Thinking about the poem
Question 1.What kind of place is Innisfree? Think about:
- the three things the poet wants to do when he goes back there (stanza I);
- what he hears and sees there and its effect on him (stanza II);
- what he hears in his “heart’s core” even when he is far away from Innisfree (stanza III).
Answer:
Innisfree is a beautiful place where nature is in its frill swing.
- The poet wants to build a small hut of clay and wattles. He will have a nine bean-rows and a hive for the honeybees.
- He hears peace come dropping and the cricket sing. He sees the midnight shine and a purple glow at noon. Evenings are full of linnet’s wings. He feels happy and gets peace of mind.
- The poet hears the lake water lapping the shore with low sounds.
Question 2.By now you may have concluded that Innisfree is a simple, natural place, full of beauty and peace. How does the poet contrast it with where he now stands? (Read stanza III.)Answer:.The natural beauty of Innisfree is used and explained in contrast with the roads and pavements in city. The pavement is of grey colour which symbolises decay and death.