To a Butterfly
To a Butterfly - fact Summary
Reminiscence of Sister Emmeline
Wordsworth addresses a butterfly as a living trigger for childhood memory. The insect revives scenes of youthful play with his sister Emmeline, recalling their joint pursuit and contrasting impulses—his eager hunting and her gentler caution. The poem uses the butterfly as a symbol and witness of the poet’s past, linking small present perception to a private family past and the emotional weight of remembered innocence.
Read Complete AnalysesStay near me - do not take thy flight! A little longer stay in sight! Much converse do I find I thee, Historian of my infancy ! Float near me; do not yet depart! Dead times revive in thee: Thou bring'st, gay creature as thou art! A solemn image to my heart, My father's family! Oh! pleasant, pleasant were the days, The time, when, in our childish plays, My sister Emmeline and I Together chased the butterfly! A very hunter did I rush Upon the prey:---with leaps and spring I followed on from brake to bush; But she, God love her, feared to brush The dust from off its wings.
Feel free to be first to leave comment.