Coursework on Literature: Analysis of the Poem "To a Waterfowl"

The poem "To a Waterfowl" is a complete expression of the aspect of romanticism in its own way. It takes a unique observation of nature from its very onset which is one reason as to why the poet can be said to have utilized romanticism. The choice of word at the start of the poem makes it an outstanding appreciation of nature in a way. By mentioning "midst falling dew", the poet successfully manages to shift the attention of the poem from the scope of romance to a position where people view nature as quite important (Line1). The simple reason that dew is a prevalent occurrence in the morning shows a great ability of the author to pull attention from an audience by the simple appreciation of natural happenings. Throughout the poem, the poet makes use of romanticism in an outstanding way. A great choice of words and figurative language is also experienced throughout the poem. The use of romanticism in this poem is a vindication of the power that nature can have on creative writing.

While this poem seems to make so much use of nature, its main message is the appreciation of the fact that there is God. By its definition, genres that utilize romanticism tend to appreciate the power of God. The author of this poem cites the heavens and states that it is heaven where every creature is set to glow when their last steps on earth are over (Line 25). A selective use of words is noted in this excerpt. Rather than using direct language such "After death", the author uses "last steps of the day" (Line 2). The choice of words, therefore, ends up making the poem a super-composed one with a moving message.

The author of the poem also makes use of figurative language while describing natural water bodies such a lakes and rivers. Rather than just mentioning them, the author goes deeper into focusing on the images of these natural sites. He talks about a weedy lake; one that is probably infested with water hyacinth or some other water plants (line 10). He also thinks and visualizes a wide river and thinks of how billows rise and sinks on these water bodies. The whole expression of this figurative language is to express the thought of the author regarding some higher power that controls nature. By observing this, the author indicates extreme proficiency in the use of romanticism.

The peak of romanticism in the poem is noted where the poet reflects on the toils of this earth (Line 21). He seems to appreciate what every man would appreciate that life is hard and toils are not scarce. His dynamic thought of a shift from this world to a land where you are welcomed is more than romantic in its own way. The author seeks to appreciate the fact that a people need to be encouraged which is the epitome of romanticism. Every man would live to feel that soon they are going to spend life in a place that looks like a sheltered nest. Use of imagery in this reflection is also one aspect that makes the poem outstanding.

The poem "To a Waterfowl" is an inherent flow of romanticism in its making. The author appreciates nature and makes a reflection of things that are naturally present and also the power that stabilizes them and makes them exist. A careful choice of words and use of imagery also crowns the poem making it a romantically outstanding poem.

Work Cited

To a Waterfowl" (pp. 119-20)