Poem Analysis - The Two April Mornings

A Meditation on Loss and Renewal

William Wordsworth's "The Two April Mornings" is a poignant reflection on grief, memory, and the cyclical nature of life. The poem unfolds as a conversation between the speaker and Matthew, a village schoolmaster, on a beautiful spring morning. Initially joyful, the atmosphere subtly shifts as Matthew's reminiscence of a past loss casts a shadow over the present. The poem delicately balances the beauty of the natural world with the enduring pain of personal tragedy, ultimately suggesting a pathway towards acceptance and a renewed appreciation for life's fleeting moments.

The Lingering Shadow of Grief

One of the central themes in "The Two April Mornings" is the enduring power of grief and its ability to resurface even amidst beauty. Matthew's initial exclamation, "`The will of God be done!'" hints at a past acceptance of loss. However, the vivid recollection of his daughter Emma's death, triggered by the similar landscape of the present April morning, reveals that the pain remains. The imagery of the "long purple cleft" in the cloud and the "slope of corn" evokes a specific and deeply personal memory, demonstrating how external stimuli can unlock profound emotions. The phrase "Six feet in earth my Emma lay," starkly contrasts with the vitality of the surrounding spring landscape, highlighting the permanence of death against the backdrop of ever-renewing life.

Nature as a Mirror to the Soul

Wordsworth masterfully uses nature to mirror Matthew's internal state and explore the theme of memory. The poem opens with descriptions of a vibrant spring morning: "bright and red / Uprose the morning sun," and "the grass / And by the steaming rills." This idyllic setting initially contrasts sharply with the sadness of Matthew's memory. However, the repeated image of the April morning connects the present with the past, suggesting that nature itself is a constant reminder of life's cycles, including both joy and sorrow. The "yon cloud with that long purple cleft" becomes a symbol of the lingering shadow of the past, while the blooming girl embodies the continuing promise of life.

The Symbolism of the Blooming Girl

The encounter with the young girl carrying a basket becomes a pivotal moment in the poem, loaded with symbolic weight. She is described as "A blooming girl, whose hair was wet / With points of morning dew," and "as happy as a wave / That dances on the sea." This imagery paints a picture of youthful vitality and untainted joy, a stark contrast to the "Six feet in earth" where Emma lies. The girl represents life's continuing promise and the possibility of finding beauty and delight even after experiencing profound loss. Matthew's statement, "And did not wish her mine!" suggests an understanding that happiness cannot be possessed or controlled, but rather appreciated in its own right. It hints at a hard-won acceptance of life's unpredictable nature.

Reconciliation and Acceptance

In conclusion, "The Two April Mornings" is a powerful exploration of grief, memory, and the enduring power of nature. Through the character of Matthew, Wordsworth demonstrates how the pain of loss can linger, yet also how encountering beauty and embracing the present moment can offer solace and a renewed appreciation for life. The final image of Matthew "with a bough / Of wilding in his hand" suggests a reconciliation with his past and an acceptance of the present, highlighting the poem's central message: that even in the face of death, life continues to blossom, offering moments of beauty and joy that can help us to heal and move forward.