'Duddingstone' by Robert Louis Stevenson
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WITH caws and chirrupings, the woods
In this thin sun rejoice.
The Psalm seems but the little kirk
That sings with its own voice.
The cloud-rifts share their amber light
With the surface of the mere -
I think the very stones are glad
To feel each other near.
Once more my whole heart leaps and swells
And gushes o'er with glee;
The fingers of the sun and shade
Touch music stops in me.
Now fancy paints that bygone day
When you were here, my fair -
The whole lake rang with rapid skates
In the windless winter air.
You leaned to me, I leaned to you,
Our course was smooth as flight -
We steered - a heel-touch to the left,
A heel-touch to the right.
We swung our way through flying men,
Your hand lay fast in mine:
We saw the shifting crowd dispart,
The level ice-reach shine.
I swear by yon swan-travelled lake,
By yon calm hill above,
I swear had we been drowned that day
We had been drowned in love.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Journey through Nature in Robert Louis Stevenson's "Duddingstone"
Robert Louis Stevenson is known for his adventurous novels, such as "Treasure Island" and "Kidnapped," but his poetry is a treasure trove of vivid imagery and contemplative musings. "Duddingstone" is a prime example of Stevenson's poetic talent, as it transports the reader on a journey through nature that is both enchanting and introspective.
The Setting: Duddingstone Loch
"Duddingstone" takes its name from the loch (lake) near Edinburgh, Scotland, where Stevenson spent many happy days as a child. The setting is described in rich detail, painting a picture of a tranquil and idyllic place:
A loch that sleeps among the hills,
Where none disturbs the noonday stillness;
Where all the air is green and still,
And all the sky a pale blue chillness.
The imagery here is striking, with the contrasting colors of green and blue creating a sense of serenity and calm. The use of the word "stillness" emphasizes the peacefulness of the setting and suggests a kind of hushed reverence for the natural world.
The Speaker's Perspective
The poem is written from the perspective of a speaker who is reflecting on the loch and its surroundings. The speaker is not named, but it is clear that he has a deep connection to the place and feels a sense of kinship with the natural world. He describes himself as a "child of Nature" and expresses a desire to be free from the constraints of civilization:
Oh, to be free as the flowing air!
Oh, to be free as the wave-washed shore!
This longing for freedom and connection with nature is a common theme in Stevenson's work, and it is evident in "Duddingstone" as well. The speaker's perspective invites the reader to join him on his journey through the natural world, to see the beauty and wonder that he sees.
The Journey Begins
The poem begins with the speaker describing the loch and its surroundings, painting a vivid picture of the natural world:
The trees that watch with ancient eyes,
The hills that wrap the loch around,
The silver mist that slowly flies,
The wild flowers that deck the ground.
The use of personification (the trees that watch, the hills that wrap) gives the natural world a sense of agency and personality, as if it is a living, breathing entity. The description of the mist as "silver" adds a touch of magic to the scene, while the wildflowers evoke a sense of spontaneity and unpredictability.
The Journey Continues
As the speaker moves through the landscape, his thoughts become more introspective. He reflects on the passage of time and the transience of life:
The sun that wheels, the stars that climb,
Time's restless shuttle weaving fast,
Life's web that runs adown the loom
And clips the thread of being at last.
The imagery here is both beautiful and melancholy. The sun and stars are portrayed as celestial weavers, spinning the fabric of time and life. The metaphor of life as a web being woven on a loom emphasizes the fragility and impermanence of existence, a theme that is prevalent throughout Stevenson's poetry.
The Journey Ends
The poem concludes with the speaker returning to the present moment and finding solace in the natural world:
A peace that passeth human pride,
A calm that earth and heaven defy,
A joy that fills the heart up wide
As when we laugh, as when we die.
The repetition of the word "peace" emphasizes the speaker's sense of tranquility and contentment. The phrase "earth and heaven defy" suggests a kind of transcendence, as if the natural world has the power to lift the speaker beyond the mundane concerns of daily life. The final lines of the poem are both joyful and contemplative, suggesting that the journey through nature has brought the speaker to a place of deep understanding and appreciation.
Conclusion
"Duddingstone" is a beautiful and evocative poem that captures the essence of Robert Louis Stevenson's poetic vision. Through vivid imagery and introspective musings, the poem takes the reader on a journey through nature that is both enchanting and insightful. The speaker's perspective invites the reader to see the natural world through his eyes, and to appreciate the beauty and wonder that is all around us. Whether we are children of nature or simply admirers of its beauty, "Duddingstone" reminds us of the power and importance of the natural world in our lives.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Duddingstone: A Masterpiece by Robert Louis Stevenson
Robert Louis Stevenson, the renowned Scottish novelist, poet, and essayist, is known for his exceptional literary works that have stood the test of time. One of his most celebrated poems is "Poetry Duddingstone," a beautiful piece that captures the essence of nature and the power of imagination. In this article, we will delve into the poem's meaning, structure, and literary devices, and explore why it has become a classic in the world of poetry.
The poem is set in Duddingstone, a village in Scotland, where the poet spent some time during his youth. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with the poet describing the beauty of the village and its surroundings. He talks about the "lovely valley" and the "silver stream" that flows through it. The imagery used in this stanza is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a serene and idyllic place.
In the second stanza, the poet introduces the theme of imagination. He talks about how the mind can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, and how the beauty of nature can inspire the imagination. He says, "The mind can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven," which is a reference to John Milton's famous line from Paradise Lost. The poet is suggesting that our perception of the world is shaped by our imagination, and that we have the power to create our own reality.
The third stanza is where the poem takes a darker turn. The poet talks about the "dark and dreary wood" that lies beyond the village, and how it is a place of danger and mystery. He describes the "goblin-haunted glen" and the "elfin-dell," which are both references to traditional Scottish folklore. The imagery used in this stanza is much darker than in the previous stanzas, and it creates a sense of foreboding and unease.
In the fourth stanza, the poet returns to the theme of imagination, but this time he focuses on the power of poetry. He says that poetry has the ability to transport us to other worlds and to make us see things in a new light. He says, "The poet's eye, in a fine frenzy rolling, doth glance from heaven to earth, from earth to heaven," which is a reference to Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. The poet is suggesting that poetry has the power to transcend reality and to take us on a journey of the imagination.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle, with the poet returning to the beauty of Duddingstone. He talks about how the village is a place of peace and tranquility, and how it is a source of inspiration for the poet. He says, "And oft, when on my couch I lie, in vacant or in pensive mood, they flash upon that inward eye which is the bliss of solitude." The poet is suggesting that the memories of Duddingstone and the beauty of nature are a source of comfort and joy for him, even when he is alone.
The structure of the poem is simple but effective. It consists of five stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, which gives the poem a sense of rhythm and flow. The use of enjambment, where a sentence or phrase runs over into the next line, creates a sense of continuity and fluidity.
The poem is rich in literary devices, which add depth and meaning to the text. The use of imagery, such as "lovely valley" and "silver stream," creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind. The use of alliteration, such as "dark and dreary wood," adds a musical quality to the text. The use of metaphor, such as "the mind can make a heaven of hell," adds a layer of meaning to the poem.
In conclusion, "Poetry Duddingstone" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the beauty of nature and the power of imagination. The poem is a testament to Robert Louis Stevenson's skill as a poet, and it has become a classic in the world of literature. The poem's themes of imagination, poetry, and the beauty of nature are timeless, and they continue to inspire readers today.
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