It Is a Beauteous Evening, Calm and Free
Commentary & Analysis
INTRODUCTION:
This poem is one of Wordsworth’s most personal poems, and its feeling of serenity is truly heartfelt. This poem is said to have originated from an actual moment in Wordsworth’s life, when he walked on the beach with a daughter he had not met for ten years. The poem is somewhat different in theme from other sonnets of this period, as it is not written with outrage or anger, rather it is a very peaceful piece of writing from Wordsworth’s heart. The poem generates strong and beautiful imagery of ‘the broad sun sinking down in its tranquility’, a very kind and emotional poem from Wordsworth.
LINE BY LINE:
It is evening The poet is taking a long walk with a young girl, most likely his daughter - he is overcome with emotion , stemmed from the beauty and tranquility of the world that surrounds him. The evening is "free" of the concerns and troubles of the day and the poet considers this time to be sacred. He compares the serenity of the evening to that of a "Nun" deep in prayer. The sun is slowly setting and it appears "broad" on the horizon, sinking down peacefully - linking heaven and earth - "The gentleness of heaven broods o'er the Sea".
The continuous crashing of the waves onto the beach sounds like "thunder - everlastingly". This constant noise suggests to the poet that the existence of some "mighty Being" (God) is eternally present in nature
This poem is one of Wordsworth’s most personal poems, and its feeling of serenity is truly heartfelt. This poem is said to have originated from an actual moment in Wordsworth’s life, when he walked on the beach with a daughter he had not met for ten years. The poem is somewhat different in theme from other sonnets of this period, as it is not written with outrage or anger, rather it is a very peaceful piece of writing from Wordsworth’s heart. The poem generates strong and beautiful imagery of ‘the broad sun sinking down in its tranquility’, a very kind and emotional poem from Wordsworth.
LINE BY LINE:
It is evening The poet is taking a long walk with a young girl, most likely his daughter - he is overcome with emotion , stemmed from the beauty and tranquility of the world that surrounds him. The evening is "free" of the concerns and troubles of the day and the poet considers this time to be sacred. He compares the serenity of the evening to that of a "Nun" deep in prayer. The sun is slowly setting and it appears "broad" on the horizon, sinking down peacefully - linking heaven and earth - "The gentleness of heaven broods o'er the Sea".
The continuous crashing of the waves onto the beach sounds like "thunder - everlastingly". This constant noise suggests to the poet that the existence of some "mighty Being" (God) is eternally present in nature