"This lime-tree bower my prison"

1. "This lime-tree bower my prison"

2. Characteristics of the “conversation’poems • Conversation poem • Appear informal • Catalyst for reflection, the local, the physical, nature • Leads to a process of deep reflection on a particular event/events • Culminating in a personal resolution which is also of universal significance • “...speaker achieves an insight, faces up to a tragic loss, comes to a moral decision, or resolves an emotional problem.” • The speaker ends where they begin but “with an altered mood and deepened understanding which is the result of the intervening meditation.” • Realises

3. Begins in a melodramatic but humorous fashion • Dramatic opening • Lost opportunity • Physical imprisonment liberates the imagination • Nature & solitude provide the stimulus… • The persona’s imagination becomes the unifying force in the poem • United spiritually and emotionally • Their joint communion with nature • In this initial stage of his reflection, his description of the landscape mirrors his melancholy mood; That branchless ash Unsunn’dand damp, whose few poor leaves-

4. The vivid imagery allows the reader to share the persona’s imaginative journey • Colour...light...detail • Onomatopoeia – roaring dell” • Range of imagery • Power of nature-verbs & adjectives • The broad panoramic image of “fields and meadows” • Framed by the sea in the background. • …exaltation …euphoria at glory of nature • The persona’s imaginative journey and his friends’ physical journey, are so intertwined, he is able to direct his friend directly; • My gentle hearted Charles! For thou hast pined • And hunger’d after nature, many a year • Healing power of nature…contrast with the city • An acknowledgement of the reality of existence…pain and suffering… • balanced with this celebration of life… nature • Transcendental journey-to move beyond this physical world • A sense of the divine

5. glorious climatic end • the final scene which the persona fervently hopes will complete Charles’ spiritual renewal and rejuvenation. • As the sun sets in an electrifying blaze of “hues” and light, he wills his friend to experience that transcendent moment when the glory of God is revealed in this total communion with nature; • As the persona “returns” to his physical environment, he dwells on the transformation he has experienced … • … a transformation which could not have been more profound even if he had gone on the physical journey; • Final blessing • Complete unity against the backdrop of nature