# The Great River explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Henry van Dyke Jr..

## What happens

The chapter reflects on the divine will as a mighty river that carries all human good and ill toward the sea, affirming that the world is safe because it floats in God's will.

## Themes in this chapter

### Spiritual Peace and Rest

The opening quote 'In la sua volontade è nostra pace' (In His will is our peace) and the image of the world floating safely in the divine will emphasize spiritual peace.

### Nature and Divine Beauty

The mighty river is used as a metaphor for the eternal Will, blending nature imagery with divine beauty.

## Key lines

> In la sua volontade è nostra pace.

In His will is our peace.

_This line from Dante's Paradiso sets the theme of surrender to divine will._

> O mighty river! strong, eternal Will, Wherein the streams of human good and ill Are onward swept, conflicting, to the sea!

The eternal Will is like a great river that carries all human actions, both good and evil, toward their ultimate end.

_The river metaphor illustrates the encompassing power of divine will over human affairs._

> The world is safe because it floats in Thee.

The world is secure because it is sustained by the divine will.

_A concluding affirmation of trust in divine providence._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/the-great-river
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters