Oft I had heard of Lucy Gray:
And, when I crossed the wild,
I chanced to see at break of day
The solitary child.
The lines suggest that the speaker had heard about a girl named Lucy Gray. While crossing a wild area, the speaker unexpectedly came across Lucy Gray early in the morning. The mention of Lucy Gray as a “solitary child” implies that she was alone in this wilderness. This sets the stage for the unfolding story of Lucy Gray and her mysterious disappearance.
No mate, no comrade Lucy knew;
She dwelt on a wide moor,
–The sweetest thing that ever grew
Beside a human door!
The poem mentions that Lucy didn’t have any companions or friends. She lived on a wide moor, which means an open and barren landscape. Despite her solitude, the poem describes Lucy as the sweetest thing that ever grew beside a human door. This emphasizes her innocence and purity, contrasting with her lonely existence.
You yet may spy the fawn at play,
The hare upon the green;
But the sweet face of Lucy Gray
Will never more be seen.
The lines suggest that while one can still catch glimpses of playful fawns and hares on the green, the sweet face of Lucy Gray will never be seen again. This indicates that Lucy has disappeared or passed away, and her presence will be forever missed. The lines evoke a sense of loss and sadness, emphasizing the absence of Lucy in the natural world.
“To-night will be a stormy night–
You to the town must go;
And take a lantern, Child, to light
Your mother through the snow.”
The lines indicate that there will be a stormy night, and the speaker instructs Lucy to go to town. Lucy is asked to take a lantern with her to light the way for her mother through the snow. This indicates that Lucy is being entrusted with the responsibility of guiding her mother safely through the stormy weather. The lines highlight the care and concern for Lucy’s well-being and her role in supporting her family.
“That, Father! will I gladly do:
‘Tis scarcely afternoon–
The minster-clock has just struck two,
And yonder is the moon!”
These lines highlight Lucy’s eagerness and willingness to fulfill her father’s request. She gladly agrees to go to town and light the lantern for her mother. Lucy mentions that it is still early afternoon, as the minster-clock has just struck two, and she points out the presence of the moon in the sky. These details emphasize Lucy’s enthusiasm and readiness to take on the task, even at such a young age.
At this the Father raised his hook,
And snapped a faggot-band;
He plied his work;–and Lucy took
The lantern in her hand.
In the lines the father is depicted as using a hook to fasten or secure something, while Lucy takes hold of a lantern. This suggests that they are preparing for some kind of task or journey in the dark. The imagery of the father’s hook and Lucy’s lantern symbolizes their readiness and determination as they embark on their respective roles. It creates a sense of anticipation and sets the stage for the events that follow in the poem.
Not blither is the mountain roe:
With many a wanton stroke
Her feet disperse the powdery snow,
That rises up like smoke.
The lines suggest a joyful and playful scene. The comparison of Lucy to a mountain roe, a type of deer, highlights her agility and gracefulness. The phrase “wanton stroke” implies that Lucy is moving with carefree and playful movements, perhaps playfully kicking or scattering the powdery snow. The imagery of the rising snow, resembling smoke, adds to the sense of movement and liveliness in the scene. Overall, these lines depict Lucy’s joyful and spirited nature as she interacts with her wintry surroundings.
The storm came on before its time:
She wandered up and down;
And many a hill did Lucy climb:
But never reached the town.
These lines highlight the challenging and perilous journey that Lucy embarks on during the storm. The phrase “the storm came on before its time” suggests that the storm arrived unexpectedly or earlier than anticipated. Lucy, undeterred, wanders aimlessly, going up and down hills in her attempt to reach the town. However, despite her efforts, she never manages to reach her destination. These lines emphasize the sense of isolation, struggle, and the unpredictable nature of the storm. It showcases Lucy’s determination and resilience in the face of adversity, but also the ultimate futility of her journey.
The wretched parents all that night
Went shouting far and wide;
But there was neither sound nor sight
To serve them for a guide.
