Old Man Travelling
By William Wordsworth
He little hedge-row birds,
That peck along the road, regard him not.
He travels on, and in his face, his step,
His gait, is one expression; every limb,
His look and bending figure, all bespeak
A man who does not move with pain, but moves
With thought—He is insensibly subdued
To settled quiet: he is one by whom
All effort seems forgotten, one to whom
Long patience has such mild composure given,
That patience now doth seem a thing, of which
He hath no need. He is by nature led
To peace so perfect, that the young behold
With envy, what the old man hardly feels.
—I asked him whither he was bound, and what
The object of his journey; he replied
“Sir! I am going many miles to take
A last leave of my son, a mariner,
Who from a sea-fight has been brought to Falmouth,
And there is dying in a hospital.”
Summary of “Old Man Travelling”
- A Portrait of Resilience: “Old Man Travelling” is a poignant exploration of human endurance and acceptance. The poem presents a vivid portrait of an elderly man journeying to bid farewell to his dying son, a mariner injured in battle. It is a study in quiet dignity, depicting a man at peace with his fate and seemingly untouched by the pain of his situation.
- Central Idea: The poem’s central theme is the acceptance of life’s inevitable sorrows, particularly the grief of losing a child, and the remarkable composure that can be found even in the face of immense suffering. The poet highlights the contrast between the old man’s serenity and the potential turmoil of youth, suggesting wisdom gained through experience.
- Key Knowledge: “Old Man Travelling” was first published in 1798 as part of an early 19th‑century collection, but it is not included in William Wordsworth’s *Lyrical Ballads*. The poem is significant for its realistic portrayal of grief and its celebration of the quiet strength found in facing life’s hardships.
In-Depth Analysis of “Old Man Travelling”
Understanding the Initial Observation
The poem begins with a striking image of the old man and the natural world around him. The poet immediately establishes a sense of detachment, noting that even the “little hedge-row birds / That peck along the road, regard him not.” This is not simply a detail of the landscape; it emphasizes the man’s isolation and his internal focus. He is a figure apart, absorbed in his own journey and seemingly unconcerned with external distractions. The observation draws us into the scene, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the man’s character.
The Embodiment of Peace
The core of the poem lies in the detailed description of the old man’s physical presence. The poet does not focus on sadness or grief, but rather on a profound sense of composure. Lines like “He travels on, and in his face, his step, / His gait, is one expression” suggest a complete integration of mind and body. He is not moving with pain but with thought, a crucial distinction that signals a meditative state and a capacity to process sorrow without being overwhelmed. The description continues, highlighting how he seems “insensibly subdued / To settled quiet,” indicating a natural, almost effortless acceptance of his fate.
The Paradox of Effortlessness
The poet expertly portrays a paradox: the old man appears to have forgotten all effort. This is not a lack of energy, but a transcendence of struggle. The lines “Long patience has such mild composure given, / That patience now doth seem a thing, of which / He hath no need” suggest that his years of enduring hardship have cultivated a state of inner peace. He is beyond the need for patience because he has fully accepted the inevitable. This image of resilience demonstrates that suffering can lead to a profound sense of calm.
The Revelation of Loss
The turning point of the poem comes when the speaker directly asks the old man about his journey. The response is heartbreakingly simple and direct: “Sir! I am going many miles to take / A last leave of my son, a mariner, / Who from a sea-fight has been brought to Falmouth, / And there is dying in a hospital.” This stark revelation is all the more impactful because of the preceding verses, which painted a picture of quiet acceptance. We realize that the old man’s composure isn’t a denial of grief but a courageous embrace of it. The fact that his son is a mariner—a figure accustomed to hardship and danger—adds another layer of poignancy to the scene.
A Study in Contrast
The poet strategically contrasts the old man’s composure with the potential turmoil of youth. The lines “He is by nature led / To peace so perfect, that the young behold / With envy, what the old man hardly feels” suggest that wisdom and acceptance often come with age. While the young may be full of energy and passion, they often lack the perspective to cope with life’s inevitable sorrows. The old man, having lived a full life, has learned to find peace even in the face of loss.
Literary and Poetic Devices in “Old Man Travelling”
Imagery
The poet masterfully uses imagery to create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader. From the “little hedge-row birds” to the “bending figure” of the old man, the poem is filled with concrete details that appeal to the senses. This imagery is integral to the poem’s meaning. For example, the image of the “bending figure” subtly conveys the weight of years and the burden of sorrow without explicitly stating it.
Enjambment
The use of enjambment—the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next—is prevalent throughout the poem. This technique creates a sense of fluidity and momentum, mirroring the old man’s steady journey. Consider these lines:
“He is by nature led
To peace so perfect, that the young behold
With envy, what the old man hardly feels.”
The enjambment emphasizes the connection between these ideas, suggesting that the old man’s peace is a natural consequence of his life experience.
Free Verse and Structure
While not strictly free verse, “Old Man Travelling” avoids a traditional rhyme scheme or rigid metrical pattern. This stylistic choice allows the poet to focus on the natural flow of language and the poem’s overall rhythm. The lack of strict structure mirrors the old man’s own unhurried pace and his sense of being at one with nature.
Symbolism
The “road” itself can be interpreted as a symbol of life’s journey, with all its challenges and uncertainties. The old man’s unwavering progress along the road represents his acceptance of fate and his determination to fulfill his final duty. The mariner son also functions as a symbol of those who face hardship and danger in pursuit of their calling.
Dialogue
The inclusion of dialogue, however brief, adds a sense of immediacy and realism to the poem. It is through the old man’s own words that we learn the heartbreaking truth of his journey. The simplicity and directness of his speech underscore his quiet dignity and his refusal to indulge in self‑pity.
Quotes for Reflection
These lines from “Old Man Travelling” are particularly resonant when considering themes of aging, resilience, and acceptance:
“He travels on, and in his face, his step,
His gait, is one expression; every limb,
His look and bending figure, all bespeak
A man who does not move with pain, but moves
With thought.”
These lines encapsulate the poem’s central message: true strength lies not in the absence of suffering but in the ability to face it with courage, dignity, and inner peace.