The Visionary

By Emily Bronte

Lyric Poem
    Silent is the house: all are laid asleep:     One alone looks out oer the snow-wreaths deep,     Watching every cloud, dreading every breeze     That whirls the wildering drift, and bends the groaning trees.     Cheerful is the hearth, soft the matted floor;     Not one shivering gust creeps through pane or door;     The little lamp burns straight, its rays shoot strong and far:     I trim it well, to be the wanderers guiding-star.     Frown, my haughty sire! chide, my angry dame!     Set your slaves to spy; threaten me with shame:     But neither sire nor dame nor prying serf shall know,     What angel nightly tracks that waste of frozen snow.     What I love shall come like visitant of air,     Safe in secret power from lurking human snare;     What loves me, no word of mine shall eer betray,     Though for faith unstained my life must forfeit pay.     Burn, then, little lamp; glimmer straight and clear     Hush! a rustling wing stirs, methinks, the air:     He for whom I wait, thus ever comes to me;     Strange Power! I trust thy might; trust thou my constancy.

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Lyric Poems
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem paints a vivid picture of a solitary figure in a quiet house, diligently tending to a lamp in the midst of a winter storm. The theme of solitude is juxtaposed with a sense of anticipation and rebellion, as the speaker waits for an unnamed visitor, defying societal expectations and norms. The poem is a clear exploration of themes like love, secrecy, rebellion, and faith.

The tone of the poem is a blend of defiance, resolve, and anticipation. The speaker's determination to protect their secret love, even in the face of threats from their family, is clear. This sense of rebellion is underscored by the dramatic winter imagery, which serves to heighten the sense of isolation and secrecy. The repeated use of the lamp as a symbol for guidance, hope, and constancy is also noteworthy. The poem uses this object to connect the speaker's physical world with their emotional state, creating a strong link between the setting and the poem's themes. The structure of the poem, with its consistent rhythm and rhyme scheme, further strengthens the sense of resolve and consistency in the speaker's actions and emotions. The poem, therefore, beautifully encapsulates a moment of defiance and anticipation against a backdrop of secrecy and solitude.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.