Theme and Summary

  1. Amidst killer speeds I stand
  2. Blow, blow, thou winter wind,
  3. The School Boy
  4. ‘Out, Out‘
  5. I Have Seen Bengal’s Face
  6. Dreams
  7. “Dreams”
  8. The Lake Isle of Innisfree
  9. From September 1, 1939 
  10. The Charge of the Light Brigade
  11. She walks in beauty, like the night
  12. “I Died for Beauty, but was Scarce” 
  13. Time, You Old Gipsy Man
  14. Ode On Solitude
  15. I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud
  16. Under the greenwood tree”
  17. Go and Catch a Falling Star
  18. The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
  19. Leisure
  20. To Daffodils
  21. The Road Not Taken

 

 

  1. Amidst killer speeds I stand

Facing the traffic, stretching my hand.

I am seen on kids’ books and as cartoons everywhere

Educating people and asking them to beware

Of the erratic traffic and the signboards

Seen on almost all the roads.

So that you’re safe I see each one of you

But my sweat, my plight on the road sees who?

Be it sunny or rainy,

For your safety

I must be Vigil and agile, on the middle

Standing erect, as fit as a fiddle.

Oh! My ear hurts!

Oh! My head aches!

Oh! Look at the weather…such unpredictable days!

But I cannot swerve; I must be on duty.

I care for your safety.

Be it noisy or dusty;  

Be it sunny or rainy;

I must be on duty.

I care for your safety

 

Theme: The theme of the poem centers on the dedication and responsibility of a traffic signal or officer in ensuring road safety. It highlights the challenges they face, such as harsh weather and fatigue, while emphasizing their unwavering commitment to protecting pedestrians and drivers. Ultimately, the poem underscores the importance of their role in managing traffic and raising awareness about road safety.

 

Summary: The poem depicts the perspective of a traffic signal or officer who stands in the midst of chaotic traffic, dedicated to ensuring the safety of pedestrians and drivers. The speaker describes their role as a guiding figure, educating people about traffic rules and warning them of dangers on the road. Despite facing challenges like harsh weather, noise, and physical discomfort, the speaker remains vigilant and committed to their duty, emphasizing their responsibility to protect others. The poem ultimately highlights the often-overlooked importance of such figures in maintaining road safety and their selfless dedication to the well-being of the community.

 

 

  1. Blow, blow, thou winter wind,

William Shakespeare

Blow, blow, thou winter wind,

Thou art not so unkind

As man’s ingratitude;

Thy tooth is not so keen,

Because thou art not seen,

Although thy breath be rude.

Heigh-ho! sing heigh-ho! unto the green holly:

Most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly

Then heigh-ho, the holly!

This life is most jolly.

Freeze, freeze, thou bitter sky,

That dost not bite so nigh

As benefits forgot:

Though thou the waters warp,

Thy sting is not so sharp

As friend remembered not.

High-ho! sing heigh-ho! unto the green holly…

 

Theme: It explores the concepts of ingratitude and the harshness of human relationships compared to the cruelty of nature. The speaker suggests that the bitterness of winter pales in comparison to the pain caused by ungratefulness and forgotten friendships. Ultimately, the poem reflects on the superficiality of human connections, highlighting that true friendship is rare and often overshadowed by betrayal and disillusionment.

 

Summary: The speaker addresses the harshness of winter while contrasting it with the ingratitude of humanity. The winter wind, though cold and biting, is portrayed as less cruel than the betrayal and forgetfulness experienced in human relationships. The speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of friendship, suggesting that most bonds are insincere and that love can often be foolish. The repeated refrain to sing to the “green holly” serves as a reminder of the joy found in nature, despite the bitter experiences of life. Ultimately, the poem emphasizes the pain of ungratefulness and the superficiality of many human connections, asserting that the emotional wounds caused by friends who forget us can sting more than the coldest winter.

 

 

  1. The School Boy

by William Blake

I love to rise in a summer morn,

When the birds sing on every tree;

The distant huntsman winds his horn,

And the sky-lark sings with me.

O! what sweet company.

But to go to school in a summer morn,

O! it drives all joy away;

Under a cruel eye outworn.

The little ones spend the day,

In sighing and dismay.

Ah! then at times I drooping sit,

And spend many an anxious hour,

Nor in my book can I take delight,

Nor sit in learnings bower,

Worn thro’ with the dreary shower.

