# Lines on Stratford explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by James McIntyre.

## What happens

The poem celebrates the Canadian town of Stratford, Ontario, drawing parallels to Shakespeare's birthplace and naming its wards after his plays, while also highlighting its role as a railway hub that provides employment and prosperity.

## Themes in this chapter

### Local Patriotism and Regional Pride

Pride in Stratford's connection to Shakespeare and its identity as a railway centre.

### Progress and Technology

The railway and railroad shops bring work, wealth, and joy to the community.

## Character check-ins

### Shakespeare

Commemorated as the great bard whose name is enshrined in Stratford and Avon.

## Key lines

> Our Canadian county Perth, Commemorates great bard of earth, Stratford and Avon both are here, And they enshrine the name Shakespeare.

Perth County in Canada honors the famous poet Shakespeare, with the town of Stratford and the Avon River preserving his legacy.

_Highlights the local tribute to Shakespeare._

> And it is a railway centre, Many a train doth here enter, And railroad shops do men employ, And gives them work and wealth and joy.

Stratford is a railway hub where many trains arrive, and its railroad shops provide jobs, bringing prosperity and happiness.

_Emphasizes the economic benefits of the railway._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se/chapters/lines-on-stratford
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se/chapters