Poem Analysis - Lucy Poems 2

An Ode to Home and Loss

Wordsworth's "Lucy Poems 2" is a poignant reflection on love, loss, and the rediscovery of affection for one's homeland. The poem begins with a sense of belated recognition, transitions to a vow of commitment, and culminates in a quiet mourning imbued with the beauty of the English landscape. The overall tone is initially regretful, shifting towards a tender appreciation and finally settling into a melancholic acceptance. The poem explores themes of national identity, the idealized memory of love, and the poignant contrast between absence and presence.

Rediscovering England: A Journey of Affection

The first two stanzas focus on the speaker's newfound appreciation for England. This love is revealed only after experiencing "lands beyond the sea." The phrase "I travelled among unknown men" suggests a sense of alienation and disconnection from his own identity, making his return all the more meaningful. The repetition of "love" in the second stanza – "What love I bore to thee" and "I love thee more and more" – emphasizes the depth and growing intensity of his feeling. The speaker's declaration, "Nor will I quit thy shore/ A second time," suggests a commitment born out of this realization, reinforcing England as a source of comfort and belonging. This section underscores the theme of national identity, illustrating how distance and unfamiliarity can strengthen one's connection to home.

Lucy and the Landscape: An Intertwined Memory

The poem intricately weaves the memory of Lucy with the English landscape, suggesting that the two are inseparable in the speaker's mind. The third and fourth stanzas evoke a sense of idyllic past associated with Lucy. "Among thy mountains did I feel/ The joy of my desire" suggests a deep connection between the speaker's happiness and the English countryside, further strengthened by the image of "she I cherished turned her wheel/ Beside an English fire". It is unclear whether this is a memory or an imagined scene, but either way, it is imbued with a sense of domesticity and warmth. The speaker seems to equate his love for Lucy with his love for England, with both now relegated to memory. "Thy mornings showed, thy nights concealed,/ The bowers where Lucy played" evokes a sense of innocence and hidden beauty, reinforcing Lucy's close relationship with nature. The final line, "And thine too is the last green field/ That Lucy's eyes surveyed," solidifies the link between Lucy and the English soil, emphasizing her physical absence and the enduring presence of her memory in the landscape. This section highlights the theme of idealized love, showing how memory can transform a person and a place into something almost sacred.

Symbols of Home and Loss: Earthly Remains

Several key symbols emerge in the poem. The "sea" represents separation and the unknown, acting as a catalyst for the speaker's realization of his love for England. The "mountains" and "green field" symbolize the beauty and enduring nature of England. The "English fire" stands for warmth, domesticity, and the hearth of home. Perhaps the most potent symbol is the "last green field/ That Lucy's eyes surveyed." This image suggests both closure and a lingering connection. It emphasizes the finality of Lucy's death while simultaneously suggesting that a part of her remains in the landscape she loved. This image serves as a reminder of mortality and the bittersweet nature of memory. A possible interpretation is that the "green field" represents not just Lucy's last sight but also a metaphorical burial ground, linking her final resting place to the very essence of England. This elevates Lucy to almost a national icon, forever intertwined with the land itself.

Final Reflections: Enduring Love

In conclusion, "Lucy Poems 2" is a powerful exploration of love discovered, love lost, and a renewed appreciation for home. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Wordsworth conveys a deep sense of longing and a quiet acceptance of mortality. The poem reveals the power of distance to clarify our affections and the enduring nature of memory to keep loved ones alive in our hearts. The poem's significance lies in its ability to connect personal loss with a broader sense of national identity, suggesting that our love for people and places are inextricably intertwined, leaving an enduring impact on the self and the world around us.