How can the bird that is born for joy,

Sit in a cage and sing.

How can a child when fears annoy.

But droop his tender wing.

And forget his youthful spring.

O! father & mother. if buds are nip’d,

And blossoms blown away,

And if the tender plants are strip’d

Of their joy in the springing day,

By sorrow and care’s dismay.

How shall the summer arise in joy.

Or the summer fruits appear.

Or how shall we gather what griefs destroy

Or bless the mellowing year.

When the blasts of winter appear.

 

Theme: centers on the conflict between the joys of nature and the constraints of formal education. The speaker expresses a deep longing for the freedom and happiness that comes with summer, contrasting it with the dreary experience of attending school, which stifles joy and creativity. Ultimately, the poem highlights the detrimental effects of a rigid educational system on a child’s natural spirit and well-being, suggesting that the pressures of learning can overshadow the beauty of youth and the joys of life.

 

Summary: It contrasts the joys of nature with the oppressive nature of formal education. The speaker delights in the beauty of a summer morning, filled with the songs of birds, but this joy is quickly diminished by the constraints of attending school. He likens the experience of children in school to birds trapped in cages, unable to thrive in an environment that stifles their happiness and creativity. Ultimately, the poem critiques the educational system’s harshness, suggesting that if children are deprived of joy, they will struggle to embrace the fullness of life as they grow.

 

 

  1. ‘Out, Out‘ 

Robert Frost

The buzz saw snarled and rattled in the yard

And made dust and dropped stove-length sticks of wood,

Sweet-scented stuff when the breeze drew across it.

And from there those that lifted eves could count

Five mountain ranges one behind the other

Under the sunset far into Vermont

And the saw snarled and rattled, snarled and rattled,

As it ran light. or had to bear a load.

And nothing happened: day was all but done.

Call it a day. I wish they might have said

To please the boy by giving him the half hour

That a boy counts so much when saved from work.

His sister stood beside him in her apron

To tell them ‘Supper’. At the word, the saw.

As if to prove saws knew what supper meant.

Leaped out at the boy’s hand, or seemed to leap

He must have given the hand. However, it was,

Neither refused the meeting. But the hand!

 

Theme: It revolves around the fragility of life and the suddenness of tragedy. It highlights the harsh realities of rural labor, where a moment’s distraction or accident can lead to devastating consequences, as seen when the boy’s hand is severely injured by the buzz saw. Ultimately, the poem reflects on the inevitability of death and the indifference of nature, illustrating how life can be interrupted unexpectedly, leaving profound impacts on those left behind.

 

Summary: In Robert Frost’s poem “Out, Out,” a young boy operates a buzz saw in a rural setting, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the mountains of Vermont. As the day comes to an end, his sister calls him for supper, but the saw unexpectedly injures his hand, leading to a tragic accident. Despite the gravity of the situation, life continues indifferently, with the poem conveying the harsh realities of labor and the suddenness of death. The poem ultimately reflects on the fragility of life and the inevitability of loss, leaving a haunting impression on the reader about the unpredictability of existence.

 

 

  1. I Have Seen Bengal’s Face

Jibanananda Das

Translation of Jibanananda Das’s “Banglar Mukh Ami Dekhiyachhi” by Fakrul Alam

Because I have seen Bengal’s face I will seek no more;

The world has not anything more beautiful to show me.

Waking up in darkness, gazing at the fig-tree, I behold

Dawn’s swallows roosting under huge umbrella-like leaves.

I look around me

And discover a leafy dome-Jam, Kanthal, Bat, Hijol and Aswatha trees-

All in a hush, shadowing clumps of cactus and zedoary bushes.

When long, long ago, Chand came in his honeycombed boat

To a blue Hijal, Bat and Tamal shade near the Champa, he too sighted

Bengal’s incomparable beauty. One day, alas. In the Ganguri,

On a raft, as the waning moon sank on the river’s sandbanks,

Behula too saw countless aswaths bats besides golden rice fields

And heard the thrush’s soft song. One day, arriving in Amara,

Where gods held court, when she danced like a desolate wagtail,

Bengal’s rivers, fields, flowers, wailed like strings of bells on her feet.

