R.A.K. Mason's Universality

Abstract

Mason is writing about the plight of man, trapped in a hostile place, i.e. our planet, which, in the space of the universe as a whole, is 'fixed at the friendless outer edge'. Even if perhaps a poet in an isolated country might see our earthly existence more readily in these terms than someone in, say, London, the fact remains that Mason does not draw attention to the origin of his feeling as inspired by his country, and that he produces a statement couched in general terms, as though it has universal applicability.