A Tradition Of Oker Hill In Darley Dale, Derbyshire

By William Wordsworth

Narrative Poem
’Tis said that to the brow of yon fair hill Two Brothers clomb, and, turning face from face, Nor one regard the other’s deep disgrace, Nor brooded there upon their wrongs; but still, Between them only floated, like a dream, That blessed calm, the river’s gentle stream. They clomb the height together, side by side, Each, as he reached the summit, shouted loud: The rocks and woods with answering voice replied, But they had left their fury on the plain. And each was calm and both were reconciled, But neither ever spoke to one another again.
Written: 1828-01-01

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Poem Details

Date Written: 1828-01-01
Date Published: 1828-01-01
Language: English
Keywords: Tradition, Reflection, Reconciliation, Brothers, Derbyshire
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher: W.Wordsworth
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
A narrative poem where Wordsworth recounts the tradition of two brothers who climbed Oker Hill in Darley Dale, Derbyshire. After reaching the summit, they reconciled their differences in silence and never spoke to each other again, reflecting on themes of reconciliation, pride, and the passage of time.

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.