Lucy Gray Poem Analysis
Stanza 1
Oft I had heard of Lucy Gray,
And when I cross’d the Wild,
I chanc’d to see at break of day
The solitary Child.
Explanation: In these opening lines of the poem, the speaker introduces Lucy Gray as a figure whose story is well-known but shrouded in mystery. The speaker has “oft heard” of Lucy Gray, suggesting that her tale is a popular legend or local folklore.
The speaker then describes an experience of crossing “the Wild,” a vast and desolate natural landscape, where, at the break of day, he unexpectedly encounters “the solitary Child.” This phrase emphasizes Lucy’s isolation, as she is described as being alone, without companions or playmates. The word “solitary” further suggests that she is not only physically alone but perhaps also symbolically separated from society or the world around her.
The tone of the stanza is both mysterious and somewhat haunting, as the speaker recounts the moment he saw Lucy in a remote, wild environment. It sets the stage for the tragic and supernatural elements of the poem, hinting that Lucy’s existence might be more than just a physical one, as she appears in a solitary, almost otherworldly form.
Poetic Device
Imagery: Wordsworth uses vivid imagery to create a picture in the reader’s mind. Phrases like “break of day” and “solitary Child” evoke a clear visual and emotional image of the scene. The description of the “solitary Child” emphasizes Lucy Gray’s isolation.
Enjambment: The stanza uses enjambment, where sentences or phrases run over from one line to the next without a pause. For example, “I chanc’d to see at break of day / The solitary Child” creates a sense of continuity and flow, reflecting the natural movement of the narrative.
Symbolism: The “Wild” and “break of day” symbolize both the natural world and a moment of revelation or new beginnings. The “solitary Child” symbolizes innocence and isolation, setting the tone for the rest of the poem.
Stanza 2
No Mate, no comrade Lucy knew;
She dwelt on a wild Moor,
The sweetest Thing that ever grew
Beside a human door!
Explanation: In this stanza, the speaker emphasizes Lucy Gray’s isolation by stating that she had “no Mate, no comrade,” meaning she had no friends or companions. This suggests that Lucy lived a life of solitude, disconnected from other children or people. The line paints her as a lonely figure, someone who exists apart from society.
Despite this isolation, Lucy is described as a pure and beautiful being: “The sweetest Thing that ever grew / Beside a human door!” This metaphor compares her to a delicate flower or plant that grows close to the homes of people, yet remains separate in some way. It highlights her innocence and gentleness, suggesting she is a natural and lovely presence, even though she lived in a wild, untamed environment like the moor. The contrast between her sweetness and the ruggedness of her surroundings emphasizes her purity and fragility.
The wild moor represents both the literal landscape where Lucy lived and a symbolic reflection of her isolation from the human world. Though she is part of nature and deeply connected to it, her separation from human companionship sets her apart as a figure of unique innocence and beauty.
Poetic Device
Contrast: The stanza contrasts “No Mate, no comrade” with “The sweetest Thing that ever grew.” This contrast emphasizes Lucy’s loneliness despite her sweetness and innocence. While she is isolated from human companionship, she is still portrayed as a cherished and beautiful presence.
Imagery: Wordsworth creates a vivid picture of Lucy Gray’s environment. The “wild Moor” and the phrase “beside a human door” evoke a sense of her desolate and remote living conditions, juxtaposing the wildness of her surroundings with the concept of a human dwelling.
Hyperbole: The description of Lucy Gray as “The sweetest Thing that ever grew” is an example of hyperbole, which is an exaggerated statement used to emphasize her exceptional nature and beauty. This exaggeration underscores the poignancy of her isolation.
Metaphor: The phrase “The sweetest Thing” functions as a metaphor, comparing Lucy to a beautiful and precious object. This metaphor highlights her intrinsic beauty and purity despite her lack of social connections.
Stanza 3
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.
Explanation: In this stanza, the speaker contrasts the continuing presence of wildlife with the permanent loss of Lucy Gray. The imagery of a fawn at play and a hare upon the green evokes a lively and natural world that remains vibrant and active. These animals, symbolizing the beauty and life of the natural landscape, are still visible to those who pass by.
However, the speaker laments that, unlike the fawn and the hare, “the sweet face of Lucy Gray / Will never more be seen.” This line underscores the tragic finality of Lucy’s disappearance and death. While nature continues its cycle, Lucy, who was once a part of it, is now gone forever. Her absence is felt deeply, as she will no longer be seen by anyone.
