The Poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by William Butler Yeats
2. Paraphrasing of the poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by W. B. Yeats:
Stanza 1
1. I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
→ The poet feels a strong urge to leave his present place immediately and go to the island called Innisfree.
2. And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made:
→ He plans to build a small, simple hut using natural materials like clay and twigs.
3. Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honey-bee;
→ He imagines growing nine rows of beans for food and keeping a beehive to get honey.
4. And live alone in the bee-loud glade.
→ He wishes to live alone in a peaceful, open place filled with the gentle humming of bees.
Stanza 2
5. And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
→ He believes he will find peace in that place, and it will come slowly and gently.
6. Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;
→ At Innisfree, peace will gently spread from the morning mist down to the places where crickets chirp. (Meaning of “veils of the morning” is morning mist)
7. There midnight’s all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
→ At that place, midnight will shine softly, and noon will appear bright and colourful.
→ In the evening, the place will seem alive with the fluttering wings of birds.
Stanza 3
9. I will arise and go now, for always night and day
→ The poet repeats his desire to go to Innisfree, as he constantly thinks about it.
10. I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
→ He constantly imagines hearing the gentle sound of lake water touching the shore.
11. While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,
→ Even when he is in the city, standing on dull roads, lifeless city streets,
→ He can hear these sounds in his heart and soul, showing his deep longing for nature.
3. Stanza-wise paraphrasing of the poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by W. B. Yeats:
Stanza 1
In the first stanza, the poet declares his firm decision to leave immediately and go to the island called Innisfree. He imagines building a small, simple hut there using clay and wooden branches. He plans to produce his own food by growing nine rows of beans and keeping a beehive to get honey. The poet wishes to live alone in a natural clearing filled with the humming sound of bees, showing his desire for a simple, self-sufficient, and peaceful life close to nature.
Stanza 2
In the second stanza, the poet describes the deep peace he expects to experience at Innisfree. This peace comes slowly and gently, spreading from the soft morning mist down to the places where crickets sing. He presents vivid images of nature at different times of the day: midnight softly shining, noon glowing with rich colour, and evening filled with the movement of birds. These images emphasize the calm beauty and harmony of the natural world.
Stanza 3
In the final stanza, the poet repeats his intention to go to Innisfree because the sound of the Lake Isle of Innisfree remains with him all the time. Whether it is day or night, he hears the gentle sound of water lapping against the shore. Even while standing on dull roads and lifeless city streets, the memory of the lake lives deep in his heart. This shows that Innisfree represents his inner peace and a spiritual escape from city life.
4. Central Ideas of the poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by William Butler Yeats:
1. The central idea of the poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by W. B. Yeats is the poet’s deep desire to escape from the noisy and busy life of the city and live in peace close to nature. The poet feels tired of the mechanical and stressful modern world and longs for a simple, quiet life. He dreams of going to the Lake Isle of Innisfree, where he imagines building a small cabin and living alone. There, he plans to grow his own food and keep bees, showing his wish for self-sufficiency. The poet believes that true peace can be found in the calm surroundings of nature. The soothing sounds of bees, crickets, birds, and lake water symbolize inner calm and spiritual comfort. Even while standing on grey city pavements, the poet hears the gentle sound of the lake in his heart. This shows that nature has a strong emotional hold on him. The poem contrasts the peaceful beauty of nature with the dull life of the city. Through this contrast, Yeats suggests that inner peace comes from harmony with nature. Thus, the poem highlights the importance of nature in providing spiritual comfort and mental peace.
2. The central idea of the poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by W. B. Yeats is the poet’s deep longing for peace and solitude away from the noise and stress of modern city life. The poet dreams of escaping to the Lake Isle of Innisfree, where he imagines living a simple life close to nature. At Innisfree, he hopes to find inner peace through natural sounds, quiet surroundings, and self-sufficiency. The poem contrasts the calm beauty of nature with the dull, grey life of the city. Even while living in the city, the poet constantly hears the call of the lake in his heart. This shows that nature has a powerful and lasting influence on the human soul. The poem suggests that true peace is found not in material comfort, but in harmony with nature and inner reflection.
