Poem Analysis ”How Still, How Happy” by Emily Bronte

Analysis of How Still, How Happy

Structure

The poem has eight stanzas. Each stanza has four lines. The poem lacks instinctive grandeur and simplicity of style.

Language

Like most of her poems, the language in this poem is condensed, elaborated, and refined. The poem has diction carefully chosen to reflect the condition of the weather.

Imagery

A close look at the poem reveals that it was written for the winter season. The images used cool down the reader’s mind since the setting has been in a heat wave. Imagery can be seen in the line “blue ice curdling on the stream”. Through imagery, the poet brings out a clear point that no matter what kind of weather is, one can imagine every season. The poem is full of symbolism. “Moors” that put more emphasis on the landscape have a symbolic significance. The poem’s setting is mainly made up of moors which are wide stretches of soggy land that seem uncultivable. Therefore, the moors serve as symbols of the wild catastrophes exhibited through nature.

Rhythm

This poem depicts a smooth and moderate rhythm. When being recited, the reader gets an incidence of the rising rhythm, especially with the repeated words to bring out the emotional attachment of the reader and the weather.

Theme

The most eminent theme in this poem is revenge. This is clear from the way the poet tries to portray the main character to a dismal fate. The poet believes that there is no solace in eternal vengeance, and, ultimately, the self-injury involved in indicating revenge is more damaging as compared to the initial wrong.

The poet tries to describe obstacles experienced in an individual life, most probably love. She depicts the protagonist as having found peace after a long period of difficulties. The main character finds relief in the change of weather, which may imply a new relationship or a shift of events. There is much optimism as depicted by the protagonist’s words “I could think in the withered grass/spring’s budding wreaths we might discern”.

Mood

The choice of words in this poem indicates that the mood is happy. The poem starts with the words “How still, how happy!” There is a sense of optimism as the weather shifts from the summer season to the winter. The previous weather had made people in the land lose hope. The words imply that happiness was not possible as a result of the prolonged drought. However, with the coming of winter, the breeze, and changing heaven, the protagonist is happy.

Technique

The poet employs imagery as the main style, or technique, to communicate to the reader the poem. The poem is full of symbolism. “Moors” that put more emphasis on the landscape have a symbolic significance. The poem’s setting is mainly made up of moors which are wide stretches of soggy land that seem uncultivable. Therefore, the moors serve as symbols of the wild catastrophes exhibited through nature. On the other hand, the poet used a regular rhyme scheme to bring out the rhythm of the poem.