The contrast between the ongoing life of nature and Lucy’s permanent absence enhances the sense of loss. Though the wilds may be full of life, Lucy, with her innocence and sweetness, has become an irreplaceable part of the past.
Poetic Device
Imagery: The stanza uses vivid imagery to depict the natural world. The phrases “the Fawn at play” and “The Hare upon the Green” create a clear visual picture of wildlife in a lively, natural setting. This imagery sets a serene and picturesque scene that contrasts sharply with the theme of loss.
Personification: By saying “the sweet face of Lucy Gray / Will never more be seen,” the poet personifies Lucy’s face as something precious and uniquely significant. This personification underscores the emotional impact of her absence and conveys the depth of the loss.
Symbolism: The “Fawn” and “Hare” symbolize the vitality and innocence of the natural world, which continues unaffected by Lucy’s fate. In contrast, Lucy’s face symbolizes human presence and emotional connection, which has been irrevocably lost.
Irony: There is a poignant irony in the natural world’s continuity and vibrancy, as captured by the fawn and hare, juxtaposed with the finality of Lucy Gray’s disappearance. The natural world remains unchanged, but Lucy’s absence signifies a deep and irreplaceable loss.
Stanza 4
“To-night will be a stormy night,
You to the Town must go,
And take a lantern, Child, to light
Your Mother thro’ the snow.”
Explanation: In this stanza, Lucy’s father speaks to her, giving her a task. He warns her that “To-night will be a stormy night,” signaling an impending dangerous weather event, and instructs her to go to the town. The reason for this task is practical: Lucy is asked to take a lantern to light the way for her mother, who needs to return home through the snow.
The lines illustrate Lucy’s responsibility and the trust her parents place in her, despite her young age. It also reflects the harsh realities of rural life, where children often had to undertake challenging tasks. The mention of the coming storm and the snow foreshadows the danger ahead, hinting at the tragic outcome. The image of Lucy carrying a lantern, a symbol of guidance and hope, contrasts with the darkness and harshness of the storm that is approaching.
These lines set in motion the events that lead to Lucy’s disappearance, and the father’s words, though caring and concerned, unknowingly send Lucy on a path toward her fate. The stanza also subtly reinforces the themes of innocence and tragedy, as Lucy embarks on this perilous journey with no awareness of the dangers that await her.
Poetic Device
Foreshadowing: The line “To-night will be a stormy night” hints at the impending danger and sets a foreboding tone. This device prepares the reader for the difficulties Lucy will face as she sets out on her journey.
Imagery: Wordsworth uses vivid imagery in “take a lantern, Child, to light / Your Mother thro’ the snow.” The image of a lantern guiding through the snow creates a visual representation of the journey and the challenge Lucy faces. This imagery evokes a sense of the harsh, wintry conditions and the difficulty of navigating through them.
Symbolism: The “lantern” symbolizes guidance and hope, suggesting that Lucy’s role is to bring light and help to her mother amidst the storm. It also represents the fragile nature of human efforts against the overwhelming force of nature.
Stanza 5
“That, Father! will I gladly do;
‘Tis scarcely afternoon—
The Minster-clock has just struck two,
And yonder is the Moon.”
Explanation: In this stanza, Lucy eagerly responds to her father’s request with the words, “That, Father! will I gladly do.” Her willingness to help shows her dutiful and caring nature, highlighting her innocence and enthusiasm. Despite the task being potentially dangerous, Lucy does not express fear or hesitation. Instead, she is happy to assist, demonstrating her trust in her parents and her sense of responsibility.
The next lines convey Lucy’s confidence about the timing of the task, as she remarks that it is still early in the day—”scarcely afternoon.” The mention of the Minster-clock striking two indicates that it is only mid-afternoon, which seems to give Lucy a false sense of security. However, the mention of the Moon already being visible in the sky introduces an element of foreboding. Though it is still daytime, the rising moon suggests that darkness, and potentially danger, is approaching sooner than expected.
This contrast between Lucy’s optimism and the subtle warning of the moon adds to the tension in the poem. While Lucy believes she has plenty of time to complete her task, nature is quietly signaling that the storm is imminent, and the day will soon give way to the stormy night foretold by her father.
Poetic Device
Imagery: The phrase “And yonder is the Moon” provides a visual image of the moon in the sky. This imagery sets the scene and contrasts with the impending storm, adding to the atmosphere and sense of time.
