Poem Analysis - Michael A Pastoral Poem

Wordsworth's "Michael: A Pastoral Poem" is a poignant narrative that explores the profound connection between humanity and nature, and the devastating effects of loss and change. The poem begins with a serene description of the natural world, gradually shifting to a more somber tone as it recounts the tragic tale of Michael and his son, Luke. The overarching feeling is one of gentle melancholy, reflecting on the fragility of human hopes against the relentless march of time and circumstance. The poem ultimately serves as a elegy to a passing way of life.

The Indelible Mark of Nature

One of the primary themes in "Michael" is the deep, reciprocal relationship between humans and the natural world. Wordsworth portrays Michael as being inextricably linked to his land. The opening lines invite the reader to envision the secluded valley, emphasizing its unspoiled beauty and solitude. The poem states, "Those fields, those hills--what could they less? had laid / Strong hold on his affections, were to him / A pleasurable feeling of blind love, / The pleasure which there is in life itself ." This illustrates how the land is not merely a source of livelihood for Michael but is also integral to his sense of identity and well-being. The detailed descriptions of the natural environment, from the "tumultuous brook" to the "clipping tree," serve not just as scenic backdrops but as active participants in Michael's life, shaping his character and informing his values. This symbiotic relationship is crucial to understanding the tragedy that unfolds when Luke leaves, and the land is eventually sold.

The Erosion of Familial Bonds

The poem also delves into the theme of familial love and its vulnerability to external forces. Michael's deep affection for his son, Luke, is presented as a central, defining aspect of his life. The narrator makes it clear that this love is "exceeding," going beyond mere paternal instinct to encompass a profound sense of hope and anticipation for the future. The detailed account of Michael crafting a shepherd's staff for Luke and their shared labor in building the sheepfold underscore the strength of their bond and the transmission of values from one generation to the next. This bond is shattered, however, by Luke's eventual fall into "evil courses" in the city, representing the corrupting influence of the outside world and the tragic disruption of the family's pastoral harmony. The broken covenant of the unfinished sheepfold becomes a potent symbol of this irreversible rupture.

Symbolism of Stone and Light

Throughout the poem, certain symbols and images recur, carrying significant weight. The heap of "unhewn stones" intended for the sheepfold functions as a powerful symbol of unrealized dreams and broken promises. Michael's act of asking Luke to lay the first stone represents a covenant, a promise of continuity and shared heritage. When Luke fails, and Michael is left to work on the fold alone, the unfinished structure becomes a testament to their fractured relationship and the disintegration of their way of life. The cottage light, referred to as "The Evening Star," serves as a beacon of hope and stability, a "public symbol of the life / That thrifty Pair had lived." Its eventual disappearance signifies the loss of that way of life and the encroaching darkness of change and despair. The ambiguity lies in whether Michael continued to visit the sheepfold simply because he loved his son and missed him, or because it was his way to try and keep a promise. This ambiguity strengthens the poem's theme of loss.

The Pastoral Elegy

"Michael: A Pastoral Poem" ultimately functions as an elegy, not only for a specific individual and his family but also for a vanishing rural way of life. The poem's quiet, reflective tone, coupled with its focus on the beauty and simplicity of the natural world, evokes a sense of nostalgia and regret. The story of Michael and Luke serves as a microcosm of larger social and economic changes that were disrupting traditional rural communities during Wordsworth's time. By contrasting the idyllic past with the harsh realities of the present, Wordsworth underscores the profound losses associated with modernization and the enduring power of nature to both sustain and outlast human endeavors. The poem is a lament, a celebration, and a warning all woven into one.