has become. “Come friendly bombs”, he would be grateful for Slough to be destroyed. Like the bombs would be doing him a favour. At the end of the poem it is clear that he still holds the same views, “The earth exhales.” The world is rid of the parasite that dogs it at the heels. The phrase “friendly bombs” is an oxymoron. Bombs are tools of destruction and thus not friendly. Betjeman likes rural aspects; there is a lack of nature in Slough. Everything is manufactured and tinned, even the minds and breath of the inhabitants. Betjeman criticises people like landlords and factory owners, stereotypical capitalist. He dislikes these pigs because they are evil, they “wash… in women’s tears” and “always cheat and always win.” He has sympathy for the pawns of these villains. Since it isn’t their fault. He has sympathy for these people but doesn’t like them. He says that it isn’t their fault but has a bitter tone describing what they do, “but belch instead.”
