Poetry · Chapter
XIX: Milton Read Again explained
The speaker reflects on three golden months spent rereading Milton's joyful tale, feeling guided by the Master's spirit to discover hidden treasures and new beauties in familiar landscapes.
What happens
The speaker reflects on three golden months spent rereading Milton's joyful tale, feeling guided by the Master's spirit to discover hidden treasures and new beauties in familiar landscapes. The experience transforms his perception, revealing unexpected delight and mystery in the common field and copse, though he still longs for another land.
Themes in this chapter
Illusion vs. Reality
The speaker's perception shifts from seeing barren land to discovering hidden beauty, suggesting a change in how reality is perceived.
The Search for Meaning
The speaker seeks deeper understanding and wisdom through rereading Milton, guided by the Master's spirit.
Characters to notice
- the Master
The speaker addresses the Master, whose spirit has been close at hand, guiding him to find treasures and waters in barren land.
Key passages
“Three golden months while summer on us stole I have read your joyful tale another time”
Over three idyllic summer months, I have reread your joyful story.
The speaker describes the time spent rereading Milton's work during summer.
“Your Spirit, Master, has been close at hand And guided me, still pointing treasures rare, Thick-sown where I before saw nothing fair”
Your spirit, Master, has been nearby, guiding me to rare treasures hidden where I previously saw nothing beautiful.
The speaker acknowledges the Master's spiritual guidance in discovering new beauty.
“Barren once thought because my eyes were dim.”
I once thought it barren because my vision was clouded.
The speaker attributes past barrenness to his own limited perception.
“New mystery in every shady place, In every whispering tree a nameless grace, New rapture on the windy seaward height.”
Every shaded spot holds new mystery, every rustling tree has an unnamed elegance, and the windy heights by the sea bring new ecstasy.
The speaker describes the newfound enchantment in nature.
“Though it be not the land where I would dwell.”
Even though this is not the land where I wish to live.
The speaker expresses a longing for a different homeland despite appreciating the present one.