 

Theme: It revolves around the deep connection between the speaker and the rich cultural, historical, and natural beauty of Bengal. It celebrates the resilience and spirit of the Bengali people, reflecting on their struggles and triumphs throughout history. Ultimately, the poem conveys a sense of pride and affection for Bengal, highlighting its vibrant identity and the emotional landscape that shapes the lives of its inhabitants.

 

Summary: In the poem “I Have Seen Bengal’s Face,” the speaker expresses a profound admiration for the beauty and spirit of Bengal, encompassing its landscapes, culture, and people. The poem vividly depicts the region’s natural scenery, from lush greenery to vibrant rivers, while also acknowledging the historical struggles and resilience of its inhabitants. Through powerful imagery and emotional reflections, the speaker captures the essence of Bengali identity, emphasizing the connection between the land and its people. Ultimately, the poem conveys a deep sense of pride and love for Bengal, celebrating its unique heritage and the strength of its culture.

 

  1. Dreams
  2. H. Lawrence

All people dream, but not equally.      

Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their mind,

Wake in the morning to find that it was vanity.

But the dreamers of the day are dangerous people,

For they dream their dreams with open eyes.

And make them come true.

 

Theme: It centers on the significance of dreams as a source of inspiration and a deeper understanding of the self. The poem explores the contrast between the mundane realities of life and the vivid, transformative power of dreams, highlighting their ability to evoke emotions and stimulate creativity. Ultimately, it suggests that dreams serve as a vital connection to our innermost desires and aspirations, encouraging individuals to embrace their imaginative potential.

 

Summary: the speaker reflects on the profound impact that dreams have on the human experience. The poem emphasizes the contrast between the dullness of everyday life and the vibrant, transformative nature of dreams, which allow individuals to explore their innermost thoughts and desires. Through vivid imagery, Lawrence conveys the idea that dreams can serve as a source of inspiration and creativity, encouraging a deeper understanding of oneself. Ultimately, the poem celebrates the importance of dreams as a vital aspect of life that connects us to our aspirations and the richness of our imagination.

 

  1. “Dreams”

Langston Hughes

Hold fast to dreams

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird

That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams

For when dreams go

Life is a barren field

Frozen with snow

 

Summary: the speaker urges readers to hold on tightly to their dreams, as they give life purpose and direction. Without dreams, life is compared to a “broken-winged bird” that cannot fly, symbolizing a lack of freedom and potential. Similarly, life without dreams is likened to a “barren field frozen with snow,” representing a bleak and unproductive existence. The poem highlights the vital role that dreams play in inspiring hope and growth, encouraging readers to never let go of their aspirations.

 

Theme: It emphasizes the importance of holding on to dreams and aspirations in life. The poem suggests that without dreams, life becomes stagnant, lifeless, and devoid of purpose, symbolized by a “broken-winged bird” and a “barren field frozen with snow.” Ultimately, Hughes conveys the message that dreams are essential for a fulfilling and meaningful existence, urging the reader to cherish and pursue them despite challenges.

 

  1. The Lake Isle of Innisfree

W.B. Yeats

I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,

And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;

Nine bean rows will I have there, a hive for the honey bee

And live alone in the bee loud glade. And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow

Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;

There midnight’s all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,

And evening full of the linnet’s wings. I will arise and go now, for always night and day

I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;

While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,

I hear it in the deep heart’s core.

 

Theme: “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” revolves around the speaker’s longing for peace, solitude, and a return to nature. The poem expresses a deep desire to escape the noise and stress of urban life and find tranquility in the natural beauty of Innisfree, where the speaker imagines living a simple and peaceful life. Ultimately, it highlights the restorative power of nature, as the speaker’s connection to the serene landscape of Innisfree remains vivid in his heart, even when he is far away.

 

Summary: W.B. Yeats expresses a deep longing to escape the noise and bustle of city life and retreat to the peaceful, natural setting of Innisfree. The speaker envisions building a small cabin, growing beans, and keeping bees while surrounded by the serene sounds of nature. He imagines finding peace in the simple, rhythmic beauty of the landscape, where the sounds of the lake, birds, and crickets create a calming atmosphere. Although he remains in the city, the memory and dream of Innisfree stay with him, echoing in his “deep heart’s core.”

 

  1. From September 1, 1939 
  2. H. Auden 

I sit on one of the dives

On Fifty-second Street

Uncertain and afraid

As the clever hopes expire.

