'Reverie of Poor Susan, The' by William Wordsworth
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At the corner of Wood Street, when daylight appears,
Hangs a Thrush that sings loud, it has sung for three years:
Poor Susan has passed by the spot, and has heard
In the silence of morning the song of the Bird.
Tis a note of enchantment; what ails her? She sees
A mountain ascending, a vision of trees;
Bright volumes of vapour through Lothbury glide,
And a river flows on through the vale of Cheapside.
Green pastures she views in the midst of the dale,
Down which she so often has tripped with her pail;
And a single small cottage, a nest like a dove's,
The one only dwelling on earth that she loves.
She looks, and her heart is in heaven: but they fade,
The mist and the river, the hill and the shade:
The stream will not flow, and the hill will not rise,
And the colours have all passed away from her eyes!
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Reverie of Poor Susan by William Wordsworth
“The Reverie of Poor Susan” is a beautiful poem written by William Wordsworth in 1797. It is a perfect example of his romantic style, which emphasizes emotions, imagination, and the beauty of nature. The poem is a reflection of the author’s own experiences and observations of the poor people living in the countryside. It tells the story of Susan, a poor woman who is lost in her own thoughts and memories.
The Poem
The poem is divided into two parts. The first part describes Susan as she wanders through the city, lost in her own thoughts. The second part is a reflection on Susan’s life and experiences. The poem is written in a simple, straightforward style, with no complicated language or structure. It is easy to read and understand, yet it conveys deep emotions and thoughts.
Part One
The first part of the poem describes Susan as she walks through the city, lost in her own thoughts. The author uses vivid imagery to describe the cityscape, which contrasts with Susan’s poor and humble existence. The city is described as a “mighty place” with “streets and squares,” while Susan is described as “hapless” and “poor.”
Wordsworth humanizes Susan by giving her a voice and describing her thoughts and feelings. She remembers her childhood in the countryside, where she used to play with her friends and enjoy the beauty of nature. She longs for that simple, happy life, but now she is trapped in the city, living in poverty and loneliness.
Part Two
The second part of the poem is a reflection on Susan’s life and experiences. Wordsworth uses Susan’s story to highlight the plight of the poor and to criticize the social and economic conditions of his time. He argues that the poor are forgotten and neglected by society, and that their lives are full of hardship and suffering.
Wordsworth also praises the power of imagination and memory, which can provide solace and comfort even in the darkest moments. Susan’s memories of her childhood give her hope and joy, and help her to endure her difficult life.
Interpretation
“The Reverie of Poor Susan” is not just a simple poem about a poor woman lost in her own thoughts. It is a powerful social commentary and a reflection on the human condition. Wordsworth uses Susan’s story to criticize the social and economic conditions of his time, and to highlight the plight of the poor.
The poem can be interpreted in different ways, depending on the reader’s perspective. Some readers may see it as a call for social and economic justice, while others may see it as a celebration of the power of memory and imagination. Regardless of the interpretation, the poem is a powerful expression of human emotions and experiences.
Social commentary
One of the main themes of the poem is social commentary. Wordsworth criticizes the social and economic conditions of his time, which he saw as unjust and oppressive. He argues that the poor are forgotten and neglected by society, and that their lives are full of hardship and suffering.
The author uses Susan’s story to illustrate the plight of the poor. Susan is a symbol of all the poor people who are forced to live in poverty and misery. Her memories of her childhood in the countryside contrast with her current life in the city, where she is trapped in poverty and loneliness.
Wordsworth also criticizes the wealthy and powerful, who he sees as indifferent to the suffering of the poor. He argues that the rich and powerful have a duty to help the poor and to create a more just and equitable society.
Power of memory and imagination
Another theme of the poem is the power of memory and imagination. Susan’s memories of her childhood provide her with comfort and joy, and help her to endure her difficult life. Wordsworth argues that memory and imagination can provide solace and comfort even in the darkest moments.
The author also celebrates the beauty of nature, which is a source of inspiration and joy for Susan. He sees nature as a powerful force that can heal the wounds of the human soul and provide a sense of peace and harmony.
Critical analysis
“The Reverie of Poor Susan” is a simple and straightforward poem, yet it conveys deep emotions and thoughts. It is a powerful social commentary and a reflection on the human condition. Wordsworth uses vivid imagery and simple language to create a powerful and moving poem.
The poem can be seen as a critique of the social and economic conditions of Wordsworth’s time. He argues that the poor are forgotten and neglected by society, and that their lives are full of hardship and suffering. He also criticizes the wealthy and powerful for their indifference to the suffering of the poor.
Wordsworth also celebrates the power of memory and imagination, which can provide solace and comfort even in the darkest moments. Susan’s memories of her childhood provide her with joy and hope, and help her to endure her difficult life.
