Encore
Before we end our quest, we would like to present you with one more poem. We would like you to read this one because it shows you that the Romantics didn't always take themselves too seriously and had some humour too. So, what do you make of this?
Strange fits of passion have I known:
And I will dare to tell, But in the Lover's ear alone, What once to me befell. When she I loved looked every day Fresh as a rose in June, I to her cottage bent my way, Beneath an evening-moon. Upon the moon I fixed my eye, All over the wide lea; With quickening pace my horse drew nigh Those paths so dear to me. And now we reached the orchard-plot; And, as we climbed the hill, The sinking moon to Lucy's cot Came near, and nearer still. In one of those sweet dreams I slept, Kind Nature's gentlest boon! And all the while my eyes I kept On the descending moon. My horse moved on; hoof after hoof He raised, and never stopped: When down behind the cottage roof, At once, the bright moon dropped. What fond and wayward thoughts will slide Into a Lover's head! "O mercy!" to myself I cried, "If Lucy should be dead!" |
Task 14:
Answer the following questions In what way is this poem different from the others we have read? Do you like it? Explain.
- Does it make you smile? Why would it make someone smile?
- What is the strength of this poem? Can you spot the Romantic elements?
Some say that poetry is enjoyed best when read out loud. It certainly helps you to find your rythm and to experience the poem in a different way. You've listened to a few poems being read aloud, now it is your turn.
Task 15:
Select one of the poems we have discussed and practice reading it aloud. When you are confident that you can read the poem well and beautifully, we want you to record it on your voice recorder.
Convert it into MP3 format and send it on to your teacher. These are the poems we discussed: I wandered lonely as a cloud The solitary Reaper Sea Fever Strange Fits of Passion Have I Known
Do you know another poem by Wordsworth you would like to read out?
Pay your teacher a visit and discuss your idea.