Poem Analysis - The Waggoner Canto Second

Introduction: A Momentary Escape

Wordsworth's "The Waggoner - Canto Second" is a buoyant and celebratory poem, a snapshot of unexpected revelry amidst a journey. The initial tone is one of quiet observation, almost whimsical, setting the scene before plunging into an exuberant depiction of a village "merry-night." The poem explores themes of temptation, the allure of simple pleasures, and the powerful human need for connection. While the poem starts with a reflective tone, it quickly shifts into a lively, almost chaotic energy, reflecting the infectious joy of the tavern. Finally, the poem settles into a slightly ironic tone, acknowledging the fleeting nature of happiness and the ultimate return to the road.

The Pull of Pleasure: Temptation and Human Nature

One of the central themes is the temptation of simple pleasures and how they can momentarily derail even the most determined individuals. Benjamin, the waggoner, is "proceeding with a mind at ease" until the sounds of the "CHERRY TREE" reach him. The poem emphasizes the sensory appeal of the tavern: the "fiddle in its glee," the "light," the "thumping--stumping--overhead!" These vivid images create a potent sense of attraction, triggering a sudden and overwhelming desire in Benjamin. The poem suggests that this susceptibility to pleasure is a fundamental aspect of human nature. The lines "And there are reasons manifold / That make the good, tow'rds which he's yearning, / Look fairly like a lawful earning," illustrate how easily we can rationalize indulging in temptation.

Community and Camaraderie: Finding Joy in Connection

Another prominent theme is the importance of community and camaraderie. The "CHERRY TREE" is not merely a place of indulgence, but a space where people come together to share joy. The description of the tavern is overflowing with images of shared merriment: "What bustling--jostling--high and low! / A universal overflow!" The poem highlights the inclusive nature of the gathering, where "Travellers are the happiest pair" despite being outsiders. The Sailor's elaborate performance with the model ship further emphasizes the value of shared experience and storytelling within the community. Through connection with each other and communal joy, the characters can momentarily forget life's hardships.

The Sailor's Ship: A Symbol of Nostalgia and Shared History

The Sailor's model ship, "A gallant stately Man-of-war," acts as a powerful symbol. It represents not only his personal history and experiences at sea but also England's naval glory and the shared national identity forged through historical events like the Battle of the Nile. The ship becomes a focal point, drawing everyone's attention and inspiring a moment of collective pride and remembrance. His meticulous presentation of the ship, naming "masts, sails, yards," serves as an act of storytelling, creating shared experience with the tavern patrons. More than that, the ship, as a representation of the battle of the Nile, represents the passing of time. The sailor brings the past into the present and shares it with others.

A Fleeting Respite: Temporary Bliss and the Inevitable Return

The poem underscores the temporary nature of happiness and the inevitability of returning to the routines and responsibilities of life. While Benjamin and the Sailor experience intense joy within the tavern, the poem subtly acknowledges that this is a fleeting respite. The ending, "Thus, after two hours' hearty stay, / Again behold them on their way!" serves as a reminder that the journey must continue. Despite the temporary escape, reality beckons, and Benjamin must return to his duties. The poem doesn’t denigrate the experience, but rather presents it as a necessary and valuable interlude in the course of life, offering a chance to recharge and reconnect before facing the road ahead. It makes a final, subtle comment that while Benjamin enjoys himself, the mastiff beneath the waggon, representing responsibility, duty and reason, has not moved from its place.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Simple Joys

"The Waggoner - Canto Second" is a celebration of simple human pleasures and the powerful bonds of community. Wordsworth captures the infectious joy of a village gathering, highlighting the allure of momentary escape and the shared experiences that bring people together. While the poem acknowledges the fleeting nature of such moments, it ultimately affirms their importance in enriching the human experience. The poem acts as a reminder of the enduring appeal of human connection, shared joy, and brief distractions on life’s longer journeys.