Of a low dishonest decade:

Waves of anger and fear

Circulate over the bright

And darkened lands of the earth,

Obsessing our private lives;

The unmentionable odour of death

Offends the September night. 

 

Theme: The poem reflects the uncertainty, fear, and disillusionment felt at the onset of World War II. The poem captures the moral and political decay of the 1930s, marked by widespread anger, fear, and a sense of despair about the future. It highlights how global conflict and violence permeate individual lives, creating an atmosphere of dread and hopelessness, particularly as the looming presence of death casts a shadow over the world.

 

Summary: The speaker reflects on the outbreak of World War II, expressing a sense of fear and uncertainty. The poem captures the disillusionment with the political and social decay of the preceding decade, marked by dishonesty and the collapse of idealistic hopes. As waves of anger and fear spread across the world, the speaker notes how global turmoil deeply affects individual lives, filling the air with an ominous sense of death and destruction. Ultimately, the poem portrays a world gripped by war and moral crisis, with little hope for immediate resolution.

 

  1. The Charge of the Light Brigade

Lord Alfred Tennyson

Half a league, half a league,

Half a league onward,

All in the valley of Death,

Rode the six hundred.

“Forward, the Light Brigade!

Charge for the guns” he said:

Into the valley of Death

Rode the six hundred.

“Forward, the Light Brigade!

“Was there a man dismay’d?

Not tho’the soldiers knew

Someone had blunder’d:

Theirs not to make reply,

Theirs not to reason why,

Theirs but to do and die:

Into the valley of Death

Rode the six hundred.

Cannon to right of them,

Cannon to left of them,

Cannon in front of them

Volley’d and thunder’d;

Storm’d at with shot and shell,

Boldly they rode and well,

Into the jaws of Death,

Into the mouth of Hell

Rode the six hundred.

Flash’d all their sabres bare,

Flash’d as they turn’d in air

Sabring the gunners there,

Charging an army while

All the world wonder’d:

Plunged in the battery-smoke

Right thro’ the line they broke;

Cossack and Russian

Reel’d from the sabre-stroke

Shatter’d and sunder’d.

Then they rode back, but not

Not the six hundred.

Cannon to right of them,

Cannon to left of them,

Cannon behind them

Volley’d and thunder’d;

Storm’d at with shot and shell,

While horse and hero fell,

They that had fought so well

Came thro’ the jaws of Death,

Back from the mouth of Hell,

All that was left of them,

Left of six hundred.

When can their glory fade?

O the wild charge they made!

All the world wondered.

Honour the charge they made,

Honour the Light Brigade,

Noble six hundred!

 

Theme: It centers on the bravery, loyalty, and sacrifice of soldiers in the face of impossible odds. The poem highlights the courage of the Light Brigade, who, despite knowing that a mistake had been made, followed their orders without question and charged into near-certain death. Tennyson honors their heroism and dedication, immortalizing their noble sacrifice in the face of overwhelming forces.

 

Summary: In Lord Alfred Tennyson’s poem “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” the poet recounts the heroic yet tragic charge of 600 British soldiers during the Battle of Balaclava in the Crimean War. Despite knowing they were ordered into a deadly situation due to a mistake, the soldiers bravely charged into battle, facing enemy cannon fire from all sides. Many soldiers were killed or injured, but their courage and sense of duty remained unwavering. Tennyson immortalizes their sacrifice, emphasizing the honor and valor of the Light Brigade despite the devastating outcome.

 

 

 

  1. She walks in beauty, like the night

Of cloudless climes and starry skies;

And all that’s best of dark and bright

Meet in her aspect and her eyes:

Thus mellowed to that tender light

Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less,

Had half impaired the nameless grace

Which waves in every raven tress,

Or softly lightens o’er her face;

Where thoughts serenely sweet express,

How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

And on that cheek, and o’er that brow,

So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,

The smiles that win, the tints that glow,

But tell of days in goodness spent,

A mind at peace with all below,

A heart whose love is innocent!

 

Theme: The theme of the poem is about the exceptional beauty of a woman. This beauty is both internal as well as external. The poet here expresses his feeling when he saw the striking beauty and grace of the extraordinary beautiful woman. The poet describes her as so innocent, pure and heavenly. She is also compared to the beauty of the night and cloudless starry skies. To the poet, she is a simple and perfect woman whose mind is at peace and full of love.

