Chapter 4: The Lake Isle of Innisfree

Thinking about the Poem

I.

Question 1:

What kind of place is Innisfree? Think about:

1. the three things the poet wants to do when he goes back there (stanza I);
2. what he hears and sees there and its effect on him (stanza II);
3. what he hears in his “heart’s core” even when he is far away from Innisfree (stanza III).

Answer:

Innisfree is a beautiful place where nature is in its frill swing.

1. The poet wants to build a small hut of clay and wattles. He will have a nine bean-rows and a hive for the honeybees.
2. He hears peace come dropping and the cricket sing. He sees the midnight shine and a purple glow at noon. Evenings are full of linnet’s wings. He feels happy and gets peace of mind.
3. poet hears the lake water lapping the shore with low sounds.

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Question 2:

By now you may have concluded that Innisfree is a simple, natural place, full of beauty and peace. How does the poet contrast it with where he now stands? (Read stanza III.)

Answer:

The natural beauty of Innisfree is used and explained in contrast with the roads and pavements in city. The pavement is of grey colour which symbolises decay and death.

Question 3:

Do you think Innisfree is only a place, or a state of mind? Does the poet actually miss the place of his boyhood days?

Answer:

The natural beauty of Innisfree is not the creation of the poet’s fancy. It is a real place that gives solace to the frustrated souls. The poet longs to live at such a beautiful and peaceful place. He misses it a lot.

II.

Question 1:

Look at the words the poet uses to describe what he sees and hears at Innisfree

1. bee-loud glade
2. evenings full of the linnet’s wings
3. lake water lapping with low sounds What pictures do these words create in your mind?

Answer:

1. These words create the picture of the hive and honeybee humming all around. It is in the glade.
2. Linnet is a bird with wings. When it flutters its wings, it looks beautiful. And when the bird sits on a tree amidst beautiful natural scene, it leaves an indelible impression on the minds of the beholder.
3. It is an ordinary but bewitching scene. The waves strike the lake’s shore to create a pleasing and soothing sound.

Question 2:

Look at these words;
… peace comes dropping slow Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings
What do these words mean to you? What do you think “comes dropping slow … from the veils of the morning?” What does “to where the cricket sings” mean?

Answer:

These words mean that peace surrounds that area at dawn. The pleasing and melodious sound of cricket greets the morning. It adds sweetness to the serenity of the place.