Now we say "supposedly" because, well, we know Wordsworth actually wrote "The Solitary Reaper" in , nearly 2 years after said tour was completed. Okay, so he wanted his readers to believe he wrote the poem while on location , we get that.
What about the issue of the reaper herself? Did Wordsworth actually see a woman singing and reaping all along in some highland field? The short answer is… well, no. Wordsworth actually wrote a note to the poem where he talks about where he got the whole idea from: "This poem was suggested by a beautiful sentence in a MS.
Tour in Scotland written by a friend, the last line being taken from it verbatim. You can take a peek at Wilkinson's book right here. The relevant passage in Wilkinson, just in case you're wondering, is on page "Passed a female who was reaping alone: she sung in Erse as she bended over her sickle; the sweetest human voice I ever heard: her strains were tenderly melancholy, and felt delicious, long after they were heard no more. So, Wordsworth was inspired by his trip to Scotland and all the cool things he saw there and by his buddy's travel book.
The poem, just like Wilkinson's Tour , is all about stumbling upon something that, well, is extraordinarily moving. Even though the speaker has no clue what the woman is singing about, he is totally floored by her song, so floored that he carries the song in his heart with him long after he has moved on. More than just a reflection on a strangely beautiful moment, however, the poem is a subtle statement about the multi-ethnic makeup of the British Isles.
The woman is singing in Erse Scottish Gaelic and is culturally and linguistically different from the speaker, who is an Englishman. Ever been to the opera, Shmoopers? Yeah, we hear you: it's expensive, and you're definitely expected to dress nicely leave the ripped jeans at home if you plan on going to see Aida anytime soon. You also better pack your Google translate app.
That's because all of the songs are sung in languages that are never, ever in English—like, ever. Yep, all the legit, famous operas that people pay big money to see— Don Giovanni , Aida , Carmen , La Traviata —are in other languages usually Italian.
Now, how many people that listen to opera actually understand Italian, you might ask? Not very many, but, you see, it doesn't matter. While the lyrics are usually quite powerful, understanding the words really isn't that important. So many people who have enjoyed opera over the past years haven't understood a thing, and yet they've been moved in ways they never thought possible.
Watch this video of our boy Pavarotti performing one of the most famous pieces ever "Nessun Dorma," from Turandot. If you're not weeping by the end, well… just watch it again until you are. Of course, the highland lass in "The Solitary Reaper" is not Pavarotti. Nothing William Wordsworth ever wrote even remotely resembles opera either.
No Nightingale did ever chaunt More welcome notes to weary bands Of travellers in some shady haunt, Among Arabian sands:. A voice so thrilling ne'er was heard In spring-time from the Cuckoo-bird, Breaking the silence of the seas Among the farthest Hebrides.
Will no one tell me what she sings? Or is it some more humble lay, Familiar matter of to-day? Some natural sorrow, loss, or pain, That has been, and may be again? Whate'er the theme, the Maiden sang As if her song could have no ending; I saw her singing at her work, And o'er the sickle bending;— I listened, motionless and still; And, as I mounted up the hill, The music in my heart I bore, Long after it was heard no more.
Select any word below to get its definition in the context of the poem. The words are listed in the order in which they appear in the poem. Biography of William Wordsworth — A brief biography of Wordsworth from the British Library, with extensive links to other articles on aspects of Wordsworth's life and thought.
Preface to Lyrical Ballads — Wordsworth's preface to the edition of Lyrical Ballads, in which he lays out his theory of poetry and his relationship with Romanticism. A Complaint. A Slumber did my Spirit Seal. Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, Expostulation and Reply. Extract from The Prelude Boat Stealing.
I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud. No motion has she now, no force; She neither hears nor sees; Rolled round in earth's diurnal course, With rocks, and stones, and trees. William Wordsworth Through the calm and frosty air, of this morning bright and fair. First at one, and then its fellow, just as light and just as yellow; There are many now—now one—now they stop and there are none; What intenseness of desire, in her upward eye of fire! With a tiger-leap half way, now she meets the coming prey, Lets it go as fast, and then, has it in her power again: Now she works with three or four, like an Indian Conjuror; Quick as he in feats of art, far beyond in joy of heart.
Love, faithful love, recalled thee to my mind— But how could I forget thee? Through what power, Even for the least division of an hour, Have I been so beguiled as to be blind To my most grievous loss? Academy of American Poets Educator Newsletter. Teach This Poem. Follow Us. Find Poets. Poetry Near You.
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