3. The central idea of “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by W. B. Yeats is the poet’s deep longing for peace, simplicity, and harmony with nature. Tired of the noisy and artificial life of the city, the poet dreams of escaping to the quiet island of Innisfree, where he can live alone, close to nature, and find spiritual calm. Even though he physically lives in the city, the thought and sound of Innisfree remain alive in his heart, showing that true peace is an inner experience that comes from a close connection with nature.
5. Summary of the poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by William Butler Yeats:
6. Poetic Devices (figures of speech) Used in the poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by W. B. Yeats:
1. Alliteration
Repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words.
Example:
-
“lake water lapping with low sounds” (repetition of ‘l’)
Effect: Creates a soft, musical sound that imitates nature.
2. Imagery
Words that create vivid pictures in the reader’s mind.
Example:
-
“Nine bean-rows… a hive for the honey-bee”
-
“midnight’s all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow”
Effect: Helps the reader visualise the beauty and calmness of Innisfree.
3. Personification
Giving human qualities to non-human things.
Example:
-
“peace comes dropping slow”
Effect: Peace is shown as something gentle and living, enhancing its emotional impact.
4. Metaphor
An implied comparison between two unlike things.
Example:
-
“peace comes dropping slow” (peace compared to a soft, falling substance)
Effect: Suggests that peace arrives naturally and gradually.
5. Repetition
Repeating words or phrases for emphasis.
Example:
-
“I will arise and go now” (repeated in the first and last stanza)
Effect: Shows the poet’s strong desire and determination to go to Innisfree.
6. Onomatopoeia
Words that imitate natural sounds.
Example:
-
“lapping”, “bee-loud”
Effect: Makes the natural setting more lively and realistic.
7. Symbolism
When something represents a deeper meaning.
Example:
-
Innisfree symbolises peace, simplicity, and harmony with nature.
Effect: Represents the poet’s inner desire for spiritual calm.
8. Assonance
Repetition of vowel sounds.
Example:
-
“low sounds by the shore” (repetition of ‘o’ sound)
Effect: Adds musical quality to the poem.
9. Contrast
Difference between two opposite ideas.
Example:
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Peaceful nature of Innisfree vs grey, noisy city life
Effect: Highlights the poet’s dislike for modern urban life.
10. Musical Quality (Lyricism)
The poem has a rhythmic and song-like flow.
Effect: Enhances the soothing mood of the poem.
11. Conclusion
W. B. Yeats uses these poetic devices to create a calm, musical, and peaceful mood, effectively expressing his longing for nature and inner peace.
7. Short-Answer Questions of the poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by W. B. Yeats:
Q1. What does the poet want to do at the Lake Isle of Innisfree?
Ans: The poet wants to leave the busy city life and live peacefully at the Lake Isle of Innisfree by building a small cabin and living close to nature.
Q2. Why does the poet want to go to Innisfree?
Ans: The poet wants to go to Innisfree to find peace, solitude, and inner calm, which he cannot experience in the noisy and stressful city life.
Q3. What kind of life does the poet imagine at Innisfree?
Ans: The poet imagines a simple, self-sufficient life where he grows beans, keeps bees for honey, and lives alone in harmony with nature.
Q4. How does the poet describe peace in the poem?
Ans: The poet describes peace as something that comes slowly and gently, like morning mist, filling the natural surroundings of Innisfree.
Q5. What images of nature are used in the poem?
Ans: The poet uses images such as bees humming, crickets singing, lake water lapping, birds flying, and misty mornings to create a calm and soothing picture of nature.
Q6. What contrast does the poet show in the poem?
Ans: The poet contrasts the peaceful beauty of nature at Innisfree with the dull, grey, and noisy life of the modern city.
Q7. What does “bee-loud glade” suggest?
Ans: “Bee-loud glade” suggests a peaceful natural place filled with the gentle humming sounds of bees, showing life and harmony in nature.
