The Lily Bed by Isabella Valancy Crawford Summary

Isabella Valancy Crawford’s poem “The Lily Bed” presents a serene and evocative scene that blends nature with human emotion. The poem captures the quiet beauty of a lakeside setting, focusing on a man in a canoe, deeply immersed in the tranquility of the bay surrounded by lilies.

The poem opens with a vivid image of the man’s canoe. His paddle, described as “scented” and “red,” thrusts into a bed of lilies, which creates a striking contrast against the calm waters. The man is enveloped in a “golden pause,” suggesting a moment of deep reflection and peace. The water is described as “placid,” emphasizing the stillness of the environment and the sense of harmony between the man and nature.

As the poem progresses, the imagery of lilies becomes central. The man’s canoe trembles as the lilies burst around him, illustrating the delicate yet vibrant life of the lake. Each lily that touches the canoe symbolizes beauty and fleeting moments, while the “sharp silver of a fin” indicates the presence of fish, hinting at the life beneath the surface.

The poem introduces other elements of nature, such as a “dragon-fly” that appears swift and cold. This creature is depicted in gold and jewels, creating an enchanting image of light and movement. The dragon-fly’s wings create ripples in the water, adding a musical quality to the scene, as if nature itself is singing.

Crawford also employs metaphors that suggest a deeper connection between the man and the natural world. The image of an oriole dropping from the gloom adds to the feeling of liberation, as if the bird, representing a soul, is returning to a state of bliss. This connection to the “Great Spirit” highlights themes of freedom and transcendence.

The poem continues to describe the setting with phrases that convey stillness and silence. The “tendrils hung” in the darkness evoke a sense of mystery and depth, while the “sedge-buried” trees signify the richness of the landscape. This stillness is mirrored in the man’s lodge of leaves, where “golden shadows” cling, suggesting warmth and comfort.

As the poem shifts, the theme of love emerges. The man expresses his feelings through the sounds of nature—the “voice of eagle and of dove” symbolizes strength and tenderness. His lips are compared to “soft blossoms,” representing the gentleness of his affection for the woman he loves. The imagery of their lips being as cool as “lilies” emphasizes the purity and sweetness of their connection.

Crawford’s use of metaphor extends to the natural elements, with the canoe representing a vessel of love, painted with the man’s emotions. The “bead of wampum” and “purple rise” on the horizon symbolize beauty and spirituality, linking the man’s experience with the broader themes of existence and nature’s gifts.

The imagery of the Evening Star, identified as Venus, introduces a celestial aspect to the poem. The Evening Star “stole” from the lodge, signifying a blend of the earthly and the divine. This adds a layer of enchantment, suggesting that love and nature are intertwined with the cosmos.

The poem concludes with the man pushing out from the lily bed. The repeated phrase “all lily-locked” reinforces the idea of being enveloped in beauty and love. As he moves, the lilies sing and embrace his canoe, further highlighting the bond between the man and the natural world.

Overall, “The Lily Bed” captures a moment of tranquility infused with love and nature. Through rich imagery and metaphors, Crawford creates a vivid tableau that celebrates the harmony between human emotions and the beauty of the natural world. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own connections to nature and the profound feelings it can evoke.

The Lily Bed by Isabella Valancy Crawford Analysis

Isabella Valancy Crawford’s poem “The Lily Bed” is a beautiful exploration of nature, love, and the deep connections between them. The poem uses vivid imagery and rich metaphors to create a serene scene by a lake, where a man in a canoe interacts with the natural world around him. Through this setting, Crawford expresses emotions related to love and tranquility, while also highlighting the beauty of the environment.

Setting and Imagery

The poem begins by placing us in a peaceful lakeside scene. The man’s canoe, described as having a “scented” and “red” paddle, immediately evokes a sense of intimacy and warmth. The colors used here are important; red often symbolizes passion and love, while the scent suggests a connection to nature that is both physical and emotional. The “lily bed” refers to the clusters of lilies floating on the water, which serve as a crucial symbol throughout the poem.

The use of nature imagery is central to the poem’s beauty. The lilies are not just plants; they represent purity and beauty. When the canoe is “all lily-locked,” it indicates how the man is enveloped by nature’s beauty. This creates a sense of harmony between him and his surroundings. The stillness of the “placid bay” reinforces the idea of peace, allowing readers to visualize a tranquil moment.

Nature as a Living Entity

Crawford personifies nature in this poem, giving life to the lilies and other elements in the scene. For instance, the lilies “sang” and “clasped” the canoe, suggesting that nature is actively engaged with the man. This portrayal implies that the environment has feelings and is capable of expressing them, reflecting a romantic view of nature as a nurturing force. The man’s canoe trembling as lilies burst around him indicates that he is part of a living, breathing ecosystem.

