Winter
By Walter de la Mare
And the robin flew
Into the air, the air
The white mist through
And small and rare
The night‑frost fell
Into the calm and misty dell.And the dusk gathered low
And the silver moon and stars
On the frozen snow
Drew taper bars
Kindled winking fires
In the hooded briers.And the sprawling Bear
Growled deep in the sky
And Orion’s hair
Streamed sparkling by
But the North sighed low
“Snow, snow, more snow!”
Summary of Winter
- A Glimpse of Winter’s Beauty: Walter de la Mare’s poem “Winter” is a delicate and evocative portrayal of the season, capturing its quiet beauty and magical atmosphere. Published in 1921, it is cherished for its vivid imagery and gentle tone. The poem is not about a grand, sweeping winter storm but rather a series of small, observed details such as the flight of a robin, the falling frost, and the twinkling stars, which collectively paint a picture of winter’s charm.
- The Essence of the Poem: At its heart, “Winter” celebrates the simplicity and wonder of the natural world. The poem moves from observing a bird in flight to a broader cosmic view, linking the small, earthly details with the vastness of the night sky. This connection highlights the idea that even in the stillness of winter there is a vibrant, living world around us.
- Noteworthy Detail: The poem is known for its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder, often reminding readers of childhood experiences and the joy of observing nature. It is a short but powerful piece, demonstrating that great poetry does not need to be lengthy to be deeply moving.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in Winter
Literary and poetic devices are the tools writers use to create meaning and effect in their work. Understanding these devices helps us appreciate the artistry of a poem. Let us explore how de la Mare uses them in “Winter.”
Assonance and Alliteration: The Music of Language
Poets often use sound devices to create musicality and emphasis.
- Assonance: This is the repetition of vowel sounds within words. Notice the repetition of the short “a” sound in “And small and rare,” creating a subtle musical effect. Similarly, the repeated “o” sound in “On the frozen snow” adds to the poem’s soothing quality.
- Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. The phrase “streamed sparkling” beautifully uses the “s” sound, adding a sense of shimmering light and movement. The repetition of “s” and “n” in “snow, snow” emphasizes the falling snow and its quiet persistence.
Consonance: Subtle Sound Patterns
Consonance involves the repetition of consonant sounds within words, not just at the beginning.
For example, consider the line “Into the air, the air.” The repetition of the “r” sound creates a sense of breath and flowing movement. This subtle repetition adds to the poem’s overall musicality.
Imagery: Painting Pictures with Words
Imagery is the use of descriptive language that appeals to the senses. De la Mare excels at this.
Lines such as “The white mist through,” “The night‑frost fell,” and “Into the calm and misty dell” create vivid visual pictures in the reader’s mind, allowing us to see and feel the cold, misty winter landscape.
Metaphor and Personification: Giving Life to Nature
These devices allow poets to create deeper meaning and connection with their subject.
- Metaphor: Although not explicitly stated, the poem uses nature as a metaphor for tranquility and stillness. The images of frost, mist, and snow evoke a sense of peace and quiet.
- Personification: De la Mare brings the natural world to life by giving it human qualities. The lines “And the sprawling Bear / Growled deep in the sky” and “But the North sighed low” personify the constellation and the wind, making them seem almost alive and sentient.
Enjambment: Creating Flow and Rhythm
Enjambment occurs when a line of poetry continues onto the next line without punctuation, creating a sense of momentum and flow.
Observe these lines:
Drew taper bars
Kindled winking fires
In the hooded briers.
The thought is not completed at the end of the first line but flows seamlessly into the next, creating a sense of continuous movement and unfolding imagery.
Deeper Dive: Analyzing Poetic Form
Beyond individual devices, the overall structure of a poem contributes to its meaning and effect.
Rhyme Scheme and Stanza Structure
“Winter” follows a consistent ABABCC rhyme scheme in each of its three stanzas. This creates a sense of order and musicality. The use of six‑line stanzas (sestets) provides a contained and focused structure for the poem’s imagery and ideas.
Repetition: Emphasizing Key Elements
The repetition of phrases such as “the air” and “snow” is intentional. It emphasizes the central themes of the poem—the ethereal quality of the winter air and the persistent, magical presence of snow. These repeated words act as anchors, drawing the reader back to the core imagery of the poem.
Quotes for Discussion and Teaching
These lines are particularly evocative and can be used to spark conversation about imagery, personification, and the beauty of the night sky:
And the sprawling Bear
Growled deep in the sky
And Orion’s hair
Streamed sparkling by
But the North sighed low
“Snow, snow, more snow!”
These lines not only provide a vivid visual image but also invite us to imagine the vastness of the universe and our place within it. They encapsulate the poem’s gentle wonder and enduring charm.
In conclusion, “Winter” is a deceptively simple poem that rewards careful reading. Through its use of vivid imagery, evocative sound devices, and a gentle, flowing rhythm, Walter de la Mare creates a lasting impression of winter’s quiet beauty and magical atmosphere.