Personification: The “Minster-clock” is personified by attributing to it the ability to strike and keep time. This personification adds a touch of human-like precision to the setting, enhancing the poem’s realism.
Contrast: The contrast between “scarcely afternoon” and the impending storm creates a sense of incongruity. Lucy’s initial ease with the time of day contrasts with the seriousness of the task ahead, emphasizing the unforeseen difficulties she will face.
Stanza 6
At this the Father rais’d his hook
And snapp’d a faggot-band;
He plied his work, and Lucy took
The lantern in her hand.
Explanation: In this stanza, the father, having given his instructions to Lucy, returns to his work. He “rais’d his hook / And snapp’d a faggot-band,” which refers to his action of cutting or breaking a band that holds together a bundle of sticks (faggot) for firewood. This small, practical action illustrates the simplicity of rural life, where daily tasks are routine and often physical. It also suggests that the father, while aware of the coming storm, does not foresee the danger Lucy will face, as he continues his work without concern.
Meanwhile, Lucy obediently “took the lantern in her hand,” preparing to carry out the task her father assigned. The lantern, which symbolizes light, hope, and guidance, becomes a key image in this moment, representing Lucy’s sense of duty and the trust her father places in her. The fact that Lucy takes the lantern without hesitation further emphasizes her innocence and willingness to help her family.
The father’s calmness contrasts with the ominous tone already established in the poem, heightening the sense of impending tragedy. Neither the father nor Lucy seem to anticipate the true danger of the storm, which makes Lucy’s departure feel all the more fateful. This stanza captures the ordinary nature of life just before it is disrupted by unforeseen events.
Poetic Device
Imagery: The imagery in “the Father rais’d his hook / And snapp’d a faggot-band” creates a vivid picture of the father’s physical actions. The image of him using a hook to snap a bundle of sticks (faggots) and the subsequent act of working on his task adds a sense of realism and detail to the scene.
Metaphor: The “hook” and “faggot-band” are used metaphorically to symbolize the father’s labor and the tasks he is performing. These objects represent the practical aspects of his work and set the scene for Lucy’s transition from home to her journey.
Symbolism: The “lantern” symbolizes guidance, light, and hope. By taking the lantern, Lucy is metaphorically taking on the role of a guide and protector for her mother, even though the journey ahead is fraught with danger.
Enjambment: The stanza uses enjambment, where the sentences flow from one line to the next without a pause. This technique helps maintain the momentum of the narrative and reflects the continuous nature of the father’s work and Lucy’s preparation.
Stanza 7
Not blither is the mountain roe,
With many a wanton stroke
Her feet disperse, the powd’ry snow
That rises up like smoke.
Explanation: In this stanza, Lucy is compared to a mountain roe (a type of deer), highlighting her vitality, grace, and connection to nature. The speaker emphasizes that Lucy is not “blither” (meaning more cheerful or carefree) than the mountain roe, indicating that as she sets off on her task, she is as joyful and lively as the wild deer that roam the hills. This comparison underscores Lucy’s innocence and youthful energy as she moves through the snow, unaware of the danger she will soon face.
The imagery of her feet dispersing the powd’ry snow / That rises up like smoke evokes a vivid scene of Lucy playfully moving through the soft snow. The phrase “wanton stroke” refers to her carefree and unrestrained movements, suggesting that she is full of life and vigor, enjoying the natural environment even as she undertakes her journey. The snow rising “like smoke” creates a delicate and ethereal image, adding to the sense that Lucy is in harmony with the natural world around her.
This stanza contrasts Lucy’s joyful spirit with the danger that looms, intensifying the reader’s awareness of her innocence in the face of an impending tragedy.
Poetic Device
Simile: The phrase “that rises up like smoke” is a simile comparing the snow that Lucy’s feet stir up to smoke. This comparison helps to create a visual image of the snow rising in a light, wispy manner, emphasizing the lightness and delicacy of the snow.
Imagery: The stanza is rich in visual imagery, describing Lucy’s movements and the snow. Phrases like “mountain roe” and “powd’ry snow” create a clear picture of a lively and snowy landscape. The imagery evokes a sense of motion and playfulness as Lucy moves through the snow.
Metaphor: By comparing Lucy to a “mountain roe,” a type of deer, the poet metaphorically suggests that she is as lively and graceful as a deer frolicking in the snow. This metaphor highlights her cheerful and carefree demeanor as she makes her way through the snow.
