Poem Analysis - The Redbreast Chasing The Butterfly

Wordsworth’s "The Redbreast Chasing The Butterfly" is a gentle meditation on nature, perception, and the possibility of harmony. The poem begins with affectionate praise of the robin, a bird beloved by humans, but then shifts to a questioning, almost admonishing tone as the robin is observed chasing a butterfly. The poem explores themes of fellowship, perspective, and the importance of appreciating diverse forms of beauty. Ultimately, it advocates for understanding and acceptance rather than unnecessary conflict.

The Robin: A Symbol of Human Affection

The poem opens by establishing the robin as a figure of endearment. The opening lines, "Art thou the bird whom Man loves best, / The pious bird with the scarlet breast," immediately highlight the robin's positive associations with humanity. The robin is referred to as "Our little English Robin" and even linked to cultural figures across Europe ("Peter of Norway Boors," "Thomas in Finland"), suggesting a universal appreciation. This initial portrayal underscores the robin's perceived goodness and its symbolic connection to comforting images, particularly of the bird covering the lost children with leaves – a common folk tale referenced in the poem. This establishes the robin as more than just a bird; it's a symbol of benevolence and care.

Challenging Perceptions: Beyond Sentimentality

However, the poem takes a critical turn when the speaker witnesses the robin chasing the butterfly. This action prompts the questions, "What ailed thee, Robin, that thou could'st pursue / A beautiful creature, / That is gentle by nature?" This interrogation reveals a tension between the idealized image of the robin and its actual behavior. The speaker challenges the assumption that because the robin is "to man so good," its actions are inherently virtuous. The pursuit of the butterfly introduces the idea that even creatures deemed "pious" can act in ways that seem cruel or thoughtless from a different point of view, leading to a questioning of inherent goodness and ingrained perceptions.

Harmony and Acceptance: A Plea for Understanding

The poem's central theme revolves around the possibility, and desirability, of harmony between different elements of nature. The speaker pleads for understanding and co-existence: "Beneath the summer sky / From flower to flower let him fly; / 'Tis all that he wishes to do." This highlights the butterfly's harmlessness and its simple desire to enjoy its existence. The final stanza directly advocates for connection: "What hinders, then, that ye should be / Playmates in the sunny weather, / And fly about in the air together!" The image of the robin and butterfly as "playmates" represents an ideal of peaceful interaction and appreciation of diverse beauty. The poem suggests that true piety and love involve extending empathy beyond one's own kind and embracing difference.

Crimson: A Symbol of Shared Beauty

The color crimson is a significant recurring image. It is used to describe both the robin's breast ("the scarlet breast") and the butterfly's wings ("His beautiful wings in crimson are drest, / A crimson as bright as thine own"). The shared color suggests a commonality between the two creatures, despite their apparent antagonism. It implies that they are not so different after all and that their beauty is equally valid. The repetition of "crimson" emphasizes that both robin and butterfly are vibrant parts of the natural world, deserving of appreciation and respect, and that there is no real need for conflict when they share such a fundamental aspect of beauty.

A Call for Empathetic Understanding

In conclusion, "The Redbreast Chasing The Butterfly" is more than just a charming nature poem. It is a subtle exploration of human perception and the importance of empathy. By juxtaposing the idealized image of the robin with its less-than-perfect behavior, Wordsworth challenges us to look beyond sentimental assumptions and to appreciate the beauty and value of all creatures, regardless of their perceived differences. The poem’s final plea for harmony serves as a gentle reminder that understanding and acceptance are essential for creating a more peaceful and balanced world.