Page 5 - LN2

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The poet describes the peaceful natural surroundings of the lake. He says that
the scene of the cloudy mornings, the shining stars, the glowing Sun and birds
flying in the sky give him peace. He feels relaxed to hear the pleasant sound of
the cricket‟s song.

The poet feels the urgency to go to the lake Isle of Innisfree. In the depth of his
heart, he can hear the sound of the lake waters hitting the shore. It is as if the
lake is calling him. He hears the sound everywhere – either on the crowded
roads or the grey – coloured pavements of the city in which he lives. This
indicates that he wants to escape from the artificial life of the city into the
peaceful surroundings of nature.

Questions and Answers.

I) 1) What kind of a place is Innisfree? Think about:
(i) The three things the poet wants to do when he goes back-
Ansi) The three things that the poet wants to do when he goes back there are:-
 He wanted to build a small cabin of clay and wattles.
 Have nine bean rows and a hive for the honey bees.
 Live alone in the bee loud glade

(ii) What he hears and sees there and its effect on him-
Ansii) The poet says that he will experience a sense of peace in Innisfree, which will
come to him slowly in the morning mist and will stay with him till the time the crickets
start to sing. It would come to him through the soft light of midnight, the purple glow of
the afternoon and in the sound of the linnets‟ wings in the evening.

(iii) What he hears in his „heart‟s core‟ even when he is far away from Innisfree-
Ansiii) Even when he is far away from Innisfree, he can hear in his heart‟s core the
sound of the water lapping against the shore of the lake.

Q2) 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?
Ans2) Innisfree is a simple, natural and a beautiful place full of peace and tranquillity
which the poet compares to a noisy city. The poet longs for the simplicity of Innisfree
and fondly recollects the sounds of the lake water lapping away at the shore. He
compares this peaceful sound to the noise that he experiences as he stands on the
roadway or the grey pavement of the city. He also contrasts the colours of Innisfree
(“the purple glow”, “a glimmer”) to the dull, grey pavements of the city. He therefore
wants to leave the noise of the city behind and return to the calm beauty of Innisfree.

Q3) Do you think Innisfree is only a place, or a state of mind? Does the poet
actually miss the days of his boyhood place?
Ans3) 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 sights and sounds of the lake keep
calling him back to a simple life away from the hustle and bustle of the city.