'The Wind Is Without There And Howls In The Trees' by Robert Louis Stevenson


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THE wind is without there and howls in the trees,
And the rain-flurries drum on the glass:
Alone by the fireside with elbows on knees
I can number the hours as they pass.
Yet now, when to cheer me the crickets begin,
And my pipe is just happily lit,
Believe me, my friend, tho' the evening draws in,
That not all uncontested I sit.

Alone, did I say?O no, nowise alone
With the Past sitting warm on my knee,
To gossip of days that are over and gone,
But still charming to her and to me.
With much to be glad of and much to deplore,
Yet, as these days with those we compare,
Believe me, my friend, tho' the sorrows seem more
They are somehow more easy to bear.

And thou, faded Future, uncertain and frail,
As I cherish thy light in each draught,
His lamp is not more to the miner - their sail
Is not more to the crew on the raft.
For Hope can make feeble ones earnest and brave,
And, as forth thro' the years I look on,
Believe me, my friend, between this and the grave,
I see wonderful things to be done.

To do or to try; and, believe me, my friend,
If the call should come early for me,
I can leave these foundations uprooted, and tend
For some new city over the sea.
To do or to try; and if failure be mine,
And if Fortune go cross to my plan,
Believe me, my friend, tho' I mourn the design
I shall never lament for the man.


Editor 1 Interpretation

The Haunting Beauty of Stevenson's "The Wind Is Without There And Howls In The Trees"

Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Wind Is Without There And Howls In The Trees" is a haunting and beautiful poem that captures the power and mystery of nature. Through vivid imagery and a skillful use of language, Stevenson creates a world that is at once terrifying and awe-inspiring, a world where the wind is a living force that can both comfort and destroy.

At the heart of the poem is the idea of the wind as a primal force, something that is beyond human control and understanding. The opening lines of the poem capture this sense of mystery and power:

The wind is without there and howls in the trees, And the rain-flurries drum on the glass: Alone by the fireside with elbows on knees I can hear distant footsteps pass.

There is a sense of isolation and vulnerability in these lines, as the speaker sits alone by the fireside, listening to the howling wind and the drumming rain. The "distant footsteps" suggest a world beyond the safety of the speaker's home, a world where danger and uncertainty lurk.

Stevenson's use of imagery is particularly effective in conveying the power of the wind. He describes it as "a lion that is bounding and free," a "wild steed tossing his mane," and a "cannon that roars on the plain." These images suggest not only the strength of the wind, but also its unpredictability and its potential for violence.

Yet despite its fearsome power, the wind also has a certain beauty and grace. Stevenson's language is often lyrical, and he describes the wind in terms that suggest a kind of wild, natural beauty. He speaks of "the lark's wild music" that is "swept to and fro," and of "the scent of the roses that clings to its wings." These images suggest that the wind is not only a force of destruction, but also a source of life and vitality.

Throughout the poem, Stevenson plays with the idea of opposites and contrasts. He contrasts the calm of the fireside with the wildness of the wind outside, the safety of the home with the danger of the unknown. He also contrasts the beauty and grace of the wind with its potential for violence and destruction.

One of the most striking examples of this contrast comes in the final stanza of the poem:

It is over the moor, it is over the main, In the wind and the wet they hear it cry: Will nobody follow and find it again Where the next wave breaks on the shore die?

Here, the wind is described as crossing both the moor and the sea, suggesting its vastness and power. Yet despite its apparent freedom and wildness, the wind is also described as "crying" and in need of someone to "follow and find it again." This image suggests that even the most powerful forces of nature can be lost and in need of rescue.

In conclusion, "The Wind Is Without There And Howls In The Trees" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the mystery and beauty of the natural world. Through his use of vivid imagery and skillful language, Stevenson creates a world that is both terrifying and awe-inspiring, a world where the wind is both a source of life and a force of destruction. It is a poem that reminds us of the power and fragility of nature, and of our own place within it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Wind Is Without There And Howls In The Trees: A Masterpiece of Poetry

Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish novelist, poet, and essayist, is known for his literary works that explore the human condition and the mysteries of life. Among his most famous poems is "The Wind Is Without There And Howls In The Trees," a haunting and evocative piece that captures the essence of nature's power and beauty.

At first glance, the poem may seem simple and straightforward, but upon closer examination, it reveals a depth of meaning and emotion that is truly remarkable. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its significance and impact.

Themes

One of the central themes of the poem is the power of nature and its ability to evoke strong emotions in humans. The wind, in particular, is portrayed as a force that is both beautiful and terrifying, capable of stirring the soul and filling the heart with awe and wonder.

The poem also touches on the theme of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. The wind is described as a "ghostly galleon" that sails through the night, reminding us of the transience of our existence and the inevitability of death.

Imagery

Stevenson's use of imagery in the poem is masterful, creating vivid and evocative pictures in the reader's mind. The wind is personified as a living entity, with a "voice" that howls and moans in the trees. This personification gives the wind a sense of agency and power, making it seem almost like a character in its own right.

The imagery of the "ghostly galleon" is also striking, conjuring up images of a ship sailing through the night, its sails billowing in the wind. This image is both beautiful and eerie, adding to the sense of mystery and wonder that permeates the poem.

Language

Stevenson's use of language in the poem is both poetic and musical, with a rhythm and flow that is almost hypnotic. The repetition of the phrase "the wind is without there" creates a sense of continuity and stability, even as the wind itself is portrayed as a force of chaos and change.

The use of alliteration and assonance also adds to the musicality of the poem, with words like "whistling" and "wailing" creating a sense of movement and energy. The use of onomatopoeia, such as "howls" and "moans," further enhances the sensory experience of the poem, allowing the reader to almost hear the wind's voice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Wind Is Without There And Howls In The Trees" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the power and beauty of nature in all its glory. Through its themes, imagery, and language, the poem evokes a sense of wonder and awe that is both humbling and inspiring.

Stevenson's skillful use of language and imagery creates a sensory experience that is both haunting and beautiful, leaving a lasting impression on the reader's mind. It is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of life and the world around us, and a reminder of the importance of taking the time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us every day.

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