The “dragon-fly” and “sharp silver of a fin” add to this sense of life and motion. The dragon-fly, described as a “wizard,” brings a magical quality to the scene. The idea of a “wizard” suggests that the natural world has a mysterious, enchanting aspect that captivates the man and the reader alike. This blend of beauty and enchantment underlines the poem’s central theme: the interconnectedness of life and love.

Themes of Love and Connection

As the poem unfolds, themes of love emerge more clearly. The man expresses his feelings through the sounds of nature. His “voice of eagle and of dove” symbolizes the balance of strength and tenderness in his emotions. This duality highlights the complexity of love, suggesting that true affection encompasses both passion and gentleness.

The imagery surrounding the man’s relationship with a woman is particularly significant. Crawford describes their kisses as “soft blossoms,” evoking a sense of sweetness and purity. This connection between the man and the woman is not just emotional; it’s deeply intertwined with nature. The comparison of the woman’s lips to “lilies” enhances this bond, suggesting that their love is as beautiful and delicate as the flowers surrounding them.

The poem also explores the idea of love being a transformative experience. When the man stands “in triumph’s rest,” it signifies a moment of fulfillment and achievement in love. His image is “painted in her breast,” indicating that she holds him dearly in her heart. This imagery emphasizes how love shapes identity and connection between two people.

Spiritual Elements

Crawford introduces spiritual elements through references to the “Great Spirit” and the “Evening Star.” The mention of the Great Spirit suggests a broader, spiritual context to the natural world. It implies that the love shared between the man and the woman is not just a personal experience but part of a larger, divine framework.

The Evening Star, associated with Venus, further deepens this spiritual connection. The star “stole from her lodge,” indicating a celestial presence that influences the lovers. This element of the poem suggests that love is a universal force, guiding and inspiring those who experience it. By linking the earthly experience of love with celestial imagery, Crawford elevates the theme of love to a cosmic level.

Symbolism of the Canoe

The canoe itself serves as a powerful symbol throughout the poem. It represents not only the man’s journey through life but also his emotional state. As he paddles through the lily bed, the canoe becomes a vessel for his feelings and experiences. The act of pushing out from the lily bed signifies a transition—moving from a place of tranquility and beauty to the unknown. This movement can be interpreted as a metaphor for the journey of love, which is often filled with both serene moments and challenges.

The canoe’s connection to the lilies further emphasizes the bond between nature and love. The lilies’ embrace of the canoe suggests that nature supports and nurtures the man’s feelings. This idea reinforces the theme that love is not only a human experience but also part of the natural world’s fabric.

Nature and Human Emotion

In “The Lily Bed,” Isabella Valancy Crawford masterfully intertwines nature and human emotion, creating a rich tapestry of imagery and symbolism. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own connections to nature and love. By personifying nature and presenting it as an active participant in the man’s emotional journey, Crawford suggests that the two are inextricably linked.

The tranquil setting, combined with the themes of love and spirituality, creates a serene atmosphere that resonates with readers. The beauty of the natural world enhances the feelings of love, suggesting that such connections are essential to the human experience. Ultimately, “The Lily Bed” is a celebration of the harmony between nature and love, inviting readers to appreciate the profound beauty found in both.

he Lily Bed” by Isabella Valancy Crawford Line by Line Explanation

His cedar paddle, scented, red,
The man uses a paddle made of cedar wood. Cedar has a pleasant smell, which adds a sensory element to the scene. The red color of the paddle suggests warmth and perhaps passion, hinting at his emotional state.

He thrust down through the lily bed;
He pushes the paddle down into a bed of water lilies. This action connects him directly to the natural beauty around him and emphasizes his interaction with the environment.

Cloaked in a golden pause he lay,
He is lying back in his canoe, enveloped in a peaceful moment filled with golden light, possibly from the setting sun. This imagery evokes a sense of tranquility and contentment.

Locked in the arms of the placid bay.
The calm waters of the bay embrace him like a gentle hug. The word “locked” suggests a sense of safety and stillness, reinforcing the idea that he is at peace.

Trembled alone his bark canoe
His canoe, made from birch bark, shakes gently by itself. This trembling could indicate the subtle movements of the water or the life around him, reflecting the natural dynamics of the scene.

As shocks of bursting lilies flew
As the lilies around him burst open, they create small waves. The word “shocks” suggests suddenness, capturing the lively movement of nature.

Thro’ the still crystal of the tide,
The water is described as clear and still, like crystal. This imagery emphasizes the beauty and purity of the scene, allowing readers to visualize the clarity of the water.

And smote the frail boat’s birchen side;
The lilies touch the delicate side of his canoe, indicating the fragility of the boat and the gentle interaction with nature.

Or, when beside the sedges thin
At times, he notices the thin grasses growing by the water’s edge.

Rose the sharp silver of a fin;
A fish’s fin appears above the water’s surface, shining like silver. This detail adds to the lively atmosphere, showcasing the aquatic life present.

