This ending broadens the perspective, only to reveal another journey ahead, much like Dante’s transitions between realms.

A sense of exhaustion from existential struggle, where effort goes beyond winning or losing, evoking Dante’s relentless journey through Hell.

This fall into helplessness evokes Dante's imagery of sin and damnation.

The descent into darkness mirrors the Inferno, with sleep symbolizing an unconscious state or even death

The speaker approaches something profound with both hesitation and courage, entering a new realm “through the words.” This recalls Dante’s journey into the unknown through language and exploration.

Lines “I’ve squandered every crying dime:” This line could be seen as an ironic comment on society's valuation of material wealth versus experiential richness. By "squandering" his money, Whalen implies that he has chosen experiences or insights over financial gain, a choice that resonates with Levertov's notion of poetry emerging from a deep, intuitive perception rather than practical or commercial concerns.

Lines: “immediate, inescapable / and invaluable:” These lines highlight Whalen's focus on the present moment's significance. Drawing from Levertov's idea of "organic form," where poetry stems from direct perception and experience, Whalen seems to suggest that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in the unmediated experience of life. This moment is "inescapable" because it's all we have—an idea that aligns with the poem's meditation on transient yet invaluable experiences.

final lines emphasize silence and mystery in nature, showcasing Romantic awe for the serene and mystical beauty of the natural world

attributes human emotions to inanimate elements, reflecting romantic subjectivity and the way in which emotions are projected onto nature. Reflects the belief in an interconnected universe where all things resonate with human feelings

Solitude mention here ties into the Roman tic theme of individual introspection and solitude, which allows for deep, complex thoughts.

suggests that nature has its own spiritual or mysterious function, an idea tied to Romantic reverence for the supernatural and the unseen workings of the world

Reflects the romantic fascination with nature and its quiet transformative powers.

Uses the violet as a metaphor for the lovers' union, suggesting that through their connection, they grow stronger and more vibrant.

Introduces the idea of purification, as if the lovers are distilled to their purest form.

Alliteration on "M" (mixture, mix'd, makes) creates a merging sound effect that aligns with the poem's theme of unity and fusion

The soft "s" sounds in cemented, spring, and string contribute a whispering quality, reinforcing the poems intimacy and the physical sensation of closeness

The speaker's voice is introspective and solem, capturing the depth and spiritual nature of the "ecstasy" they experience. Shows how this experience is beyond physical, it's almost otherworldly, elevating love to a spiritual plane

These lines are slightly enjambed, allowing the phrases to flow into each other fairly smooth. The flow mirrors the merging of souls, with each line joining the next, much like the lovers' connection

The Iambic tetrameter here establishes a steady, calming rhythm, reflecting peaceful unity of lovers. The image of the pillow on the bed creates a sense of comfort and intimacy- physical closeness

Mirrors the musical and onomatopeic qualities of the poem, reinforcing the playful and celebratory tone

animal imagery emphasizes the natural harmony of life, also linking the animals to their young

repetition of Cuckoo blends lyrics with the sounds of the natural world, shows Old English's tendency toward sensory and tactile language

theme of nature's renewal, joyous celebration of the season's arrival

Translates to middle earth (between heaven and hell) offers an etymological link to ideas of human life and the physical world- significant concept in Old English poetry, positioning humans within a divinely ordered universe - this term also suggests an interconnectedness between humans and divine creation.

Introduces a theme of creation. Seeing creation as a concrete act of divine wonder

God's power as an "architect" reflect the value of divine craftsman ship. He's been referred to as plenty of terms including Lord and Creator- suggesting depth in God's intention

Reflects the theme of divine reverence, a crucial part of Old English Christian poetry. The honorific "guardian of heaven" positions God as a protector, reflecting the cultural shift of pagan to Christian values

shows how mundane day-to-day interactions continue despite significant events. This illustrates the disconnect between the speakers inner turmoil and the indifference of the outside world

opening line sets a specific time and place, anchoring the poem in reality

written in free verse- flow between thoughts without being constrained by traditional meter or rhythm

weaves personal reflection, vivid nature imagery, and philosophical musings to explore themes of existence, aging, and the fluidity of perceptions

glass house symbolizes transparency and openness to the environment

opening sentence convey a sense of reluctance and resignation about returning to nature.

