Skip to main content

Impression of the Traveler in Walter De La Mare’s “The Listeners”

In Walter De La Mare’s “The Listeners,” the traveler serves as a compelling figure caught between the human realm and the supernatural. While the poet offers only minimal details about him—most notably his “grey eyes”—this intentional vagueness creates a sense of mystery that enhances his character. The traveler’s journey to a lonely house in the forest at night signifies his bravery and unwavering commitment to keeping a promise.

The absence of a detailed physical description allows readers to project their own interpretations onto him. Critics suggest that his “grey eyes” may carry a hint of the supernatural, emphasizing his otherworldly nature. Despite this, his perplexity when met with silence after repeated knocking reveals his humanity; he feels confusion and perhaps a touch of fear when he realizes that he is likely addressing phantoms rather than living beings.

What makes the traveler particularly intriguing is his determination to communicate with these spirits, even when he senses their ghostly presence. His repeated attempts to reach out—“Tell them I came”—reflect a courage that transcends the ordinary. In this act, he becomes a symbolic figure, a bridge between the world of the living and that of the dead. His exploration of this liminal space illustrates a deeper theme of connection and communion, showcasing humanity’s quest to understand and engage with the unknown. Through the traveler, De La Mare invites readers to contemplate the boundaries between life and death, presence and absence, making him a profound embodiment of both fear and curiosity.

Ardhendu De

Labels

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Drop any query, suggestion or comment here.

Other Fat Writing

Popular posts from this blog

Dr. Samuel Johnson's "Preface to Shakespeare": Points to Remember

E ighteenth-century writer Samuel Johnson ((1709-1784) is one of the most significant figures in English literature. His fame is due in part to a widely read biography of him, written by his friend James Boswell and published in 1791. Although probably best known for compiling his celebrated dictionary, Johnson was an extremely prolific writer who worked in a variety of fields and forms. Chief Critical Approaches of Dr. Johnson are: Johnson tried teaching and later organized a school in Lichfield. His educational ventures were not successful, however, although one of his students, David Garrick, later famous as an actor, became a lifelong friend.
40 comments
Read more

Kinds of Poetry: Narrative, Lyric, and Dramatic

Introduction: Poetry is a form of literary expression that has captivated readers and listeners for centuries. It allows poets to convey their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a condensed and artistic manner. While there are countless poetic forms and styles, poetry can be broadly categorized into three main kinds: Narrative, Lyric, and Dramatic. Each of these kinds has distinct characteristics, purposes, and examples that showcase the rich diversity within the world of poetry. Kinds of poetry :  There are three great kinds of poetic writing: Narrative, Lyric, and Dramatic. Narrative poetry: Narrative poetry tells a story with a plot, characters, and a setting. It  is one of the oldest and most straightforward forms of poetry. It tells a story, often in a chronological sequence, using poetic devices to create a vivid and engaging narrative. Some key points about narrative poetry include: Storytelling: Narrative poetry focuses on storytelling, using poetic language to c...
1 comment
Read more

Analysis of "Progress" by St. John Ervine as One Act Play

"Peace hath her victories No less renowned than war."- John Milton  (1608 - 1674)   Letters of State...Together with Several of his Poems ,  "To Oliver Cromwell" “Progress” by St. John Greer Ervine is a successful specimen of a one act play . It has not only a unity of theme (the abolition of war) the unities of time; place and action are also meticulously maintained. Thematically, “Progress”     is written against the background of the First World War in which thousands were butchered and many more became disabled for life. It left many mothers    childless and incredible number of widows and orphans. This insensible devastation has created diverse reactions in social thinking, and “Progress” by the Irish playwright St. John Greer Ervine is just the product of one of the strongest of these sentiments, namely the anti-war feeling of the post war modern age .  Through the basic conflict between two ideas- the point of view of ...
10 comments
Read more