Composed by the Side of Grasmere Lake
Composed by the Side of Grasmere Lake - meaning Summary
Nature's Tranquil Refuge
Wordsworth paints a lakeside evening where windless water mirrors stars and planets, creating a serene, almost cosmic scene. The calm surface contrasts with human violence on earth, prompting a speaker to wonder if the lake is a mirror or an opening to a deeper realm. The figure of Pan whispers gratitude, presenting nature as a consoling refuge that preserves tranquillity and moral perspective amid worldly ravage.
Read Complete AnalysesCLOUDS, lingering yet, extend in solid bars Through the grey west; and lo! these waters, steeled By breezeless air to smoothest polish, yield A vivid repetition of the stars; Jove, Venus, and the ruddy crest of Mars Amid his fellows beauteously revealed At happy distance from earth's groaning field, Where ruthless mortals wage incessant wars. Is it a mirror?--or the nether Sphere Opening to view the abyss in which she feeds Her own calm fires?--But list! a voice is near; Great Pan himself low-whispering through the reeds, "Be thankful, thou; for, if unholy deeds Ravage the world, tranquillity is here!"
1806
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