Stanza 8
The storm came on before its time,
She wander’d up and down,
And many a hill did Lucy climb
But never reach’d the Town.
Explanation: In this stanza, the storm arrives earlier than expected, catching Lucy unprepared. The sudden onset of the storm heightens the sense of urgency and danger, as Lucy is forced to navigate the worsening weather conditions. The phrase “before its time” suggests that the storm’s early arrival was unexpected and unseasonable, amplifying the unpredictability of nature.
Lucy, caught in the midst of the storm, “wander’d up and down” as she tries to find her way. The image of her wandering reflects her confusion and desperation, as the storm obscures her path and disorients her. Despite her efforts, “many a hill did Lucy climb,” she is unable to reach her destination, the town. This detail emphasizes the futility of her journey and the vast, unyielding nature of the storm, which prevents her from accomplishing her task.
Poetic Device
Imagery: Wordsworth uses imagery to depict Lucy’s struggle against the storm. Phrases like “wander’d up and down” and “many a hill did Lucy climb” create a vivid picture of her arduous journey and the challenging conditions she faces.
Symbolism: The “storm” symbolizes the overwhelming and uncontrollable forces of nature that Lucy faces. The storm represents both the physical challenge of her journey and the metaphorical obstacles she encounters.
Stanza 9
The wretched Parents all that night
Went shouting far and wide;
But there was neither sound nor sight
To serve them for a guide.
Explanation: In this stanza, the wretched parents are depicted in their desperate search for Lucy. They “went shouting far and wide” throughout the night, calling for their daughter in hopes of finding her and bringing her home safely. Their frantic search reflects their deep concern and anguish as they realize the severity of the situation.
Despite their efforts, they encounter no signs of Lucy—”neither sound nor sight / To serve them for a guide.” This lack of any trace of Lucy underscores the overwhelming challenge they face. The absence of any clues or indications of her whereabouts adds to their despair and helplessness. The storm has effectively erased any evidence of her presence, making their search even more hopeless.
The stanza captures the intensity of the parents’ grief and the harshness of the storm, which not only endangers Lucy but also impedes her parents’ ability to find her.
Poetic Device
Imagery: Wordsworth creates a vivid image of the parents’ frantic search with “The wretched Parents all that night / Went shouting far and wide.” This imagery conveys the scene of the parents desperately calling out for Lucy and searching through the night.
Symbolism: The “sound nor sight” symbolize the absence of any clues or hope in the search. This emphasizes the profound loss and the overwhelming sense of despair felt by the parents.
Stanza 10
At day-break on a hill they stood
That overlook’d the Moor;
And thence they saw the Bridge of Wood
A furlong from their door.
Explanation: In this stanza, as dawn breaks, the parents stand on a hill that “overlook’d the Moor,” giving them a vantage point to survey the landscape. The hill provides a broader view, allowing them to spot the Bridge of Wood in the distance. The bridge, located “a furlong from their door,” signifies that it is relatively close to their home, but still far enough to be out of sight from their immediate vicinity.
The sight of the bridge brings a glimmer of hope to the parents, as it marks a familiar landmark in their search. The fact that they are able to see the bridge suggests that they are not far from home, yet the distance and the challenges of the storm have made it difficult for them to connect the visual clues to their lost daughter.
This moment of recognition is both relieving and poignant. It confirms that they are near the area where Lucy may have been, but it also intensifies the realization of how close yet unattainable she remains.
Poetic Device
Imagery: The stanza uses vivid imagery to create a visual scene: “At day-break on a hill they stood / That overlook’d the Moor.” This evokes a clear picture of the parents standing on a hill at dawn, providing a panoramic view of the landscape, including the wooden bridge.
“A furlong from their door” provides a specific measurement of distance, helping readers visualize how close the bridge is to their home, despite the challenging conditions.
Symbolism: The hill and the bridge serve as symbols in this stanza. The hill symbolizes a higher perspective or hope, as it allows the parents to see the bridge. The bridge symbolizes the connection between their home and their lost daughter, marking a crucial point in their search.
Personification: The landscape is personified through the description “That overlook’d the Moor,” giving the hill the human-like ability to overlook or observe. This personification emphasizes the role of the natural surroundings in the search for Lucy.
Stanza 11
And now they homeward turn’d, and cry’d
“In Heaven we all shall meet!”
When in the snow the Mother spied
The print of Lucy’s feet.