 

Summary: The theme of the poem is poet Byron’s concept of exquisite beauty-beauty in perfection without blemish. He is highlighting and trying to elaborate this concept of perfect beauty with his romantic imagery and comparisons drawn from nature. Beauty is Personified into a female human whose aura has been likened to cloudless climate and starry sky where the best of darkness and brightness give a combined effect of perfection. Her eyes are likened to tender light. Her face is likened to pureness itself with serene sweet expression. Smiles on that face are eloquent and ever winning while the inner self of this beauty is also calm,  peaceful with innocent love. This is Byron’s romantic construct of what beauty should be like.

 

  1. “I Died for Beauty, but was Scarce” 

Emily Dickinson

I died for beauty, but was scarce

Adjusted in the tomb,

When one who died for truth was lain

In an adjoining room.

He questioned softly why I failed?

“For beauty,” I replied.

“And I for truth, -the two are one;

We brethren are,” he said.

And so, as kinsmen met a night,

We talked between the rooms,

Until the moss had reached our lips,

And covered up our names. 

 

Theme: Beauty, truth and failure are the key factors of the poem. Again the tune of the poem is that one should not waste one’s entire life to reach a goal that will only end in failure. It is also implied that the ultimate failure of a long sought-after goal is death.

 

Summary: In the poem the theme of beauty and truth has been deal with. The two have been shown as one. The two have been likened to two dead persons-one who died for beauty and the other for truth. The two are: thus inalienably connected inseparable at one in their graves even and are hence interlocked in eternal association.

 

  1. Time, You Old Gipsy Man  

Ralph Hodgson

TIME, you old gipsy man,

Will you not stay,

Put up your caravan

Just for one day?

All things I’ll give you

Will you be my guest,

Bells for your jennet

Of silver the best,

Goldsmiths shall beat you

A great golden ring,

Peacocks shall bow to you,

Little boys sing,

Oh, and sweet girls will

Festoon you with may.

Time, you old gipsy,

Why hasten away?

Last week in Babylon,

Last night in Rome,

Morning, and in the crush

Under Paul’s dome;

Under Paul’s dial

You tighten your rein—Only a moment,

And off once again;

Off to some city

Now blind in the womb,

Off to another

Ere that’s in the tomb.

Time, you old gipsy man,

Will you not stay,

Put up your caravan

Just for one day?

 

Theme: The theme of Time, You Old Gipsy Man by Ralph Hodgson explores the relentless passage of time and its inevitable effects on human life. The poem personifies Time as an old gipsy man who roams freely, highlighting the transient nature of existence and the inevitability of aging and death. Through its contemplative tone, the poem reflects on the human desire to grasp moments of beauty and joy, even as Time continues its unyielding march forward.

 

Summary: In Time, You Old Gipsy Man, Ralph Hodgson addresses Time as a wandering, unpredictable figure, symbolizing the inevitability of aging and mortality. The speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the bittersweet moments that come with it, acknowledging the desire to capture and hold onto joy amid the passage of time. The poem conveys a sense of urgency, as the speaker urges Time to pause, allowing for moments of beauty and happiness to be savored. Ultimately, it captures the tension between the desire to enjoy life and the relentless advance of Time, reminding readers of life’s transient beauty.

 

  1. Ode On Solitude

By Alexander Pope 

Happy the man whose wish and care

A few paternal acres bound,

Content to breathe his native air

In his own ground. 

Whose herds with milk, whose fields with bread,

Whose flocks supply him with attire,

Whose trees in summer yield him shade,

In winter fire. Bless’d who can unconcern’dly find

Hours, days, and years slide soft away,

In health of body, peace of mind,

Quiet by day; Sound sleep by night: study and ease

Together mix’d; sweet recreation;

And innocence, which most does please,

With meditation. 

Thus let me live, unseen, unknown,

Thus unlamented let me die;

Steal from the world, and not a stone

Tell where I lie.

 

Theme: The theme of Ode on Solitude by Alexander Pope emphasizes the virtues of a simple, tranquil life away from the chaos of society. The poem advocates for solitude as a means to achieve inner peace and contentment, suggesting that true happiness comes from self-reflection and connection with nature. Pope contrasts the superficial pursuits of wealth and fame with the profound fulfillment found in a life of quiet contemplation and personal integrity.

