Poetry · Chapter
Pictures to the Wall explained
The speaker reflects on old, lost dreams and considers whether to share them with a younger, more innocent listener, ultimately contemplating silence and turning away from painful memories.
What happens
The speaker reflects on old, lost dreams and considers whether to share them with a younger, more innocent listener, ultimately contemplating silence and turning away from painful memories.
Themes in this chapter
Dreams and Despair
The speaker dwells on old, bitter, and weary dreams that have been lost, contrasting them with the listener's youthful innocence.
Characters to notice
- Unknown
The speaker, burdened by lost dreams and contemplating whether to share them.
Key passages
“Shall I tell you of my old, old dreams Lost at the earth’s strange turnings, Some in the sea when the waves foamed high, Some in a garret candle’s burnings?”
Should I recount my ancient dreams that were lost in life's unpredictable changes, some drowned in the ocean's fury, others consumed in a small room's candlelight?
The speaker introduces the theme of lost dreams, using vivid imagery of sea and fire.
“Shall I tell you of weary, weary dreams— You who have lost no dreams at all, Or shall I keep quiet and let turn My ugly pictures to the wall?”
Should I share my exhausted dreams with you, who have never experienced such loss, or remain silent and hide my painful memories away?
The speaker contrasts their own weariness with the listener's innocence, ultimately choosing to conceal their sorrow.