It is a transitional poem as it bridges the 19th and the 20th centuries together. The poem marks the end of a year, the end of a century and looking ahead for the next century with both skepticism and hope. The poem connects both centuries together by bringing hope amidst all despair. It transitionsRead more
It is a transitional poem as it bridges the 19th and the 20th centuries together. The poem marks the end of a year, the end of a century and looking ahead for the next century with both skepticism and hope. The poem connects both centuries together by bringing hope amidst all despair. It transitions from one century to another just like it changes gril despair to hope.
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In the poem, the poet sets up a gloomy and dejected ambience at the beginning. He bemoans the dying century and that is reflected through his description of the bleak winter. Amidst all this, he suddenly hears the voice of a bird. It is an “aged thrush, frail, gaunt and small.” That little bird is sRead more
In the poem, the poet sets up a gloomy and dejected ambience at the beginning. He bemoans the dying century and that is reflected through his description of the bleak winter. Amidst all this, he suddenly hears the voice of a bird. It is an “aged thrush, frail, gaunt and small.” That little bird is singing a “full-hearted evensong of joy illimited.” The poet is surprised to see a small bird singing amidst all this desolation. The bird seems to be aware of some blessed hope which the poet is yet to discover. The bird’s song depicts the fact that Hope can be found even in the most desolate times. One should have an optimistic approach towards life. If a bird can sing its heart out, the poet believes everyone to be capable of finding hope and joy.
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