'Swallows Travel To And Fro' by Robert Louis Stevenson


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SWALLOWS travel to and fro,
And the great winds come and go,
And the steady breezes blow,
Bearing perfume, bearing love.
Breezes hasten, swallows fly,
Towered clouds forever ply,
And at noonday, you and I
See the same sunshine above.

Dew and rain fall everywhere,
Harvests ripen, flowers are fair,
And the whole round earth is bare
To the moonshine and the sun;
And the live air, fanned with wings,
Bright with breeze and sunshine, brings
Into contact distant things,
And makes all the countries one.

Let us wander where we will,
Something kindred greets us still;
Something seen on vale or hill
Falls familiar on the heart;
So, at scent or sound or sight,
Severed souls by day and night
Tremble with the same delight -
Tremble, half the world apart.


Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry Critique: Swallows Travel To And Fro by Robert Louis Stevenson

Robert Louis Stevenson is a well-known author who has contributed immensely to the literary world. In his poem "Swallows Travel To And Fro," he explores the theme of migration and the beauty of the natural world. This poem is a perfect example of Stevenson's literary style, which is characterized by the use of vivid imagery and descriptive language. In this literary criticism, I will analyze and interpret the poem to understand its deeper meaning and significance.

Overview of the Poem

"Swallows Travel To And Fro" is a short poem that consists of only four stanzas. The poem describes the journey of swallows as they migrate from one place to another. The first stanza of the poem introduces the swallows and their journey. The second stanza describes the beauty of the natural world through the imagery of the swallows. The third stanza explores the idea of migration and the reasons why the swallows travel. The final stanza of the poem concludes with a reflection on the beauty of nature and the transience of life.

Analysis of the Poem

The Journey of the Swallows

The poem begins with a description of the swallows and their journey. Stevenson writes, "Swallows travel to and fro, / And the great winds come and go, / And the steady breezes blow, / Bearing perfume, bearing love." These lines introduce the reader to the theme of the poem, which is migration. The swallows are portrayed as travelers who are constantly on the move, flying back and forth across great distances. The winds and breezes are described as carrying perfume and love, which suggests that the journey of the swallows is a beautiful and romantic one.

The Beauty of the Natural World

In the second stanza, Stevenson uses vivid imagery to describe the beauty of the natural world. He writes, "O, joy of the soaring soul / When the steel-blue rim they roll, / And the arrowy heights they stroll, / 'Neath the white, high afternoon!" These lines paint a picture of the swallows soaring through the sky, flying over mountains and valleys. The use of words like "soaring," "arrowy," and "high" creates a sense of freedom and exhilaration. The "white, high afternoon" is a metaphor for the beauty and purity of the natural world. Stevenson is suggesting that the swallows are not just traveling, but they are experiencing the beauty of the world around them.

The Purpose of Migration

The third stanza of the poem explores the idea of migration and the reasons why the swallows travel. Stevenson writes, "Many a green isle needs must be / In the deep wide sea of misery, / Or the mariner, worn and wan, / Never thus could voyage on." These lines suggest that the swallows are not just traveling for the sake of it, but they are searching for a better place to live. The "green isles" are a metaphor for places of refuge and safety, where the swallows can find food and shelter. Stevenson is suggesting that migration is not just a natural phenomenon, but it is a necessary one for survival.

Reflection on Nature and Life

The final stanza of the poem concludes with a reflection on the beauty of nature and the transience of life. Stevenson writes, "And when the summer insect falls, / And the plover ceases in our fields, / And the harvest mouse is heard no more, / And the herds forsake the meads." These lines suggest that everything in nature has its time and place, and nothing lasts forever. The swallows themselves will eventually have to leave, and the natural world will continue to change and evolve. The poem ends on a note of reflection and contemplation, reminding the reader of the impermanence of life and the beauty of nature.

Conclusion

"Swallows Travel To And Fro" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the theme of migration and the beauty of the natural world. Through vivid imagery and descriptive language, Stevenson creates a powerful and evocative portrayal of the swallows and their journey. The poem also touches on deeper themes such as the purpose of migration and the transience of life. Overall, "Swallows Travel To And Fro" is a masterpiece of poetic expression that continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Swallows Travel To And Fro: A Masterpiece of Robert Louis Stevenson

Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer, is known for his exceptional literary works that have captivated readers for generations. One of his most celebrated poems is "Poetry Swallows Travel To And Fro," which is a masterpiece that showcases his poetic prowess and his love for nature.

The poem is a beautiful depiction of the journey of swallows, which travel to and fro across the sky, and the poet's admiration for their freedom and grace. The poem is a perfect example of Stevenson's ability to capture the essence of nature and convey it through his words.

The poem begins with the poet's observation of the swallows as they fly across the sky. He describes them as "swift and free," and marvels at their ability to soar through the air with such ease. The poet's admiration for the swallows is evident in his words, and he seems to be in awe of their beauty and grace.

As the poem progresses, the poet begins to draw parallels between the swallows and poetry. He describes poetry as being like the swallows, "swift and free," and able to travel across the world without any boundaries. The poet seems to be suggesting that poetry, like the swallows, has the ability to transcend borders and connect people from different parts of the world.

The poem also touches upon the theme of time, as the poet notes that the swallows travel to and fro across the sky "year after year." The poet seems to be suggesting that time is a constant, and that the swallows, like poetry, are timeless and eternal.

Stevenson's use of language in the poem is also noteworthy. He employs a variety of literary devices, such as alliteration, repetition, and imagery, to create a vivid and evocative picture of the swallows and their journey. For example, he uses alliteration in the line "swift and free," which emphasizes the speed and freedom of the swallows. He also uses repetition in the line "to and fro," which emphasizes the cyclical nature of the swallows' journey.

The imagery in the poem is also striking. Stevenson uses vivid descriptions to create a picture of the swallows in flight. For example, he describes them as "dipping, darting, sweeping," which creates a sense of movement and energy. He also uses imagery to create a sense of the vastness of the sky, describing it as "wide and blue."

Overall, "Poetry Swallows Travel To And Fro" is a beautiful and evocative poem that showcases Robert Louis Stevenson's poetic talent. The poem is a celebration of nature, freedom, and the power of poetry to connect people across borders and time. It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and captivate readers today.

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