William Wordsworth

The Forsaken

The Forsaken - meaning Summary

Hope Amid Lingering Despair

A speaker confronts guilt, longing, and uncertain hope. They contrast general human consolation with their own unresolved sentence, pleading to know fate while feeling overwhelmed. The second stanza records a weary, silent year that neither confirms nor absolves, yet oscillates between fear and persistent hope. Despite pain and doubts, the speaker’s faith falters and recovers, ending with the recurring wish that a particular person will return.

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The peace which other seek they find; The heaviest storms not longest last; Heaven grants even to the guiltiest mind An amnesty for what is past; When will my sentence be reversed? I only pray to know the worst; And wish as if my heart would burst. O weary struggle! silent year Tell seemingly no doubtful tale; And yet they leave it short, and fear And hopes are strong and will prevail. My calmest faith escapes not pain; And, feeling that the hope in vain, I think that he will come again.

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