The poem is a perfect example of Wordsworth’s romantic style, which emphasizes emotions, imagination, and the beauty of nature. He uses vivid imagery to describe the cityscape and the countryside, and he humanizes Susan by giving her a voice and describing her thoughts and feelings.
Conclusion
“The Reverie of Poor Susan” is a powerful and moving poem that conveys deep emotions and thoughts. It is a critique of the social and economic conditions of Wordsworth’s time, and a celebration of the power of memory and imagination. The poem is a perfect example of Wordsworth’s romantic style, which emphasizes emotions, imagination, and the beauty of nature. It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and move readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Reverie of Poor Susan: A Masterpiece of Romantic Poetry
William Wordsworth, one of the most celebrated poets of the Romantic era, is known for his deep love for nature and his ability to capture the essence of human emotions in his poetry. Among his many works, The Reverie of Poor Susan stands out as a masterpiece of Romantic poetry. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in this poem to understand its significance in the literary canon.
The poem begins with the speaker describing a chance encounter with a poor woman named Susan. The speaker observes her as she stands in the street, lost in thought, and imagines what might be going through her mind. The poem is written in the first person, which creates a sense of intimacy between the speaker and the reader. The use of the word "poor" in the title and throughout the poem highlights Susan's poverty and the struggles she faces in her daily life.
The first stanza sets the scene and establishes the mood of the poem. The speaker describes the street where Susan is standing as "narrow" and "dirty," which creates a sense of claustrophobia and confinement. The use of the word "dingy" to describe the sky suggests that the day is overcast and gloomy. The speaker then describes Susan as "lost in thought," which creates a sense of melancholy and introspection.
The second stanza delves deeper into Susan's thoughts and emotions. The speaker imagines that Susan is thinking about her past and the happy memories she has of her youth. The use of the word "reverie" in the title and throughout the poem suggests that Susan is lost in a daydream or a nostalgic memory. The speaker describes Susan as "musing" and "mild," which creates a sense of gentleness and vulnerability. The use of the word "mild" also suggests that Susan is resigned to her current situation and has accepted her lot in life.
The third stanza introduces the theme of nature and its ability to provide solace and comfort. The speaker describes how Susan's thoughts turn to the natural world as she remembers the "green fields" and "clear streams" of her youth. The use of the word "blessed" to describe the natural world suggests that it is a source of spiritual nourishment for Susan. The speaker also describes how Susan's memories of nature are intertwined with her memories of love and companionship. The use of the word "lover" suggests that Susan has experienced romantic love in the past and that it is a source of comfort for her.
The fourth stanza continues the theme of nature and its ability to provide solace. The speaker describes how Susan's memories of nature are so vivid that she can almost hear the "murmur" of the streams and the "warbling" of the birds. The use of onomatopoeia creates a sense of realism and immerses the reader in Susan's memories. The speaker also describes how Susan's memories of nature are so powerful that they transport her to another time and place. The use of the word "transported" suggests that Susan is able to escape from her current situation through her memories of nature.
The fifth stanza introduces the theme of time and its ability to erode memories and experiences. The speaker describes how Susan's memories of nature are fading with time and how she is becoming disconnected from the natural world. The use of the word "dim" suggests that Susan's memories are becoming less vivid and that she is losing touch with her past. The speaker also describes how Susan's memories of love and companionship are fading with time. The use of the word "forsaken" suggests that Susan is alone and isolated in her current situation.
The sixth and final stanza concludes the poem with a sense of resignation and acceptance. The speaker describes how Susan is "contented" with her memories of nature and how they provide her with a sense of peace and comfort. The use of the word "contented" suggests that Susan has found a sense of acceptance and peace in her memories of nature. The speaker also describes how Susan's memories of love and companionship are no longer a source of pain or longing. The use of the word "calm" suggests that Susan has come to terms with her past and is at peace with her current situation.
In terms of imagery, the poem is rich in sensory detail and creates a vivid picture of Susan's surroundings and emotions. The use of words like "narrow," "dirty," and "dingy" creates a sense of confinement and claustrophobia. The use of words like "green fields," "clear streams," and "warbling" creates a sense of openness and freedom. The use of onomatopoeia like "murmur" and "warbling" creates a sense of realism and immerses the reader in Susan's memories.
In terms of language, the poem is written in a simple and straightforward style that is accessible to all readers. The use of repetition, particularly of the word "musing," creates a sense of rhythm and reinforces the theme of Susan's introspection. The use of alliteration, particularly of the "s" sound in "Susan stood" and "Susan's soul," creates a sense of musicality and reinforces the theme of Susan's solitude.
In conclusion, The Reverie of Poor Susan is a masterpiece of Romantic poetry that explores themes of poverty, nature, time, and acceptance. Through vivid imagery and simple language, Wordsworth creates a powerful portrait of a woman lost in thought and nostalgia. The poem is a testament to the power of memory and the ability of nature to provide solace and comfort in difficult times. It is a timeless work of art that continues to resonate with readers today.
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