Poem Analysis - To Walter De La Mare

Introduction: An Ode to Imagination

T.S. Eliot's "To Walter de la Mare" is a tribute to the power of imagination and the ability of poetry to unlock hidden realms of experience. The poem begins with a nostalgic scene of childhood adventure and subtly transitions into a darker, more unsettling exploration of the supernatural and the unknown. The tone shifts from playful and reminiscent to mysterious and slightly eerie, culminating in an affirmation of de la Mare's poetic skill. Eliot praises de la Mare's craft as a gateway to these fantastical and sometimes unsettling worlds.

The Enchantment of Childhood and the Allure of the Unknown

One of the central themes of the poem is the blurring of boundaries between reality and imagination, particularly as experienced in childhood. The opening stanza depicts children playing in a brook, transforming it into a "desert island" teeming with exotic wildlife. This scene exemplifies the boundless creativity of children, who can readily conjure entire worlds from the mundane. However, the poem subtly hints at a darker undercurrent even in this innocent play, noting that the island is "very dangerous ground." This early suggestion prepares the reader for the poem's later exploration of more unsettling imaginative realms.

The Spectral Realm: Where Worlds Intersect

Another significant theme is the exploration of the supernatural and the unseen world. The poem moves beyond childhood fantasy to describe a realm where "ghosts return" and "two worlds meet, and intersect, and change." This section evokes a sense of unease, with descriptions of cats "maddened in the moonlight dance," dogs cowering, and "an empty face" peering from an "empty house." These vivid images create a chilling atmosphere, suggesting a reality that exists alongside our own, accessible only under certain conditions or through particular sensitivities. The poem posits that poetry, particularly that of de la Mare, is one such means of access.

De la Mare as the Weaver of Dreams

The poem explicitly celebrates Walter de la Mare as the architect of these imaginative worlds. Eliot credits de la Mare with the ability to create "free passage to the phantoms of the mind" through his poetry. The lines "By you; by those deceptive cadences / Wherewith the common measure is refined; / By conscious art practised with natural ease" emphasize de la Mare's skillful manipulation of language and rhythm to create a sense of enchantment. The final lines, "By the delicate, invisible web you wove – / The inexplicable mystery of sound," further reinforce the idea that de la Mare's poetry is a kind of magic, capable of transporting readers to other realms through the power of language.

Unveiling Mystery Through Delicate Art

The recurring image of sound is a central element in conveying de la Mare's poetic ability. Eliot refers to the "deceptive cadences" and the "inexplicable mystery of sound" that are characteristic of de la Mare's work. These phrases suggest that it is not only the literal meaning of the words but also their sonic qualities – their rhythm, rhyme, and melody – that contribute to their power to evoke imaginative worlds. The "invisible web" of sound is a metaphor for the subtle and intricate way in which de la Mare crafts his poetry to create a sense of enchantment and mystery. This attention to sound allows de la Mare to transcend the ordinary and tap into something deeper and more profound.

Conclusion: Acknowledging Poetic Brilliance

In conclusion, "To Walter de la Mare" is a thoughtful exploration of the power of imagination and the ability of poetry to unlock hidden realms of experience. Eliot uses vivid imagery and a shifting tone to create a sense of wonder and unease, ultimately praising de la Mare's poetic skill as a means of accessing these fantastical worlds. The poem highlights the importance of both childlike wonder and a mature understanding of the darker aspects of the imagination, suggesting that true art lies in the ability to weave together both the beautiful and the unsettling. Eliot's tribute acknowledges the profound influence of de la Mare's artistry in creating a gateway to the spectral realm.