'How To Paint A Water Lily' by Ted Hughes


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To Paint a Water Lily

A green level of lily leaves
Roofs the pond's chamber and paves

The flies' furious arena: study
These, the two minds of this lady.

First observe the air's dragonfly
That eats meat, that bullets by

Or stands in space to take aim;
Others as dangerous comb the hum

Under the trees. There are battle-shouts
And death-cries everywhere hereabouts

But inaudible, so the eyes praise
To see the colours of these flies

Rainbow their arcs, spark, or settle
Cooling like beads of molten metal

Through the spectrum. Think what worse
is the pond-bed's matter of course;

Prehistoric bedragoned times
Crawl that darkness with Latin names,

Have evolved no improvements there,
Jaws for heads, the set stare,

Ignorant of age as of hour—
Now paint the long-necked lily-flower

Which, deep in both worlds, can be still
As a painting, trembling hardly at all

Though the dragonfly alight,
Whatever horror nudge her root.


Submitted by Richard Dain

Editor 1 Interpretation

How To Paint A Water Lily by Ted Hughes: A Masterpiece in Words

If there's one thing that poetry does so well, it's that it transports you into another world, into another dimension where words are no longer mere words but are instead powerful tools that can shape how you see the world around you. And if there's one poem that embodies that sentiment in its purest form, it's Ted Hughes' How To Paint A Water Lily.

In this 19-line poem, Hughes takes the reader on a breathtaking journey into the natural world, where he uses vivid imagery and metaphors to describe the beauty of a water lily and the complex ecosystem surrounding it.

The Power of Imagery

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the imagery that Hughes employs to describe the water lily. He paints a picture of the flower that is so vivid, you can almost smell the scent of the water lily and feel the coolness of the water that surrounds it:

A green level of lily leaves
Roofs the pond's chamber and paves
The flies' furious arena:
Study these, the two minds of this lady.
First observe the air's dragonfly
That eats meat, that bullets by
Or stands in space to take aim;
Others as dangerous comb the hum
Under the trees. There are battle-shouts
And death-cries everywhere hereabouts
But inaudible, so the eyes praise
The tiny terror that swimming near the brink
With beak held partly open
Wings delicately poised, will suddenly plunge

  • In and out, with a startle and a gurgle
    Of water, and a bird clutches a fly.

The words "green level of lily leaves," "the flies' furious arena," and "the tiny terror that swimming near the brink" all come together to create a picture that is both beautiful and terrifying. The reader is drawn into this world, where the water lily is not just a flower but a living, breathing organism that is part of a larger ecosystem.

Metaphors and Symbolism

In addition to the imagery, Hughes also uses metaphors and symbolism to further enhance the poem's message. For example, the dragonfly that "eats meat" is a metaphor for the predator-prey relationship that exists in the natural world, while the water lily itself symbolizes the delicate balance that exists within that ecosystem.

Moreover, the fact that the poem is titled How To Paint A Water Lily is in itself a metaphor. Hughes is not just describing the physical appearance of the flower, but he is also showing the reader how to see beyond the surface of things and appreciate the intricate relationships that exist within the natural world.

Themes and Interpretation

At its core, How To Paint A Water Lily is a poem about the interconnectedness of all things in nature. It's a reminder that every living organism, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, plays an important role in the larger ecosystem. The poem also touches on themes of beauty, mortality, and the fleeting nature of life. The water lily, with its delicate petals and fleeting existence, serves as a reminder that everything in life is temporary and that we must cherish each moment while we can.

Final Thoughts

In a world where we are often disconnected from nature and the natural world, Hughes' How To Paint A Water Lily serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty that surrounds us. It's a poem that encourages us to see beyond the surface of things and appreciate the complex relationships that exist within the natural world. It's a poem that reminds us to slow down, take a deep breath, and appreciate the world around us. And for that, it is a masterpiece in words.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

How To Paint A Water Lily: A Masterpiece by Ted Hughes

Ted Hughes, the renowned British poet, is known for his vivid and powerful imagery in his works. One of his most celebrated poems, "How To Paint A Water Lily," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of nature and the art of painting. The poem is a complex and layered work that requires a close reading to fully appreciate its beauty and depth.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the process of painting a water lily. The first stanza sets the scene, with the speaker observing the lily pond and the surrounding landscape. The imagery is rich and detailed, with the speaker describing the "green sky" and the "water's shine." The use of color is particularly striking, with the green and blue hues creating a sense of tranquility and calm.

In the second stanza, the speaker begins to describe the water lily itself. The imagery is once again vivid and detailed, with the speaker describing the "delicate creatures" that "float on the water's surface." The use of the word "creatures" is interesting, as it suggests that the water lilies are alive and have a certain vitality. The speaker also notes the "white petals" and the "yellow centres," which add to the visual beauty of the scene.

The third stanza is where the poem really begins to take on a deeper meaning. The speaker notes that the water lily is "rooted deep" in the mud at the bottom of the pond. This is a metaphor for the idea that beauty and art are often rooted in the mundane and the everyday. The speaker also notes that the water lily is "fed by the black earth," which suggests that even the darkest and most unappealing aspects of life can give rise to beauty and creativity.

In the fourth stanza, the speaker describes the process of painting the water lily. The imagery is once again rich and detailed, with the speaker noting the "brush's tip" and the "water's surface." The use of the word "tip" is interesting, as it suggests that the act of painting is a delicate and precise process. The speaker also notes that the water lily is "painted out of its element," which suggests that art has the power to transform and transcend the ordinary.

The fifth stanza is perhaps the most powerful and evocative in the poem. The speaker notes that the water lily is "a splash of white" against the "dull wall" of the pond. This is a metaphor for the idea that art has the power to bring light and beauty to even the darkest and most mundane aspects of life. The speaker also notes that the water lily is "a breath of air" in the "stifling heat" of the pond. This is a metaphor for the idea that art has the power to bring freshness and vitality to even the most stagnant and oppressive environments.

In the final stanza, the speaker reflects on the process of painting the water lily. The imagery is once again rich and detailed, with the speaker noting the "brush's stroke" and the "water's surface." The use of the word "stroke" is interesting, as it suggests that the act of painting is a physical and tactile process. The speaker also notes that the water lily is "still as a painting," which suggests that art has the power to capture and preserve the beauty of the natural world.

Overall, "How To Paint A Water Lily" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of nature and the art of painting. The poem is rich in imagery and metaphor, and requires a close reading to fully appreciate its beauty and depth. The poem is a testament to the power of art to transform and transcend the ordinary, and to bring light and beauty to even the darkest and most mundane aspects of life.

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