Poem Analysis - The Waterfall And The Eglantine

Introduction: A Tale of Arrogance and Regret

William Wordsworth's "The Waterfall And The Eglantine" presents a cautionary fable, told with deceptive simplicity. The poem unfolds as a dialogue between a boastful waterfall and a humble briar rose (eglantine), revealing a stark contrast between arrogance and humility. Initially, the tone is aggressive and threatening, dominated by the waterfall's overbearing voice. As the briar rose pleads its case, a note of sorrow and lost harmony enters, culminating in a sense of foreboding as the waterfall's destructive force overwhelms the rose's gentle voice.

Themes: Power, Harmony, and Destruction

One central theme is the abuse of power. The waterfall, "fresh swoln with snows," embodies unchecked power, threatening to destroy the briar rose simply because it obstructs its path. This is evident in the lines, "I'll hurl thee headlong with the rock/To which thy fibres cling." This raw display of dominance highlights the dangers of unrestrained force. Another significant theme is the lost harmony between the two natural elements. The briar rose reminds the waterfall of their past symbiotic relationship: "We who in this sequestered spot/Once lived a happy life!" The poem suggests that their current conflict is a tragic departure from a previous state of mutual benefit. Ultimately, the poem explores destruction. The final stanza, "The Briar quaked--and much I fear/Those accents were his last," implies the waterfall's triumph comes at the cost of the briar rose's existence, emphasizing the lasting consequences of unchecked power.

Symbolism: The Waterfall and Eglantine as Representations of Character

The waterfall and the eglantine serve as potent symbols. The waterfall represents arrogance, brute force, and a lack of empathy. Its swelling with snows emphasizes its inflated sense of self-importance. Conversely, the eglantine embodies humility, resilience, and the value of shared history. Its plea, "Ah! said the Briar, 'blame me not,'" underscores its passive and conciliatory nature. Furthermore, the rose's "scarlet hips" symbolize the beauty and usefulness it can offer, even in a seemingly weakened state, highlighting a generosity the waterfall fails to recognize.

Imagery: Painting a Picture of Conflict

Wordsworth utilizes vivid imagery to illustrate the conflict. The description of the waterfall as "dancing high and dancing low" initially seems playful, but the context of the "unhappy home" reveals a more sinister, chaotic energy. The image of the briar rose "bespattered with his foam" visually represents the waterfall's aggressive assault. The contrast between the waterfall's turbulent movement and the briar rose's rooted stillness underscores the power imbalance between them. This powerful image of unequal struggle brings the poem's themes into sharp relief.

A Final Insight: The Tragedy of Unacknowledged Interdependence

In conclusion, "The Waterfall And The Eglantine" is a poignant fable about the destructive consequences of unchecked power and the tragedy of lost harmony. The poem suggests that true strength lies not in dominance but in recognizing and valuing interdependence. The waterfall's ultimate triumph is hollow, achieved at the expense of a relationship that once enriched its own existence. The poem leaves the reader with a sense of unease, prompting reflection on the potential for destruction inherent in unchecked ambition and the importance of acknowledging the value of even the smallest and seemingly weakest among us.