Child-Songs

By Alfred Lord Tennyson

Narrative Poem
I. The City Child. Dainty little maiden, whither would you wander? Whither from this pretty home, the home where mother dwells? Far and far away, said the dainty little maiden, All among the gardens, auriculas, anemones, Roses and lilies and Canterbury-bells. Dainty little maiden, whither would you wander? Whither from this pretty house, this city-house of ours? Far and far away, said the dainty little maiden, All among the meadows, the clover and the clematis, Daisies and kingcups and honeysuckle-flowers. II. Minnie and Winnie. Minnie and Winnie Slept in a shell. Sleep, little ladies! And they slept well. Pink was the shell within, Silver without; Sounds of the great sea Wanderd about. Sleep, little ladies! Wake not soon! Echo on echo Dies to the moon. Two bright stars Peepd into the shell. What are they dreaming of? Who can tell? Started a green linnet Out of the croft; Wake, little ladies, The sun is aloft!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This timeless poem is a delightful exploration of childhood innocence and the appeal of nature over urban life. The first part, 'The City Child', portrays a young girl's longing to escape her city home for the freedom and beauty of the countryside. The repetition of the question 'whither would you wander?' underlines her yearning, while the array of flowers she mentions further symbolizes her desire for natural beauty. The poem employs a charming, almost lullaby-like rhythm, embodying the simple yet profound dreams of a child.

The second part, 'Minnie and Winnie', takes us into the dream-like realm of two young girls sleeping in a seashell, possibly a metaphor for their sheltered lives. The usage of 'Pink' and 'Silver' to describe the inside and outside of the shell respectively, suggests a blend of comfort and enchantment, while the 'sounds of the great sea' and the 'two bright stars' hint at the vast, mysterious world beyond their immediate environment. The awakening by a 'green linnet' could symbolize the call of nature, echoing the yearning expressed in the first part. The poem's structure, narrative progression, and the subtle interplay of innocence, longing, and nature, all contribute to a captivating exploration of childhood and its dreams.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.