Or when, a wizard swift and cold,
A dragon-fly suddenly appears, described as a “wizard,” which conveys its swift and almost magical quality.

A dragon-fly beat out in gold
The dragon-fly’s wings glimmer in the sunlight, resembling gold. This adds an element of wonder to the scene, highlighting nature’s beauty.

And jewels all the widening rings
As the dragon-fly moves, it creates ripples in the water that look like sparkling jewels. This metaphor enhances the visual richness of the poem.

Of waters singing to his wings;
The water seems to sing or create a melody as the dragon-fly flies, suggesting a harmony between the creature and its environment.

Or, like a winged and burning soul,
The dragon-fly is compared to a lively spirit, full of energy and life.

Dropped from the gloom an oriole
An oriole, a colorful bird, appears from the darker parts of the trees above, adding a vibrant element to the scene.

On the cool wave, as to the balm
The oriole lands softly on the cool water, as if it is being comforted by it.

Of the Great Spirit’s open palm
This line suggests a connection to a divine presence, as if nature itself is nurturing and protective, represented by the “Great Spirit.”

The freed soul flies. And silence clung
The bird symbolizes freedom, and the idea of a soul flying evokes a sense of liberation. Silence wraps around the moment, creating a calm atmosphere.

To the still hours, as tendrils hung,
The stillness of time feels tangible, like the tendrils of plants hanging down.

In darkness carven, from the trees,
Shadows from the trees create intricate patterns in the dark, adding depth to the scene.

Sedge-buried to their burly knees.
The thick grass and sedge plants surround the trees, almost hiding them to their knees, emphasizing the lushness of the landscape.

Stillness sat in his lodge of leaves;
Quietness is personified, sitting in the leafy canopy above, suggesting a sacred and peaceful space.

Clung golden shadows to its eaves,
Light filters through the leaves, casting golden shadows on the edges of the tree branches.

And on its cone-spiced floor, like maize,
The ground beneath the trees has a sweet, corn-like smell, enhancing the sensory experience of the environment.

Red-ripe, fell sheaves of knotted rays.
Sunlight streams down in bundles, creating patterns that resemble tied bundles of crops, further adding to the imagery of abundance and life.

The wood, a proud and crested brave;
The tall trees stand tall and proud, likened to a brave warrior, suggesting strength and dignity.

Bead-bright, a maiden, stood the wave.
The waves sparkle like a bright maiden, personifying the water and adding a feminine quality to nature.

And he had spoke his soul of love
The man has expressed his deep feelings of love,

With voice of eagle and of dove.
His expression combines strength (like an eagle) and tenderness (like a dove), indicating the complexity of his emotions.

Of loud, strong pines his tongue was made;
His words are powerful and direct, much like the strong pine trees around him.

His lips, soft blossoms in the shade,
His lips are gentle and tender, similar to flowers that bloom in shaded areas.

That kissed her silver lips—her’s cool
He kisses her lips, which are cool and refreshing, much like the water.

As lilies on his inmost pool—
Her lips are pure and delicate, like the lilies that float on the surface of his heart.

Till now he stood, in triumph’s rest,
He stands now feeling victorious in love, as if he has achieved something wonderful.

His image painted in her breast.
She cherishes his image deeply in her heart, suggesting a strong emotional connection.

One isle ‘tween blue and blue did melt,—
An island between two shades of blue water fades away, evoking a sense of transition and change.

A bead of wampum from the belt
It looks like a decorative bead from a Native American belt, adding a cultural element to the imagery.

Of Manitou—a purple rise
This bead symbolizes the Great Spirit, with a purple hill rising, suggesting a connection to spirituality.

On the far shore heaved to the skies.
The hill on the opposite shore reaches high into the sky, indicating a majestic landscape.

His cedar paddle, scented, red,
He once again mentions his red paddle, reinforcing its importance in the scene.

He drew up from the lily bed;
He lifts the paddle out of the lilies, marking a transition in the moment.

All lily-locked, all lily-locked,
The canoe is surrounded and embraced by the lilies, highlighting their beauty.

His light bark in the blossoms rocked.
His canoe sways gently among the blossoms, emphasizing the harmony between the boat and nature.

Their cool lips round the sharp prow sang,
The lilies seem to sing around the sharp front of the canoe, adding a magical quality to the experience.

Their soft clasp to the frail sides sprang,
The lilies wrap around the sides of the delicate canoe, creating a sense of tenderness.

With breast and lip they wove a bar.
The lilies form a barrier of beauty around him, suggesting protection and comfort.

Stole from her lodge the Evening Star;
The Evening Star (Venus) emerges from its place, symbolizing beauty and romance.

With golden hand she grasped the mane
The star reaches out like a hand, grabbing the edge of a red cloud.

