Analysis of She Dwelt among the Untrodden Ways by William Wordsworth, Lecture notes of Voice

Download Analysis of She Dwelt among the Untrodden Ways by William Wordsworth and more Lecture notes Voice in PDF only on Docsity! Bo - She ak ET Cee a ae - Untrodden Ways Williany Wordsworth Intro. She Dwelt among the Untrodden Ways was written in 1798. This poem is Wordsworth’s best known work from a series of five texts that form his “Lucy” series. In this series, Wordsworth examines an idealized and unrequited love for Lucy, a girl who has died young. The First Stanza She dwelt among the untrodden ways Beside the springs of Dove, A Maid whom there were none to praise And very few to love: analysis The first stanza describes the area in which Lucy (“She”) lived. This rural scenery is described as a locus amoenus, an idealized beautiful place. From the first line, the lyrical voice refers to a “She”, his/her loved one that will later acquire a name (“Lucy”). analysis Notice how it is described that she “dwelt”, meaning that she lived there in the past. Although this rural scenery is described as idyllic and magnificent place (“among the untrodden ways/Beside the springs of Dove”), Lucy was alone and there was no one to praise her and to love her. The first line, which serves also as the title of the poem, suggests that Lucy lived both physically and spiritually unrevealed and distant. Analysis These comparisons serve to exemplify Lucy as an embodiment of all beauty. Notice how her description is made by an economic use of words, as they depict Lucy’s simplicity by using short, straightforward words. This word usage creates a meaningful and powerful poetry that emphasizes on passionate feelings of love and grief. The Third Stanza She lived unknown, and few could know When Lucy ceased to be; But she is in her grave, and, oh, The difference to me! Analysis The final stanza serves as an antithesis. The lyrical voice accentuates her isolation: “She lived unknown, and few could know/ When Lucy ceased to be;”. The poem follows a cyclical pattern. Notice how this stanza repeats the characterization of Lucy as distant and unknown (like in the first stanza). Moreover, this cycle is also related to the movement between growth and death.