Q8. What does the sound “lake water lapping with low sounds” convey?
Ans: The sound conveys calmness and rhythm, and the repetition of the ‘l’ sound creates a musical and soothing effect.
Q9. What does the poet mean by “the deep heart’s core”?
Ans: It means the poet feels the call of Innisfree deeply within his heart and soul, even when he is physically far away from it.
Q10. What is the central message of the poem?
Ans: The poem conveys that true peace and happiness are found in simplicity, solitude, and harmony with nature rather than in materialistic city life.
8. Long-Answer Questions of the poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by W. B. Yeats:
1. Describe the poet’s idea of life at Innisfree.
Answer:
The poet imagines an ideal, simple, and peaceful life at the Lake Isle of Innisfree. He plans to build a small cabin made of natural materials like clay and wattles. He wishes to grow his own food by planting bean rows and keeping a beehive for honey. Living alone in a natural environment, surrounded by the sounds of bees, birds, and water, represents self-sufficiency and harmony with nature. This simple life contrasts sharply with the stressful and noisy city life.
2. How does the poet describe peace in the poem?
Answer:
The poet describes peace as something gentle, slow, and natural. He says that peace “comes dropping slow,” like morning mist falling softly upon the earth. Peace spreads from early morning to night, accompanied by natural sounds such as crickets and birds. This shows that true peace is not sudden or forced but gradually felt when one lives close to nature. The calm atmosphere of Innisfree symbolizes inner peace and spiritual satisfaction.
3. What role does nature play in the poem?
Answer:
Nature plays a central role in the poem as a source of peace, beauty, and spiritual comfort. The poet describes various natural elements such as bees, birds, lake water, morning mist, and changing light at different times of the day. These images create a soothing and musical effect. Nature offers escape from the dull and lifeless city and helps the poet find emotional balance and inner harmony.
4. Explain the contrast between city life and natural life in the poem.
Answer:
The poem contrasts the grey, noisy, and stressful city life with the calm, colourful, and peaceful life of Innisfree. City life is represented by “roadway” and “pavements grey,” symbolizing dullness and monotony. In contrast, Innisfree is full of natural sounds, soft colours, and quiet beauty. This contrast highlights the poet’s dissatisfaction with modern life and his longing for a simpler existence close to nature.
5. Why does the poet repeat the line “I will arise and go now”?
Answer:
The repetition of the line “I will arise and go now” shows the poet’s strong determination and deep emotional desire to escape city life. It emphasizes how constantly the thought of Innisfree stays with him. The repetition also reflects his inner conflict—although he is physically in the city, his mind and heart are drawn toward the island.
6. What is the significance of sound imagery in the poem?
Answer:
Sound imagery is very important in the poem. The humming of bees, singing of crickets, fluttering of linnets, and the lapping of lake water create a musical and soothing atmosphere. These natural sounds symbolize peace and calmness. Even when the poet is in the city, he hears the lake water in his “deep heart’s core,” showing the lasting emotional impact of nature.
7. How does the poem show that Innisfree lives in the poet’s imagination?
Answer:
The poet admits that even while standing on city roads, he hears the sound of lake water in his heart. This shows that Innisfree exists not only as a physical place but also as a mental and emotional refuge. The island represents his inner desire for peace, which remains with him at all times, regardless of his physical location.
8. Explain the symbolic meaning of Innisfree.
Answer:
Innisfree symbolizes peace, solitude, simplicity, and spiritual freedom. It represents an escape from materialism and modern stress. The island stands for an ideal world where one can live in harmony with nature and oneself. For the poet, Innisfree is a symbol of inner peace rather than just a real place.
9. What message does the poem convey?
Answer:
The poem conveys the message that true peace and happiness cannot be found in material comforts or busy city life. Instead, real peace lies in simplicity, solitude, and a close relationship with nature. The poem encourages readers to seek inner calm and spiritual fulfillment rather than external success.
