Boat Stealing Flashcards
“…that to a willow-tree was tied within a rocky cave, its usual home.”
Natural imagery of “willow-tree” and “rocky cove” emphasise Wordsworth’s passion for nature.
“It was an act of stealth and troubled pleasure.”
Assonance used in “an act of stealth” encourages Wordsworth’s actions which he hints he was restricted from doing. It gives a sense of the forbidden and breaking the rules. The oxymoron “troubled pleasure” also references to his internal struggles of duality and the conflict between his urges of satisfying his pleasures or needs as well as his deep respect for nature.
“… - for behind was nothing but the stars and the grey sky.”
Religious imagery perhaps comparing his life to be “nothing” but “grey sky”. Although, replaced by hope in the comparison of it to be “stars”. Wordsworth may also be comparing the stars to dreams for being “behind”, almost unobtainable as he put it past him and forces himself to forget his desires and overcome life’s struggles. The caesura also indicates a sense of danger. The colour semniotics of “grey” also hint pathetic fallacy setting a foreboding tone.
