Unit-4, Rhythmic Reflections
The Clod and the Pebble By William Blake
"Love seeketh not itself to please,
Nor for itself hath any care,
But for another gives its ease,
And builds a Heaven in Hell's despair."
So sung a little Clod of Clay
Trodden with the cattle's feet,
But a Pebble of the brook
Warbled out these metres meet:
"Love seeketh only self to please,
To bind another to its delight,
Joys in another's loss of ease,
And builds a Hell in Heaven's despite."
Analysis on "The Clod and the Pebble"
In "The Clod and the Pebble," William Blake uses symbolism and imagery to convey the contrasting
themes of selfless and selfish love. The clod and pebble serve as powerful symbols, representing these
two types of love. The clod, which is trodden underfoot, symbolizes selfless love that finds joy in others'
happiness, even if it means personal sacrifice. In contrast, the pebble, which remains untouched and
unharmed, represents selfish love that seeks personal satisfaction above all else.
Blake's use of imagery enhances the reader's understanding of these themes by vividly describing the
clod's and pebble's experiences. The clod is "trodden with the cattle's feet," while the pebble remains
"smooth and round" and untouched. This imagery highlights the clod's willingness to endure hardship
for others, while the pebble remains untouched, symbolizing its self-centered nature.
The mood of the poem is reflective, inviting readers to consider the nature of love and its impact on
others. Through these symbols and imagery, Blake encourages readers to reflect on their own values
and the kind of love they embody. Overall, the poem's use of symbolism and imagery effectively conveys
its themes and mood, engaging readers in a deeper exploration of love's complexities.
THE GOALIE WITH EXPANDING HANDS
Any crosses, any shots
I will simply stop the lot
I am always in demand
The goalie with expanding hands
Volleys, blasters, scissor kicks
I am safe between the sticks
All attacks I will withstand
The goalie with expanding hands
Free kicks or a penalty
No-one ever scores past me
Strong and bold and safe I’ll stand
The goalie with expanding hands
Let their strikers be immense
I’m the last line of defence
Alert, on duty, all posts manned
The goalie with expanding hands
Palms as long as arms expand
Thumbs and fingers ready fanned
You may as well shoot in the stand
Not a chance! Understand?
Number one in all the land
Superhuman, super-spanned In control and in command
I’m the man, I’m the man
The one and only goalie … with my expanding hands
Analysis of The Goalie with Expanding Hands,
The poem shows how having too much power or an unfair advantage can take away the fun and fairness
of a game. The goalie becomes unbeatable because his hands grow so big, no one else gets a chance to
score. It makes us think about how important it is for everyone to have a fair chance — whether in
games or in real life.
The goalie in the poem seems very confident — maybe even too confident — because he knows no one
can score against him. His growing hands make him feel powerful and unstoppable. But the poem makes
us think: when confidence turns into showing off or being unfair, it stops being a good thing.
True confidence is about believing in yourself while still playing fair and letting others have a chance.
The poem teaches us that real confidence should come from skill, teamwork, and effort, not from
having magical powers or unfair advantages.
The writer uses vivid imagery and clever poetic devices to paint a surreal picture. Here are some
examples:
1. Hyperbole (exaggeration):
"His hands grew so large they covered the goal"
This is an impossible exaggeration, used to emphasize the fantastical ability of the
goalie. It’s humorous but also symbolizes the idea of unstoppable dominance.
2. Metaphor:
While not always direct, the entire concept of a goalie with “expanding hands” can be seen as a
metaphor for people who always try to win by growing their influence or power, even if it’s
unfair.
3. Personification:
The goalie's hands seem to have a life of their own — growing and expanding magically, which
adds to the playful mood of the poem.
4. Imagery:
The descriptions are highly visual. We can picture the growing hands stretching across the goal
post, the frustration of the other players, and the absurdity of it all.
The mood of the poem is playful and whimsical, with satire. It starts off light and funny, and remains so,
but by the end, there’s a slight shift as readers start to question the fairness and meaning of this magical
goalie’s powers.
This mix of humor with a deeper message makes the poem enjoyable but thought-provoking.
The Miller Of Dee
There dwelt a miller, hale and bold,
Beside the river Dee;
He worked and sang from morn till night -
No lark more blithe than he;
And this the burden of his song
Forever used to be:
"I envy nobody - no, not I -
And nobody envies me!"
"Thou'rt wrong, my friend," said good King Hal,
"As wrong as wrong can be;
For could my heart be light as thine,
I'd gladly change with thee.
And tell me now, what makes thee sing,
With voice so loud and free,
While I am sad, though I am king,
Beside the river Dee?"
The miller smiled and doffed his cap,
"I earn my bread," quoth he;
"I love my wife, I love my friend,
I love my children three;
I owe no penny I can not pay,
I thank the river Dee,
That turns the mill that grinds the corn
That feeds my babes and me."
"Good friend," said Hall, and sighed the while,
"Farewell, and happy be;
But say no more, if thou'dst be true,
That no one envies thee;
Thy mealy cap is worth my crown,
Thy mill my kingdom's fee;
Such men as thou are England's boast,
O miller of the Dee!
Analysis,
This poem depicts a contented miller who finds joy in his simple life by the river Dee. Despite King Hal's
envy of the miller's happiness, the miller explains that his contentment stems from his hard work, love
for family and friends, and lack of financial burden. The poem emphasizes the value of a life lived in
contentment and gratitude, even amidst the struggles of the time period. This theme is consistent with
the author's other works, which often focus on the importance of finding happiness in the present
moment and appreciating the simple things in life. The poem's language is simple and direct, reflecting
the straightforward nature of the miller's philosophy and highlighting the poem's message of
JAWWAD ALI
SIDDIQUI
