What is the rhyme scheme of the poem “The Solitary Reaper”?
William Wordsworth’s (1770-1850) poem “The Solitary Reaper” (1807) is a beautiful poem. It describes a girl singing while working alone in a field. The poem’s musical tone and Wordsworth’s admiration for nature make it special. Let us explore the rhyme scheme of this famous poem.
The poem has four stanzas. Each stanza has eight lines. The rhyme scheme of the poem follows the pattern ABABCCDD. This means:
- The first and third lines rhyme (A).
- The second and fourth lines rhyme (B).
- The fifth and sixth lines rhyme (C).
- The seventh and eighth lines rhyme (D).
For example, in the first stanza:
- Field (A)
- Lass (B)
- Herself (A)
- Pass (B)
- Grain (C)
- Strain (C)
- Profound (D)
- Sound (D)
This rhyme scheme gives the poem a gentle and flowing rhythm. It matches the mood of the reaper’s song. Wordsworth uses this pattern to make the poem sound musical, like the song of the Highland girl. The rhyme also helps us feel the beauty and sadness of the reaper’s song. It connects the poem’s theme with the girl’s melody. In this way, the rhyme scheme adds charm to Wordsworth’s masterpiece.
The Solitary Reaper is not just a poem about a girl’s song. It is also a poem about the harmony of nature, emotions, and poetry itself.