Poem Analysis - A Complaint

Introduction: Lamenting a Lost Love

William Wordsworth's "A Complaint" is a poignant expression of loss, specifically the diminishment of love. The poem unfolds as a lament, steeped in a melancholic tone as the speaker reflects on a past relationship where love flowed freely. This contrasts sharply with the present, characterized by a sense of impoverishment and emotional stagnation. The mood shifts from joyful recollection to sorrowful acceptance of a diminished, though not entirely absent, love. The poem leaves the reader with a sense of quiet resignation rather than outright despair.

The Wellspring of Emotion: Love and Its Absence

One of the central themes of "A Complaint" is the fluctuation of love. Initially, love is depicted as an abundant, unfettered fountain. The lines "A fountain at my fond heart's door, / Whose only business was to flow" emphasize its ceaseless and generous nature. This imagery conveys a sense of vitality and overflowing affection. However, this theme dramatically shifts when the speaker contrasts this past abundance with the present reality of "A comfortless and hidden well." The contrast highlights the painful transition from open expression of love to a state of repression or dormancy. Love still exists, but it is no longer readily accessible or outwardly expressed, leading to the speaker's feeling of impoverishment.

Imagery of Flowing and Stagnant Water: A Powerful Contrast

Wordsworth employs powerful imagery related to water to symbolize the changing state of the speaker's love. The "fountain" is a symbol of active, vibrant love, suggestive of life, joy, and open communication. The words "murmuring, sparkling, living love" further enhance this image. In contrast, the "well" represents a love that is deep but inactive. While the speaker believes the well is "never dry," the water is "In silence and obscurity." This imagery suggests that the love is still present, but it lacks the vitality and expression it once possessed. The contrast underscores the speaker's sense of loss and the feeling that something essential has been diminished, even if not entirely extinguished.

Poverty of the Heart: The Cost of Change

The theme of emotional poverty is woven throughout the poem. The opening line, "There is a change--and I am poor," immediately establishes this sense of deprivation. The speaker is not referring to material wealth but to the impoverishment of the heart caused by the change in the relationship. The earlier "happy moments" and "all bliss above" serve as a stark contrast to the present feeling of lack. The repeated phrase "fond heart's door" emphasizes the personal and intimate nature of this loss. The phrase positions the heart as a vulnerable space, directly impacted by the fluctuations of love, making the sense of loss all the more acute.

Concluding Thoughts: Acceptance of Diminishment?

"A Complaint" is a subtle and moving exploration of the shifting nature of love and the pain that accompanies its diminishment. The poem uses potent imagery of flowing and stagnant water to illustrate the transition from an active, expressive love to a quieter, more internal one. The speaker's sense of emotional poverty highlights the profound impact that changes in relationships can have on our well-being. While the poem acknowledges the continued existence of love, it ultimately underscores the sense of loss and the acceptance of a less vibrant emotional landscape. Is there an element of hope in the fact that the well is never dry, or does the poem ultimately suggest a resignation to the quiet obscurity of a love that no longer flows freely?