All But Blind
By Walter De La Mare
All but blind
In his chambered hole,
Gropes for worms
The four-clawed mole.All but blind
In the evening sky,
The hooded Bat
Twirls softly by.All but blind
In the burning day,
The barn owl
Blunders on her way.And blind as are
These three to me,
So blind to someone
I must be.
Summary of All But Blind
- Understanding “All But Blind”: Walter De La Mare’s “All But Blind” is a deceptively simple poem that explores the relativity of perception and understanding. It describes three creatures – a mole, a bat, and an owl – each navigating its world despite limitations in sight. The poem suggests that what appears as blindness to one observer may simply be a different way of experiencing the world.
- Central Idea and Significance: The poem’s core idea revolves around the subjective nature of reality and the limitations of human perspective. De La Mare cleverly uses the animal world to challenge our assumptions about what it means to “see” and to be understood. It emphasizes that just as we may perceive these creatures as limited, there are undoubtedly perspectives from which we appear equally limited.
- Key Themes and Interpretations: “All But Blind” resonates because it touches upon themes of empathy, humility, and the mystery of existence. The poem doesn’t offer easy answers but instead invites us to question our own judgments and consider the possibility that our perception of reality is incomplete.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in “All But Blind”
Walter De La Mare masterfully employs several literary devices to create a profound and thought-provoking poem. These techniques enhance the poem’s meaning and create a memorable reading experience.
- Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds within words is subtly used. Consider the short “u” sound in “but” and “must,” and the long “u” in “blunder.” This creates a sense of musicality and emphasizes the connection between these words.
- Alliteration: Alliteration, the repetition of initial consonant sounds, appears in phrases like “blind” and “blunder,” drawing attention to these words and reinforcing the theme of limited sight.
- Imagery: De La Mare’s poem is rich in evocative imagery. Phrases such as “chambered hole,” “evening sky,” and “burning day” paint vivid pictures in the reader’s mind, engaging multiple senses. For example, the phrase “chambered hole” doesn’t just describe a location; it suggests a sense of darkness, confinement, and mystery.
- Metaphor: Blindness functions as a central metaphor throughout the poem. It isn’t merely a physical condition but represents a broader lack of understanding or awareness. The creatures are “all but blind,” suggesting they possess alternative ways of perceiving the world.
- Symbolism: Each animal carries symbolic weight. The mole, dwelling in darkness, may represent those who rely on intuition or instinct. The bat, active at night, might symbolize those who operate outside conventional norms. The owl, stumbling in daylight, could represent those who struggle to adapt to unfamiliar circumstances.
- Enjambment: The poem frequently uses enjambment, where a phrase or sentence continues onto the next line without punctuation. For instance, “All but blind / In his chambered hole” creates a flowing rhythm and draws the reader forward, mirroring the animals’ movements.
- Irony: A subtle irony underlies the poem. The title suggests a focus on limitations, but the poem ultimately highlights the different ways of seeing, not the absence of sight.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in “All But Blind”
Beyond literary devices, the poem utilizes various poetic techniques to create its unique effect.
- Free Verse: “All But Blind” is written in free verse, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. This allows De La Mare to create a natural, conversational tone and emphasize the content rather than the form.
- Stanza Structure: The poem is organized into four quatrains (four-line stanzas). This structure provides a sense of order and balance while also allowing for a concise and impactful presentation of each animal and its perspective.
- Repetition: The repeated phrase “All but blind” functions as a refrain, emphasizing the central theme and creating a musicality that reinforces the poem’s message. The repetition also highlights the shifting perspective and what appears as blindness to us may not be blindness at all.
- Concise Language: De La Mare’s use of sparse and precise language is a key poetic device. Every word carries weight, and the lack of embellishment contributes to the poem’s power and immediacy.
- Shifting Perspective: The poem’s power lies in its shifting perspective. We are initially presented with the animals as “blind,” but the final stanza challenges this assumption, forcing us to consider our own limitations.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines are particularly resonant and can be used to discuss the poem’s central themes.
And blind as are
These three to me,
So blind to someone
I must be.
This final stanza is the poem’s most powerful moment. It encapsulates the core message of relativity and encourages readers to recognize their own limitations in understanding the world around them. The simple yet profound statement that “So blind to someone / I must be” is a humbling reminder that perception is subjective and that what we see is not necessarily the whole truth.
“All But Blind” is a deceptively simple poem that rewards close reading and contemplation. Its exploration of perception, understanding, and the limits of human knowledge continues to resonate with readers today. By employing carefully chosen literary and poetic devices, Walter De La Mare created a timeless work that encourages us to question our assumptions and embrace the mystery of existence.