# The Old Snake Fence explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by James McIntyre.

## What happens

This poem reflects on the early pioneer's use of the zigzag snake fence, praising its utility and simplicity while acknowledging its eventual replacement by more efficient fencing methods.

## Themes in this chapter

### Pioneer and Settler Struggles

The poem details the pioneer's labor in clearing land and building fences, emphasizing the challenges and resourcefulness of early settlers.

### Progress and Technology

Contrasts the old snake fence with modern wire and board fences, illustrating technological advancement and changing agricultural practices.

## Character check-ins

### James McIntyre

Author of the poem, reflecting on pioneer life and the old snake fence.

## Key lines

> In early times the pioneer When a few acres he did clear, He found an ample recompense For splitting rails and making fence.

In the early days, a pioneer who cleared a few acres was well rewarded for the work of splitting rails and building fences.

_Highlights the pioneer's reward for labor in land clearing._

> And though the old snake fence must fall, ’Twas easy made, axe, wedge and maul, Were all the tools the pioneer Required the old rail fence to rear.

Although the old snake fence is now obsolete, it was simple to build using only an axe, wedge, and maul.

_Emphasizes the simplicity and eventual obsolescence of the snake fence._

> But old style fence doth waste much land, Where weeds do grow and bush expand, And thistle down doth blow from thence, So folks build wire and the board fence.

The old fence wasted land, allowing weeds and bushes to grow and thistles to spread, so people now build wire and board fences instead.

_Explains the practical reasons for replacing snake fences with more efficient designs._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se/chapters/the-old-snake-fence
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se/chapters