 

Summary: In Ode on Solitude, Alexander Pope reflects on the benefits of living a simple and peaceful life, away from the distractions and turmoil of society. The poem presents solitude as a desirable state, where one can find contentment through self-reflection and harmony with nature. Pope describes the pleasures of a modest existence, highlighting the joys of quietude and the absence of ambition or desire for fame. Ultimately, he advocates for a life grounded in virtue and tranquility, suggesting that true happiness is found in solitude and simplicity.

 

  1. I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud

By William Wordsworth

I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o’er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze,

Continuous as the stars that shine

And twinkle on the Milky Way,

They stretched in never-ending line

Along the margin of a bay:

Ten thousand saw I at a glance,

Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

 

Theme: The theme of I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud by William Wordsworth centers on the beauty of nature and its profound impact on the human spirit. The poem illustrates how moments of natural beauty, such as a field of daffodils, can inspire joy and uplift the mind, providing solace and comfort during times of solitude. Wordsworth emphasizes the enduring power of memory, suggesting that the recollection of these beautiful experiences can bring happiness long after the moment has passed.

 

Summary: In I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud, William Wordsworth reflects on a moment when he encounters a vibrant field of daffodils swaying in the breeze beside a lake. This sight fills him with joy and inspires a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature, contrasting his initial feelings of loneliness. The poem highlights the lasting impact of this experience, as the memory of the daffodils continues to bring him happiness even in moments of solitude. Ultimately, it celebrates the transformative power of nature and the joy it can instill in the human spirit.

 

  1. Under the greenwood tree”

William Shakespeare(from As You Like It) 

Under the greenwood tree

Who loves to lie with me,

And turn his merry note

Unto the sweet bird’s throat,

Come hither, come hither, come hither:           

Here shall he see            

No enemy

But winter and rough weather. 

Who doth ambition shun

And loves to live i’ the sun,

Seeking the food he eats,

And pleased with what he gets,

Come hither, come hither, come hither:            

Here shall he see            

No enemy

But winter and rough weather.

 

Theme: The theme of Under the Greenwood Tree by William Shakespeare revolves around the joy and simplicity of pastoral life and love. It celebrates the beauty of nature and the carefree spirit of rural existence, contrasting it with the complexities and constraints of urban life. The poem also explores the themes of love and companionship, highlighting the innocence and playfulness of youthful romance in a natural setting.

 

Summary: Under the Greenwood Tree by William Shakespeare is a pastoral poem that depicts the joys of rural life and the pleasures of love. The speaker invites a beloved to enjoy the beauty of nature, suggesting they take refuge under the shade of a tree, away from the troubles of the world. Through playful and light-hearted language, the poem celebrates the simplicity and innocence of young love amidst the backdrop of a tranquil countryside. Ultimately, it emphasizes the harmony between nature and love, suggesting that true happiness can be found in the embrace of both.

 

  1. Go and Catch a Falling Star

John Donne

Go and catch a falling star,

Get with child a mandrake root,

Tell me where all past years are,

Or who cleft the devil’s foot,

Teach me to hear mermaids singing,

Or to keep off envy’s stinging,

And find

What wind

Serves to advance an honest mind.

If thou be’st born to strange sights,

Things invisible to see,

Ride ten thousand days and nights,

Till age snow white hairs on thee,

Thou, when thou return’st, wilt tell me,

All strange wonders that befell thee,

And swear,

No where

Lives a woman true, and fair.

 

Theme: The theme of Go and Catch a Falling Star by John Donne explores the impossibility of finding true and faithful women, using fantastical imagery to highlight the speaker’s cynicism about love and fidelity. The poem presents a skeptical view of romantic relationships, suggesting that just as it is impossible to catch a falling star or perform other magical tasks, it is equally impossible to find a woman who remains true. Donne’s tone is witty and ironic, expressing disillusionment with human nature and relationships.

 

Summary: In Go and Catch a Falling Star by John Donne, the speaker lists impossible tasks, such as catching a falling star or finding someone who can live forever, to emphasize the futility of searching for a faithful woman. He suggests that even if someone were to travel the world for a lifetime, they would never find a woman who remains true. The poem expresses a deep cynicism about love and fidelity, implying that such ideals are as unattainable as the magical tasks mentioned. The speaker concludes that even if a faithful woman were found, she would likely become unfaithful before long.

