# XXI: The Autumn Morning explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by C. S. Lewis.

## What happens

The chapter describes a pale autumn dawn, with frost on the lawn and mist hanging like a silver pall. The speaker feels a strange, silent fear but recalls past encounters with ancient, magical powers in nature. Resolving not to fear, he walks into the sere woodlands, far away.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nature vs. Spirit

The chapter contrasts the physical autumn landscape with the spiritual or magical presences felt in the mist and silence.

### The Search for Meaning

The speaker seeks connection with ancient powers and walks into the unknown, reflecting a quest for deeper understanding.

## Character check-ins

### Dymer

The speaker who walks alone and reflects on the autumn morning.

## Key lines

> See! the pale autumn dawn Is faint, upon the lawn That lies in powdered white Of hour-frost dight

Look at the pale autumn dawn, faint on the lawn covered in white frost.

_Opening imagery of the frosty morning._

> And now from tree to tree The ghostly mist we see Hung like a silver pall To hallow all.

Now we see ghostly mist hanging from tree to tree like a silver cloth, making everything sacred.

_Describes the mist as a sacred shroud._

> Wherefore I will not fear To walk the woodlands sere Into this autumn day Far, far away.

Therefore I will not be afraid to walk into the withered woodlands on this autumn day, far away.

_The speaker resolves to proceed despite fear._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_3_se/chapters/xxi-the-autumn-morning
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_3_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_3_se/chapters