The Listeners by Walter de la Mare: Poetic Devices, Symbolism, and Themes

The Listeners by Walter de la Mare

"The Listeners" is a narrative poem by Walter de la Mare, first published in London in 1912. The poem centers on a traveler's encounter with the supernatural and is a metaphor for the mysteries we encounter in life. The listeners are part of nature, and the poem uses various poetic devices to create a sense of atmosphere and mystery. Some of the key subtopics in "The Listeners" include:

Poetic Devices

• Imagery: The poem uses vivid imagery to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. For example, the listeners are described as "thronging the ferny floor", and the moonlight is depicted as "silver and clear".

• Alliteration: Alliteration is used throughout the poem to emphasize certain sounds and create a rhythmic pattern. For example, "forest's ferny floor" and "silence surged softly".

• Anaphora: The poem uses anaphora, such as "Stood listening in the quiet of the moonlight", to repeat phrases and create a sense of emphasis.

• Rhythm and Rhyme: The poem follows a narrative style with a rhythm of 12 and 7 beats in every two lines. This rhythm and rhyme scheme contribute to the overall atmosphere and readability of the poem.

Narrative Style

"The Listeners" is written in a narrative style, with a clear storyline and sequence of events. The poem describes the traveler's journey to an empty house in the forest and his subsequent encounters with the supernatural beings he hears. This narrative style engages the reader and keeps them interested in the unfolding story.

Symbolism

• The Traveller: The traveler represents the reader's perspective, as he encounters the supernatural and seeks answers to the mysteries of life.

• The Listeners: The listeners are symbolic of the supernatural beings that the traveler hears but cannot communicate with. They are part of nature and represent the unknown and unknowable aspects of life.

• The House: The empty house in the forest serves as a symbol for the traveler's isolation and the potential dangers that lie ahead.

Character Analysis

• The Traveller: The traveler is a symbolic figure, representing the reader's journey through life and the search for answers to life's mysteries. He is curious and courageous, but ultimately left perplexed by his encounters with the supernatural.

• The Listeners: The listeners are mysterious beings that the traveler hears but cannot communicate with. They represent the unknown and unknowable aspects of life, as well as the questions that remain unanswered.

Themes

• The Mysteries of Life: The poem is a metaphor for the mysteries we encounter in life, as the traveler seeks answers to the questions posed by the supernatural beings he encounters. The poem suggests that these mysteries are often unresolvable, and we must continue to ask why and seek answers, even when they are not forthcoming.

• The Power of Nature: The listeners, as part of nature, represent the natural world's power and the unknowability of its mysteries. The poem suggests that there is always more to discover and that the natural world holds many secrets.

In conclusion, "The Listeners" by Walter de la Mare is a compelling poem that utilizes a combination of poetic devices, narrative style, symbolism, character analysis, and themes to create a sense of atmosphere, mystery, and engrossment. The poem invites the reader to explore the unknown and unknowable aspects of life and to continue seeking answers to life's mysteries, even when they remain elusive.