Explanation: In this stanza, the parents, having spotted the bridge, turn “homeward,” with a sense of resigned hope and solace. They cry out “In Heaven we all shall meet!” This expression reflects their profound grief and the belief that they will be reunited with Lucy in the afterlife. Their cry underscores their despair and the idea of finding comfort in the notion of an eternal reunion.
As they make their way back, still deeply distressed, the mother “spied the print of Lucy’s feet” in the snow. This discovery is a poignant moment of realization and a glimmer of hope amidst their sorrow. The footprints confirm that Lucy had passed through this area, and they become a crucial clue in tracking her final path.
Poetic Device
Imagery: The stanza uses vivid imagery to describe the moment of discovery. The image of “the print of Lucy’s feet” in the snow is a powerful visual that symbolizes a trace of Lucy and provides a clue to her whereabouts. This image contrasts with the earlier sense of helplessness.
Symbolism: The “print of Lucy’s feet” symbolizes a connection to Lucy and a sign of her presence. It represents both a clue in the search and a poignant reminder of her absence. The footprints symbolize the last physical trace of Lucy, leading to both hope and a deeper sense of loss.
Stanza 12
Then downward from the steep hill’s edge
They track’d the footmarks small;
And through the broken hawthorn-hedge,
And by the long stone-wall;
Explanation: In this stanza, the parents follow the footprints they discovered, tracing them “downward from the steep hill’s edge.” This descent marks the continuation of their search as they carefully track the small, delicate marks left by Lucy’s feet in the snow. The focus on the “small” footmarks highlights her youth and fragility, adding to the poignancy of the search.
The path leads them through a “broken hawthorn-hedge” and along a “long stone-wall.” These specific details of the terrain illustrate the challenging and rugged landscape that Lucy navigated. The broken hedge and stone wall symbolize obstacles and barriers in her path, as well as the parents’ relentless pursuit through these difficulties.
Poetic Device
Imagery: Wordsworth provides detailed imagery to help readers visualize the parents’ search. Phrases like “steep hill’s edge”, “broken hawthorn-hedge”, and “long stone-wall” create a vivid picture of the terrain they navigate. This imagery illustrates the physical obstacles and the rural landscape they are traversing.
Symbolism: The “footmarks small” symbolize Lucy’s presence and the hope of finding her. They represent the trace of her journey and the connection to her that the parents are desperately following.
Enjambment: The stanza employs enjambment, where the sentence flows over from one line to the next without a pause. This technique maintains the continuity of the narrative and reflects the relentless and ongoing nature of the search.
Stanza 13
And then an open field they cross’d,
The marks were still the same;
They track’d them on, nor ever lost,
And to the Bridge they came.
Explanation: In this stanza, the parents cross an open field while continuing to follow Lucy’s footprints. Despite the open and potentially less obstructed terrain, the footprints remain visible and consistent, guiding them onward. The repetition in “The marks were still the same” reassures them that they are on the right path and that Lucy’s trail remains discernible despite the challenges they’ve faced.
The line “They track’d them on, nor ever lost” emphasizes their perseverance and the clarity of the trail, which persists and leads them steadily toward their destination. Their relentless pursuit continues without deviation, highlighting their dedication and hope in the face of despair.
Poetic Device
Imagery: The stanza uses imagery to illustrate the progress of the search. Phrases like “an open field” and “the marks were still the same” provide a clear picture of the landscape and the continuity of the footprints. This imagery helps readers visualize the scene and the parents’ journey across different terrains.
Symbolism: The “marks” symbolize Lucy’s presence and the hope of finding her. The consistency of the marks represents a tangible connection to Lucy and the reassurance that they are on the right path.
Stanza 14
They follow’d from the snowy bank
The footmarks, one by one,
Into the middle of the plank,
And further there were none.
Explanation: In this stanza, the parents continue to trace Lucy’s footprints from the snowy bank onto the bridge. The description “one by one” emphasizes their careful and methodical tracking of each step. As they follow the prints, they reach the middle of the plank, which refers to the central part of the wooden bridge.
The line “And further there were none” reveals the heartbreaking conclusion of their search. The footprints vanish at the middle of the bridge, suggesting that Lucy’s trail abruptly ends there. This absence of further footprints indicates that Lucy likely fell into the water or was otherwise lost, leaving her parents with no additional clues to follow.