Of a red cloud on her azure plain.
The star interacts with a red cloud against the blue sky, creating a striking image.

It by the peaked, red sunset flew;
The star moves through a colorful sunset, enhancing the romantic atmosphere.

Cool winds from its bright nostrils blew.
Cool breezes blow from the star, refreshing the air and adding to the serene environment.

They swayed the high, dark trees, and low
The winds move both tall and short trees, emphasizing the power of nature.

Swept the locked lilies to and fro.
The wind causes the lilies to sway gently, creating a peaceful rhythm.

With cedar paddle, scented, red,
He mentions his red paddle once more, tying the imagery back to the beginning.

He pushed out from the lily bed.
Finally, he moves away from the lily bed in his canoe, marking a change in the moment.

The Lily Bed by Isabella Valancy Crawford Language Devices

1. Imagery

• Visual Imagery: Crawford uses rich visual descriptions, such as “cedar paddle,” “lily bed,” and “sharp silver of a fin,” allowing readers to vividly picture the serene natural setting.
• Sensory Imagery: The poem engages multiple senses, especially sight and sound, creating a full sensory experience. Phrases like “scented, red” and “soft clasp” evoke touch and smell.

2. Personification

• Nature is given human qualities, as seen in lines like “Stillness sat in his lodge of leaves.” This personification creates a sense of intimacy between the speaker and the natural world, suggesting that nature is alive and responsive.

3. Metaphor

• The poem employs metaphors, such as comparing the canoe to a person (“a proud and crested brave”). This comparison enriches the understanding of the canoe as not just a vessel, but a living entity in the landscape.

4. Symbolism

• Lilies: The lilies symbolize beauty, purity, and love. Their recurring presence signifies the emotional depth of the speaker’s feelings.
• Cedar Paddle: The paddle can symbolize guidance and control in life, as well as a connection to nature.

5. Alliteration and Assonance

• Alliteration, or the repetition of consonant sounds, is present in phrases like “cedar paddle” and “bead-bright.” This technique creates a musical quality to the poem, enhancing its lyrical nature.
• Assonance, or the repetition of vowel sounds, can also be found throughout the poem, contributing to its rhythm.

6. Simile

• Crawford uses similes, such as “like a winged and burning soul,” to draw comparisons that enhance emotional resonance. These comparisons evoke powerful images and feelings.

7. Repetition

• The phrase “all lily-locked” emphasizes the connection between the speaker and the lilies, reinforcing the theme of unity with nature.

8. Contrast

• The poem contrasts the stillness of the scene with moments of action, such as the dragon-fly and the oriole, creating a dynamic interplay between tranquility and life.

9. Sound Devices

• The use of sound devices, like rhyme and rhythm, contributes to the poem’s musicality. The structured rhyme scheme and meter provide a gentle flow that mirrors the natural setting.

The Lily Bed” by Isabella Valancy Crawford Structure and Form

1. Stanza Arrangement

• The poem is composed of 56 lines divided into four stanzas of varying lengths. This irregular structure reflects the natural fluidity of the scene being described, mirroring the movement of water and the unpredictability of nature.

2. Rhyme Scheme

• The poem employs a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme in most stanzas, creating a musical quality that enhances its lyrical nature. This structured rhyme adds a sense of order to the poem while still allowing for the organic flow of imagery and emotion.

3. Meter

• The poem generally follows iambic meter, with variations that create a natural rhythm. This variation reflects the ebb and flow of the natural world, emphasizing moments of calm and action. The meter contributes to the poem’s musicality and enhances its emotional resonance.

4. Repetition

• The use of repetition, particularly in phrases like “all lily-locked,” emphasizes key themes and creates a rhythmic echo throughout the poem. This technique draws attention to the connection between the speaker and nature.

5. Line Length

• The line lengths vary, which adds to the poem’s dynamic quality. Shorter lines can create a sense of urgency or emphasis, while longer lines allow for more descriptive imagery and flowing thoughts. This variation keeps the reader engaged and reflects the complexities of the scene.

6. ** enjambment**

• The poem frequently uses enjambment, where a sentence or thought continues beyond the end of a line without a pause. This technique creates a sense of continuity and movement, mirroring the fluidity of water and the experiences described.

7. Imagery and Symbolism

• The structure allows for rich imagery and symbolism to emerge naturally within the flow of lines. Each stanza builds on the previous one, creating layers of meaning that resonate with the overall themes of love and nature.

8. Thematic Progression

• The poem progresses from a serene, contemplative state to a celebration of love and connection. Each stanza adds depth to the speaker’s emotions, culminating in a powerful portrayal of intimacy with nature and a loved one.

9. Tone and Mood

• The overall tone of the poem shifts subtly between tranquility, romance, and introspection. The structure supports these shifts, allowing the reader to feel the varying moods as they move through the lines.