 

  1. The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Farewell, farewell! but this I tell

To thee, thou Wedding-Guest!

He prayeth well, who loveth well

Both man and bird and beast.

He prayeth best, who loveth best

All things both great and small;

For the dear God who loveth us,

He made and loveth all.

 

Theme: The theme of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge revolves around sin, repentance, and redemption. The mariner’s impulsive act of killing the albatross brings about severe punishment, symbolizing the consequences of disrupting nature’s harmony. Through suffering and the eventual recognition of the interconnectedness of all living things, the mariner learns the importance of respecting nature and seeks spiritual redemption by sharing his tale as a moral lesson.

 

Summary: In The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, an old sailor recounts his harrowing sea voyage to a wedding guest. After he impulsively kills an albatross, a symbol of good fortune, the mariner and his crew face a series of supernatural punishments, including the deaths of his shipmates and being cursed to wander alone. Stricken with guilt, the mariner eventually realizes the sanctity of all living things and is freed from part of his curse after blessing sea creatures in an act of love and respect. He is condemned to share his tale forever, warning others of the consequences of disrespecting nature and seeking spiritual redemption.

 

  1. Leisure

William Henry Davies

What is this life if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.

No time to stand beneath the boughs

And stare as long as sheep or cows.

No time to see, when woods we pass,

Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.

No time to see, in broad daylight,

Streams full of stars, like skies at night.

No time to turn at Beauty’s glance,

And watch her feet, how they can dance.

No time to wait till her mouth can

Enrich that smile her eyes began.

A poor life this if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.

 

Theme: The theme of Leisure by William Henry Davies is the importance of slowing down and appreciating the simple beauty of life. The poem criticizes the fast pace of modern life, where people are too preoccupied with their daily routines to notice the wonders of nature and the world around them. It calls for taking time to enjoy life’s small pleasures, suggesting that a life without leisure and reflection is unfulfilled.

 

Summary: In Leisure by William Henry Davies, the speaker reflects on the hectic pace of modern life, where people are too busy to enjoy the beauty of nature and their surroundings. The poem emphasizes that life’s simple pleasures, like watching squirrels or admiring the beauty of a stream, are often overlooked in the rush of daily activities. The speaker regrets that people rarely take time to pause and appreciate these moments. Ultimately, the poem argues that a life without leisure and mindfulness is incomplete and lacks true fulfillment.

 

  1. To Daffodils

Robert Herrick

Fair Daffodils, we weep to see

You haste away so soon;

As yet the early-rising sun

Has not attain’d his noon.

Stay, stay,

Until the hasting day

Has run

But to the even-song;

And, having pray’d together, we

Will go with you along.

We have short time to stay, as you,

We have as short a spring;

As quick a growth to meet decay,

As you, or anything.

We die

As your hours do, and dry

Away, Like to the summer’s rain;

Or as the pearls of morning’s dew,

Ne’er to be found again.

 

Theme: The theme of To Daffodils by Robert Herrick centers on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. Using the short-lived beauty of daffodils as a metaphor, the poem reflects on how human life, like the flowers, is brief and passes quickly. Herrick emphasizes the importance of recognizing life’s transience and cherishing the moments we have before they fade away.

 

Summary: In To Daffodils by Robert Herrick, the speaker laments the brief life of daffodils, which bloom for only a short time before withering away. He compares the flowers’ short lifespan to the fleeting nature of human life, emphasizing that both are temporary and fragile. The poem reflects on the inevitability of death, drawing a parallel between the daffodils’ fading beauty and the swift passage of time for people. Ultimately, it encourages an appreciation of life’s transience and a recognition of its impermanence.

 

  1. The Road Not Taken

Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as

I could To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I —

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

 

Summary: The speaker reflects on a pivotal moment when they had to choose between two diverging paths in a forest, symbolizing a life decision. Although both paths seemed equally worn, the speaker chooses the one “less traveled by,” acknowledging that this choice has shaped their life. However, the speaker wonders how different life might have been if they’d chosen the other path. The poem conveys themes of choice, individuality, and the inevitable uncertainty of life’s decisions.

Theme: The primary theme of The Road Not Taken is the impact of choices on life’s journey. It explores how the decisions we make define our paths and shape our experiences, even though the outcomes are uncertain. The poem also touches on the human tendency to reflect on past choices with both curiosity and ambiguity, wondering what might have been.