The stanza captures the tragic climax of their search, as the parents confront the reality of Lucy’s fate. The disappearance of the footprints at the bridge marks the end of their journey and the point at which they must come to terms with their profound loss.
Poetic Device
Imagery: The imagery in this stanza helps readers visualize the final stages of the search. Phrases like “snowy bank” and “the middle of the plank” paint a vivid picture of the scene where the footprints lead. This imagery underscores the specific location where the search concludes.
Symbolism: The “footmarks” symbolize the last trace of Lucy’s presence. The transition from the snowy bank to “the middle of the plank” represents the final, tragic clue about her fate. The lack of further footprints signifies the end of her journey and a moment of realization for the parents.
Enjambment: The enjambment, where the lines flow into one another, mirrors the continuous and relentless nature of the search. It also reflects the movement from the broader search area to the specific, tragic location.
Stanza 15
Yet some maintain that to this day
She is a living Child,
That you may see sweet Lucy Gray
Upon the lonesome Wild.
Explanation: In this stanza, the poem takes on a mystical and haunting tone. The speaker notes that “some maintain”—indicating that this is a belief or rumor rather than confirmed fact—”that to this day / She is a living Child.” This introduces a supernatural element, suggesting that Lucy Gray’s spirit or presence continues to exist in some form.
The belief is that “sweet Lucy Gray” can still be seen wandering “upon the lonesome Wild.” This vision of Lucy as a spectral figure roaming the wild landscape reflects the poem’s exploration of themes such as the transcendence of innocence and the enduring connection between the natural world and human experience.
The stanza adds a layer of mystery and melancholy, implying that while Lucy’s physical presence is gone, her essence or spirit remains in the place where she lived and perished. This ending reinforces the poem’s romantic and gothic elements, leaving readers with a sense of both the beauty and sorrow of Lucy’s story.
Poetic Device
Imagery: The imagery in this stanza evokes a sense of the ethereal and mysterious. Phrases like “lonesome Wild” create a vivid picture of a desolate and remote landscape where Lucy might still be seen. This imagery enhances the sense of mystery surrounding Lucy’s fate.
Symbolism: The idea that Lucy might still be “a living Child” symbolizes the enduring presence of her memory and the impact of her story. The “lonesome Wild” symbolizes the isolation and solitude that characterizes both Lucy’s life and her ongoing presence in the landscape.
Stanza 16
O’er rough and smooth she trips along,
And never looks behind;
And sings a solitary song
That whistles in the wind.
Explanation: In this final stanza, the description of Lucy Gray as she “trips along” over both “rough and smooth” terrain highlights her continued presence in the natural world. The phrase “trips along” suggests a light, almost ethereal movement, emphasizing her ghostly or timeless quality as she navigates the landscape.
The detail that she “never looks behind” underscores the idea that Lucy is not bound by the past or the physical world. It implies a sense of freedom or detachment, as she moves forward without concern for what she has left behind.
Lucy’s “solitary song”—which “whistles in the wind”—adds a haunting, melancholic quality to the image. The song represents her enduring spirit and the way her presence lingers in the environment. The whistling in the wind suggests that her song, like her spirit, is intertwined with the natural world, resonating through the landscape she once inhabited.
Overall, this stanza evokes a sense of wistful beauty and sorrow, portraying Lucy as a timeless figure whose essence continues to exist in the wild, even after her physical departure. The poem concludes with this haunting image, blending themes of nature, loss, and the supernatural.
Poetic Device
Imagery: The stanza uses vivid imagery to depict Lucy’s ethereal and solitary existence. Phrases like “rough and smooth” and “whistles in the wind” create a picture of Lucy moving through the landscape, unaffected by her surroundings. This imagery helps convey her ghostly, timeless presence.
Symbolism: The “solitary song” symbolizes Lucy’s enduring presence and the memory of her story. It represents the lingering echo of her life and the way her legend persists in the wild. The “whistles in the wind” symbolize the elusive, fleeting nature of her presence, as well as the whispers of her legend that continue to resonate.
Personification: The wind is personified as it “whistles,” giving a human-like quality to the natural element. This personification enhances the sense that Lucy’s song is part of the natural world, further integrating her ghostly presence with the landscape.
Alliteration: The repetition of the “s” sound in “solitary song” and repetition of the “w” sound in “whistles in the wind” creates a soft, flowing rhythm that mirrors the peaceful yet eerie quality of Lucy’s presence. This alliteration contributes to the lyrical and haunting mood of the stanza.
