Alfred, Lord Tennyson
This poem takes the form of a soliloquy by a brook as it makes its way down to the sea. The brook starts out as a playful stream and reflects the carefree happiness of childhood. As the poem progresses, however, the tone darkens somewhat, suggesting the loss of innocence, the reality of death, and the idea of an afterlife.
Summary
The lively brook begins by describing itself as a “babbling rogue” and a “laughing boy” that tumbles down from its rocky birthplace in the mountain. Along its journey, it races, dances over pebbles, and plays with the sun that reflects on its surface. It is unburdened by troubles and only cares about its onward journey.
The brook notes the flowers and trees that it encounters, including cowslips and daffodils. It expresses pleasure at seeing and hearing the sights and sounds of the natural world, observing a lark singing in the air, a rat scared by the sound of its waters, a frog jumping along the banks, a butterfly, and finally the “wild wind” sweeping across the scene.
From here, the poem begins to take on a darker, reflective mood, as the brook expresses its awareness that it is moving toward its end at the sea. It muses about its uncertain fate and the unknown challenges that lie ahead, stating: “I go on forever—I know not where: I flow to the unknown sea.” The tone becomes mournful and pessimistic as the brook expresses some envy about the flowers that will bloom for many more seasons while it moves toward its destiny.
The brook then questions its purpose and reflects on the brevity of life. It remarks on the impermanence of existence and notes that, just like the flowers, its time on earth is limited. The poem ends on a note of uncertainty and acceptance as the brook continues to flow toward its unknown destination, wondering what the future holds.
Themes
* The transient nature of life– The brook symbolizes human life and its journey from birth to death. The poem reflects on the inevitable passage of time, the brevity of life, and the idea of an afterlife.
* Childhood and innocence – The brook’s initial joyful, carefree nature represents the innocence and happiness of childhood.
* The contrast of life and death – The poem presents a contrast between the carefree, vibrant life of the brook and the eventual reality of death, symbolized by the inevitable flow to the sea.
Alfred, Lord Tennyson's poem creates vivid imagery of a brook's journey, evoking a sense of nostalgia, introspection, and the contemplation of mortality.