# IV: When the Shy Star Goes Forth in Heaven explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by James Joyce.

## What happens

The narrator describes a shy star appearing in heaven and a lover singing at the beloved's gate in the evening, urging her not to muse in revery but to recognize him as her visitant through his song.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Longing

The lover's song and visit express deep longing and romantic devotion.

### Nature and Mood

The shy star, drowsy even, and dew create a tender, melancholic evening atmosphere.

## Character check-ins

### Narrator

The singer who visits the beloved at eventide.

### Beloved

The one addressed, who is called to recognize the singer.

## Key lines

> When the shy star goes forth in heaven All maidenly, disconsolate, Hear you amid the drowsy even One who is singing by your gate.

When the modest, sorrowful star appears in the sky, do you hear someone singing at your gate in the sleepy evening?

_The narrator sets the scene of evening and introduces the lover's song._

> Know you by this, the lover’s chant, ’Tis I that am your visitant.

Recognize by this lover's song that I am the one visiting you.

_The narrator reveals his identity as the lover and visitor._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_11_se/chapters/iv-when-the-shy-star-goes-forth-in-heaven
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_11_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_11_se/chapters