The lines depict the anguish and desperation of Lucy’s parents as they search for her throughout the night. The phrase “wretched parents” conveys their deep sorrow and distress. They shout and call out in hopes of finding any sign or clue that could lead them to Lucy. However, despite their efforts, there is no response or indication of Lucy’s whereabouts. The lines emphasize the helplessness and despair felt by Lucy’s parents as they are left without any sound or sight to guide them in their search. It paints a poignant picture of their futile struggle to find their lost child.
At day-break on a hill they stood
That overlooked the moor;
And thence they saw the bridge of wood,
A furlong from their door.
The lines emphasize the moment when Lucy’s parents, at daybreak, find themselves standing on a hill overlooking the moor. From this vantage point, they catch sight of a wooden bridge, which is only a short distance, about a furlong, away from their own door. These lines highlight the proximity of the bridge to their home and the glimmer of hope it brings. It suggests that Lucy’s parents may have found a potential clue or lead in their search for their daughter. The emphasis is on the significance of this discovery and the anticipation it creates for them as they continue their quest to find Lucy.
They wept–and, turning homeward, cried,
“In heaven we all shall meet;”
–When in the snow the mother spied
The print of Lucy’s feet.
The lines address the emotional moment when Lucy’s parents, filled with sorrow and despair, weep and turn back towards their home. In their grief, they console themselves by saying that they will all meet again in heaven. However, amidst the snow, the mother suddenly notices something that brings a glimmer of hope. She sees the unmistakable imprint of Lucy’s feet, indicating that she may still be alive and nearby. These lines highlight the mix of emotions experienced by Lucy’s parents, from deep sadness to a flicker of optimism, as they continue their search for their beloved daughter.
Then downwards from the steep hill’s edge
They tracked the footmarks small;
And through the broken hawthorn hedge,
And by the long stone-wall;
Those lines describe how Lucy’s parents follow the small footprints they discovered on the steep hill’s edge. They continue tracking the footmarks as they pass through a broken hawthorn hedge and along a long stone wall. These lines depict the determined efforts of Lucy’s parents as they meticulously follow the trail left by Lucy’s feet, hoping it will lead them closer to finding her. It showcases their perseverance and the lengths they are willing to go to in their search for their daughter.
And then an open field they crossed:
The marks were still the same;
They tracked them on, nor ever lost;
And to the bridge they came.
The lines suggest that Lucy’s parents continued their determined pursuit, crossing an open field while still following the same footprints. They persevered, never losing track of the footmarks, and eventually arrived at the bridge. These lines highlight the unwavering dedication of Lucy’s parents as they tirelessly follow the trail, showing their unwavering commitment to finding their daughter. It indicates that their efforts are paying off, bringing them closer to a potential breakthrough in their search.
They followed from the snowy bank
Those footmarks, one by one,
Into the middle of the plank;
And further there were none!
These lines describe how Lucy’s parents diligently followed the footprints in the snow from the snowy bank. Step by step, they traced the footmarks until they reached the middle of the plank on the bridge. However, beyond that point, there were no more footprints to be found. These lines depict the culmination of their search, where the footprints abruptly end, leaving Lucy’s parents with uncertainty and a sense of loss. It adds to the suspense and mystery surrounding Lucy’s disappearance in the poem.
—Yet some maintain that to this day
She is a living child;
That you may see sweet Lucy Gray
Upon the lonesome wild.
These lines suggest that there are some who believe that Lucy is still alive. They maintain that one can catch a glimpse of sweet Lucy Gray in the solitary wilderness. The lines indicate the lingering hope and belief that Lucy may have survived and is living in seclusion. It adds a touch of mystery and wonder to the poem, leaving room for interpretation and imagination.
O’er rough and smooth she trips along,
And never looks behind;
And sings a solitary song
That whistles in the wind.
These lines highlight Lucy’s carefree and independent nature. They depict how she effortlessly moves forward, regardless of the challenges she encounters along the way. Lucy never dwells on the past, as indicated by her not looking behind. The lines also emphasize her solitary and joyful spirit, as she sings a song that echoes through the wind. Overall, these lines showcase Lucy’s resilience, freedom, and the enchanting aura she carries as she traverses the world.
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