10. Why is The Lake Isle of Innisfree considered a lyric poem?
Answer:
The poem is considered a lyric because it expresses the poet’s personal feelings, emotions, and thoughts. It is musical in nature, rich in imagery, and written in a simple yet expressive style. The poet’s longing for peace and his emotional connection with nature are central to the poem, making it a fine example of lyric poetry.
9. MCQs of the poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by W. B. Yeats:
1. Who is the poet of “The Lake Isle of Innisfree”?
A. Robert Frost
B. John Keats
C. W. B. Yeats
D. William Wordsworth
✅ Correct answer: C. W. B. Yeats
2. Where does the poet want to go?
A. London
B. Dublin
C. The Lake Isle of Innisfree
D. A forest village
✅ Correct answer: C. The Lake Isle of Innisfree
3. What kind of house does the poet want to build?
A. A large stone house
B. A wooden cottage
C. A small cabin made of clay and wattles
D. A modern house
✅ Correct answer: C. A small cabin made of clay and wattles
4. How many bean-rows does the poet plan to have?
A. Seven
B. Eight
C. Nine
D. Ten
✅ Correct answer: C. Nine
5. Which sound fills the “bee-loud glade”?
A. Birds singing
B. Wind blowing
C. Humming of bees
D. Flowing water
✅ Correct answer: C. Humming of bees
6. What does the poet mainly seek at Innisfree?
A. Wealth
B. Fame
C. Adventure
D. Peace and solitude
✅ Correct answer: D. Peace and solitude
7. What literary device is used in “lake water lapping with low sounds”?
A. Metaphor
B. Simile
C. Personification
D. Alliteration
✅ Correct answer: D. Alliteration
8. Where is the poet when he hears the lake water in his heart?
A. On the island
B. In the forest
C. On the grey pavements of the city
D. In his home
✅ Correct answer: C. On the grey pavements of the city
9. What contrast does the poem mainly highlight?
A. Youth and age
B. Rich and poor
C. Past and future
D. Nature and city life
✅ Correct answer: D. Nature and city life
10. What does “deep heart’s core” suggest?
A. Physical pain
B. Fear
C. Inner feelings and soul
D. Memory loss
✅ Correct answer: C. Inner feelings and soul
10. Vocabulary of the difficult used in of the poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by W. B. Yeats:
1. Innisfree
Meaning: A small island in Lake Gill, Ireland; symbol of peace and nature
Synonym: Peaceful island, retreat
Antonym: City, crowded place
Example: Innisfree represents the poet’s dream of a calm and simple life.
2. Wattles
Meaning: Twigs or branches used for building huts
Synonym: Sticks, branches
Antonym: Bricks, cement
Example: The poet plans to build a hut made of clay and wattles.
3. Glade
Meaning: An open space in a forest
Synonym: Clearing
Antonym: Dense forest
Example: He wishes to live alone in a quiet glade.
4. Bee-loud
Meaning: Filled with the buzzing sound of bees
Synonym: Humming, buzzing
Antonym: Silent, quiet
Example: The bee-loud glade shows that nature is full of life.
5. Veils (of the morning)
Meaning: Thin mist or fog in the early morning
Synonym: Mist, haze
Antonym: Clear sky
Example: Peace drops slowly from the veils of the morning.
6. Glimmer
Meaning: A soft, faint light
Synonym: Shine, sparkle
Antonym: Darkness
Example: Midnight is full of a gentle glimmer on the island.
7. Linnet
Meaning: A small singing bird
Synonym: Songbird
Antonym: —
Example: Evenings are full of the linnet’s wings.
8. Lapping
Meaning: Gentle movement of water touching the shore
Synonym: Splashing softly
Antonym: Roaring, crashing
Example: He hears lake water lapping by the shore.
9. Pavements
Meaning: Footpaths in a city
Synonym: Sidewalks
Antonym: Fields, countryside
Example: The poet stands on grey pavements in the city.
10. Deep heart’s core
Meaning: The innermost feelings of the heart
Synonym: Soul, inner self
Antonym: Surface feelings
Example: He hears the lake in his deep heart’s core.
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