Bacchanalia

By Matthew Arnold

Lyric Poem
The evening comes, the fields are still. The tinkle of the thirsty rill, Unheard all day, ascends again; Deserted is the half-mown plain, Silent the swaths! the ringing wain, The mower's cry, the dog's alarms, All housed within the sleeping farms! The business of the day is done, The last-left haymaker is gone. And from the thyme upon the height, And from the elder-blossom white And pale dog-roses in the hedge, And from the mint-plant in the sedge, In puffs of balm the night-air blows The perfume which the day forgoes. And on the pure horizon far, See, pulsing with the first-born star, The liquid sky above the hill! The evening comes, the fields are still.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem, through its vivid imagery and use of sensory language, paints a serene picture of the countryside at dusk. The themes of tranquility, nature, and the transition from day to night are strongly prevalent. The tone is one of peace and contemplation, inviting the reader to immerse themselves in the quiet beauty of the rural setting. The structure is steady and rhythmic, echoing the unhurried passage of time that the poem captures so perfectly.

The poet uses numerous literary devices to convey their message. For instance, the repetition of "The evening comes, the fields are still" at the beginning and end of the poem creates a sense of circularity, mirroring the cyclical nature of the day. The use of onomatopoeia, such as in "tinkle of the thirsty rill," brings the sounds of the evening to life, while the personification of the day in "the business of the day is done" suggests the world's gentle winding down as night falls. The poem’s detailed descriptions of the flora, such as "the thyme upon the height," "the elder-blossom white," and "pale dog-roses in the hedge," serve to create a tapestry of nature's bounty. These elements combine to create a poem that is a sensory delight, and a soothing meditation on the quiet, often unnoticed moments that mark the passage of time.

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.