Summarize the poem “Lullaby”.
Alfred Tennyson’s (1809-92) “Lullaby” (1847) is a gentle and soothing poem that shows a mother’s love for her child. The soft words and calming rhythm help create a peaceful image of the night. The poet uses nature to show comfort, care, and safety.
The Wind’s Gentle Song: In the first stanza, the poet talks about the “wind of the western sea.” The wind is described as soft and low. This makes it sound like it is singing a lullaby. The wind is a helper that will bring the moon’s light back. This creates a calm and peaceful atmosphere for the child to sleep.
The Promise of a Father’s Return: The second stanza focuses on the comforting words of a mother. She reassures her child that the father will soon return. The father is part of the child’s peaceful world. The mother uses phrases like “Father will come to thee soon,” which makes the child feel safe and loved.
A Silver, Dreamy Scene: The final lines of the poem paint a dreamlike picture. The “silver sails” of a ship come from the west under the “silver moon.” This peaceful image is part of the lullaby. This creates a calm and serene feeling. The child is now fully surrounded by love and safety.
Overall, “Lullaby” is a calm and loving poem, where the poet uses the beauty of nature and the love of a mother to create a peaceful moment of sleep.