Poem Analysis - The White Doe Of Rylstone 4

Wordsworth's excerpt from "The White Doe of Rylstone" paints a scene of contrasting serenity and impending doom. The poem opens with a tranquil, almost idyllic depiction of Rylstone Hall under the moonlight, but this peace is quickly shadowed by the looming threat of the Norton family's rebellion and its tragic consequences. A pervasive sense of melancholy underpins the beautiful imagery, heightened by the protagonist Emily's internal struggle and the overall sense of lost hope. The mood fluctuates between moments of quiet reflection and bursts of implied violence, ultimately settling into a somber acceptance of fate.

The Shadow of Rebellion: Impending Tragedy

One of the poem's central themes is the inevitable nature of tragedy. This is revealed through the descriptions of the besieged town and castle ("A Camp, and a beleaguered Town, / And Castle, like a stately crown / On the steep rocks of winding Tees") juxtaposed with the tranquil imagery of Rylstone Hall. The peaceful opening creates a strong contrast with the doomed rebellion, enhancing the sense of loss and inevitability. The fate of Norton and his sons, though not explicitly detailed until the end, casts a long shadow over the entire passage, suggesting that no amount of beauty or virtue can avert the tragic course of events. The repeated references to "fate" and "destiny" also underscore this theme.

Emily's Internal Conflict: Resignation and Duty

Another key theme is the conflict between personal desire and imposed duty, exemplified by Emily's internal turmoil. She yearns to intervene in the unfolding tragedy, to save her father and brothers ("Herself will follow to the war, / And clasp her Father's knees;--ah, no!"), but is bound by her brother's injunction to "stand and wait." This enforced passivity highlights the constraints placed upon her, and perhaps upon women in general, during this historical period. The poem explores the psychological toll of this conflict, showing how Emily attempts to reconcile her desire for action with the perceived necessity of resignation to a higher will. The final lines of this section, "Her duty is to stand and wait; / In resignation to abide / The shock, AND FINALLY SECURE / O'ER PAIN AND GRIEF A TRIUMPH PURE," are critical to understanding the tragic acceptance she is forced to embrace.

The White Doe: A Symbol of Purity and Loss

The recurring image of the white doe serves as a powerful symbol throughout the poem. It represents purity, innocence, and a connection to nature, initially presented as an untroubled being in contrast to human turmoil. The doe's association with Francis's last words ("When Francis, uttering to the Maid / His last words in the yew-tree shade, / Involved whate'er by love was brought / Out of his heart") links it to themes of love and sacrifice. However, the doe's presence in the "forbidden ground" and its unheeded attempts to interact with Emily suggest a growing sense of isolation and loss. The doe's final position, "couched at ease," suggests a quiet acceptance of the surrounding sorrow. It may also be interpreted as a symbol of hope, even in the face of despair, a reminder of the enduring beauty of the natural world despite human suffering.

Moonlight's Gaze: A Silent Witness to Human Folly

The moon appears as a recurring visual element, serving as a silent observer of the unfolding drama. The opening lines establish the moon's omnipresent gaze ("'Tis night: in silence looking down, / The Moon, from cloudless ether, sees"), emphasizing its role as a witness to both the beauty and the tragedy occurring below. The moon's light illuminates both the serene landscape of Rylstone Hall and the besieged town, highlighting the contrast between peace and conflict. The mention of the moon guiding insurgents in a "prudent flight" is tinged with irony, as the moon ultimately witnesses their capture. This creates a sense of cosmic detachment, suggesting that nature remains indifferent to human folly and suffering. The overall effect is to heighten the sense of tragedy and the futility of human efforts against the backdrop of an unchanging universe.

A Final Acceptance: Transcending Grief

In conclusion, this excerpt from "The White Doe of Rylstone" explores the themes of tragedy, duty, and resignation through vivid imagery and symbolism. The poem masterfully juxtaposes the beauty of the natural world with the harsh realities of human conflict, highlighting the enduring power of loss and the difficult path towards acceptance. The white doe, Emily's internal struggle, and the moon's silent observation all contribute to a profound meditation on the human condition and the enduring search for meaning in the face of suffering. Ultimately, the poem suggests that even in the midst of despair, there is a potential for "A TRIUMPH PURE" born from enduring pain and grief with resilience and faith.