What is the rhyme scheme of the poem “She Dwelt among the Untrodden Ways”?

What is the rhyme scheme of the poem “She Dwelt among the Untrodden Ways”?

William Wordsworth’s (1770-1850) poem “She Dwelt among the Untrodden Ways” (1798) is simple yet very touching. The poet uses soft and beautiful words to describe Lucy and his feelings for her. The rhyme scheme of this poem is also very special and easy to follow.

The poem has three stanzas. Each stanza has four lines, which is called a quatrain. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABAB. This means that the first and third lines rhyme with each other, and the second and fourth lines rhyme too.

Let us look at the first stanza:

“She dwelt among the untrodden ways (A)

Beside the springs of Dove, (B)

A Maid whom there were none to praise (A)

And very few to love.” (B)

Here, the word “ways” (A) rhymes with “praise” (A), and “Dove” (B) rhymes with “love” (B). The same pattern is followed in all three stanzas.

This rhyme scheme makes the poem very melodious and easy to read. It helps us focus on the emotions in the poem. The poet’s choice of rhyme shows the balance between Lucy’s quiet life and the poet’s deep sorrow at her loss. Wordsworth’s poem is short but meaningful. The rhyme scheme adds to its beauty and simplicity.