Lines: "Better than a sirloin steak? / A screen by Korin?" juxtaposes aesthetic experience with consumer goods while questioning societal values - also highlighting the idea that beauty and artistic experiences may hold greater value than material wealth

Poem shows desperation and value of experience, the repetition of "everything else" emphasizes a feeling of emptiness and desperation for a deeper meaning

lots of repetition of the word some said- emphasizes the multiplicity of perspectives

highlights the struggle with self-doubt and search for validation - repetition of "certain" emphasizes the tension between certainty and uncertainty

Juxtaposes mundane items with whimsical descriptors- highlights how trivial details can gain significance

sets the tone of uncertainty, suggesting the notion of identity is fluid and can evoke discomfort. Lack of specificity, which reflects complexity of defining oneself

building tension throughout the poem, the overall prosody builds emotional tension. tension underscores the uncertainty and fear of death, as the mundane fly becomes a symbol of life's interruption

buzzing vs. stillness- contrasting sound of the fly's buzz against the stillness of death create a jarring effect

repetition of "and then" creates a sense of inevitability and builds tension as the speaker approaches death

sentences flow very easily into the next without pause, which reflects the continuity of thoughts and the fluidity of life and death

Enjambment here emphasizes the comparison, enhancing the stillness.

The poem predominantly uses Iambic meter, creating a natural conversational tone that contrasts with the seriousness of death as the subject matter

the finality and open-endedness challenges readers to contemplate ambiguity and the complexity of existence, creating open-ended reflection on identity and self-worth

Enjambment here creates a sense of fluidity, encouraging reader to move quickly through the text, reflection the interconnectedness of ideas

The contrasts and juxtaposition highlights the relationship between self and the external world, reinforcing unity while also acknowledging difference

Imagery and concrete language creates vivid images of joy and presence , the tangible quality of these images helps readers connect with the speaker's immediate experience grounding abstract concepts in sensory reality

use of repetition creates a rhythmic insistence, emphasizing the ongoing nature of life and desire- creates sense of urgency and vitality

also critiques moral decay and the self-centered nature of contemporary society

Implies Miltons poetry had a profound impact and were very powerful

suggests that Milton was a guiding light whose values should inspire contemporary society

shows urbanization and a decline in traditional rural values. Shows his longing for the past that reflects critique of modernity and desire to return to a more connected way of life

reference to Milton highlights the Romantic ideal of the poet as a moral guide and critic of society

Written in 1802 during political unrest marked by the after mart of the French Revolution / rise of romanticism - emphasized individualism and a return to nature and moral values

almost an unsettling silence, creates a meditative dreamlike setting

nostolgic longing for rural and simplier life, nature-filled childhood, contrasting with the urban up-brining

Refers to God as ultimate teacher giving wisdom and nurturing the soul beyond education

Here Coleridge personifies frost as quietly active and influential- suggesting natures subtle power to shape human experience and perception

Written during the romantic period where poets like Coleridge celebrated nature

Brings the speakers declarations, position Anthea as his life, love, and heart and affirming that his purpose is to live and die solely for her

Religious undertone at the beginning of the poem can imply a sense of dedication and faithfulness- bring it back to his devotion to Anthea

personification of the heart, as though it has a life of its own, with Anthea as its commander

Tone of obedience and devotion throughout the poem

Repetition of "Bid Me" throughout the the stanzas establishes a ritualistic tone and the obedience. It seems like the speaker is ready to fulfill any role Athena might assign, showing their commitment.

The meter is primarily iambic, making it flow smoothly

Rhyme scheme is ABAB

Comparison to the Old English poem's cadence which relies heavily on a mix of stressed syllables and alliteration, while the modern's version leans more toward standard english rhythm

Also a noise birds make, symbolizing the departure of winter and the forthcoming of warm seasons

Repetition of the word Cuccu giving it a chant-like feel. Feels like it is using it for memorability and musicality- seems very common with Old English poems

The two introductions to the poem, although saying the same thing ultimately have a different feel. The Old English has a raw vibrant feel in comparison to the modern english

this version clearly prioritizes clarity, making it smooth clearer and easier to follow. However, although it's clearer, it looses some of the power and condenses intricate ideas into few words

This version uses lofty imagery, elevating the poem and establishing a clear hierarchy where God oversees both heaven and earth

This version of the poem seems to prioritize clarity over musicality

The Old English version uses extensive alliteration which was a core feature of Old English Poetry. In the modern translation, the alliteration is mostly absent, instead it's more straight forward.