I Remember, I Remember
by Thomas Hood
I remember, I remember,
The house where I was born,
The little window where the sun
Came peeping in at morn;
He never came a wink too soon,
Nor brought too long a day,
But now, I often wish the night
Had borne my breath away!I remember, I remember,
The roses, red and white,
The violets, and the lily‑cups,
Those flowers made of light!
The lilacs where the robin built,
And where my brother set
The laburnum on his birthday,—
The tree is living yet!I remember, I remember,
Where I was used to swing,
And thought the air must rush as fresh
To swallows on the wing;
My spirit flew in feathers then,
That is so heavy now,
And summer pools could hardly cool
The fever on my brow!I remember, I remember,
The fir trees dark and high;
I used to think their slender tops
Were close against the sky:
It was a childish ignorance,
But now ’tis little joy
To know I’m farther off from heav’n
Than when I was a boy.
Summary of “I Remember, I Remember”
- Popularity of “I Remember, I Remember”: Thomas Hood’s “I Remember, I Remember” is a beloved poem renowned for its poignant exploration of childhood memories and the bittersweet passage of time. First published in 1844, the poem remains a classic for its ability to evoke feelings of nostalgia and loss. It is a testament to the power of memory and the contrast between the innocence of youth and the complexities of adulthood.
- “I Remember, I Remember” as a Representative of Life: The poem centers on the speaker’s vivid recollections of his childhood home and surroundings. He remembers the simple joys of sunlight streaming through his window, the vibrant colors of flowers, the exhilarating freedom of swinging, and the awe‑inspiring height of the fir trees. These memories are not merely nostalgic; they highlight a profound sense of loss. The speaker contrasts the lightness and joy of his childhood with the weight and sorrow of his present life, expressing a longing for a time when happiness felt effortless and life seemed full of promise.
- Major Themes in “I Remember, I Remember”: The poem’s central themes revolve around the power of memory, the fleeting nature of time, and the loss of childhood innocence. Hood masterfully demonstrates how memories can be both comforting and painful, allowing us to revisit cherished moments while simultaneously reminding us of what has been lost. The poem underscores the idea that time inevitably changes us, distancing us from the joy and simplicity of youth. The speaker’s wistful tone reveals a deep‑seeded regret for the innocence he has lost and a growing awareness of the burdens of adult life.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in “I Remember, I Remember”
Thomas Hood employs a variety of literary devices to enhance the emotional impact and artistic merit of “I Remember, I Remember.” These techniques contribute to the poem’s enduring appeal and its ability to resonate with readers on a deeply personal level.
- Assonance: Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds within words, is subtly woven throughout the poem to create a musicality and enhance the overall flow. For example, the repetition of the short “i” sound in “Came peeping in at morn” and the long “oo” sound in “And summer pools could hardly cool” contribute to a sense of melodic rhythm.
- Anaphora: The strategic use of anaphora, the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, is central to the poem’s structure and emotional weight. The repeated phrase “I remember, I remember” serves as a refrain, emphasizing the speaker’s persistent and vivid recollection of the past. This repetition not only reinforces the theme of memory but also creates a sense of longing and nostalgia.
- Alliteration: Alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds, adds texture and musicality to the poem. Examples include the repetition of the “r” sound in “I remember, I remember” and “roses, red and white,” and the “f” sound in “My spirit flew in feathers then.” These instances of alliteration draw attention to specific phrases and contribute to the poem’s overall rhythm and flow.
- Consonance: Similar to alliteration, consonance focuses on the repetition of consonant sounds within words, though not necessarily at the beginning. The repetition of the “r” sound in “And where my brother set” is a prime example. Consonance helps to create a subtle musical effect and contribute to the poem’s overall sense of harmony.
- Enjambment: Hood frequently utilizes enjambment, the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause. Consider the lines: “And thought the air must rush as fresh
To swallows on the wing.” This technique creates a sense of fluidity and momentum, mirroring the speaker’s stream of consciousness and blurring the boundaries between past and present. - Imagery: Vivid and evocative imagery is a hallmark of the poem. Hood skillfully uses language to appeal to the reader’s senses, creating a rich and immersive experience. Descriptions like “The house where I was born,” “The fir trees dark and high,” and “Those flowers made of light” paint a clear and memorable picture in the reader’s mind.
- Metaphor: While subtle, metaphor plays a role in conveying the poem’s deeper meaning. The line “’tis little joy” is metaphorical, comparing the speaker’s present state to the joy of childhood. This comparison underscores the profound sense of loss and disillusionment that permeates the poem.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in “I Remember, I Remember”
In addition to literary devices, Hood masterfully employs various poetic devices to shape the form, rhythm, and meaning of “I Remember, I Remember.” These techniques contribute to the poem’s aesthetic beauty and emotional resonance.
- End Rhyme: The poem adheres to a consistent end rhyme scheme, contributing to its musicality and structural coherence. Examples include the rhyme pairs “born/morn,” “day/away,” and “set/yet.” This regular rhyme scheme creates a sense of order and predictability, enhancing the poem’s overall aesthetic appeal.
- Rhyme Scheme: The poem follows a distinct ABCBDEFE rhyme scheme in each stanza, lending it a unique and recognizable structure. This consistent rhyme scheme contributes to the poem’s overall flow and enhances its musicality.
- Repetition: The repetition of the phrase “I remember, I remember” is a crucial element of the poem’s structure and emotional impact. This refrain serves as a recurring motif, emphasizing the speaker’s preoccupation with the past and reinforcing the poem’s central theme of memory.
- Refrain: The recurring phrase “I remember, I remember” functions as a refrain, creating a memorable and evocative effect. This refrain emphasizes the speaker’s persistent recollection of the past and contributes to the poem’s overall emotional resonance.
- Stanza: The poem is organized into four octaves (eight‑line stanzas), providing a clear and structured framework. This consistent stanzaic form contributes to the poem’s overall coherence and enhances its aesthetic appeal.
Quotes to be Used
The lines stated below are useful while talking about the joys of rural life or reflecting on cherished memories.
“I remember, I remember,
Where I was used to swing,
And thought the air must rush as fresh
To swallows on the wing;
My spirit flew in feathers then,
That is so heavy now,
And summer pools could hardly cool
The fever on my brow.”