The Lake Isle Of Innisfree
1. What kind of place is Innisfree? Think about:
2. the three things the poet wants to do when he goes back there (stanza I);
3. what he hears and sees there and its effect on him (stanza II);
4. What does he hear in his “heart‟s core” even when he is far away from
Innisfree (stanza III).
1. Innisfree is a beautiful place where nature is in its frill swing.
2. The poet wants to build a small hut of clay and wattles. He will have a
nine bean-rows and a hive for the honeybees.
3. He hears peace come dropping and the cricket sing. He sees the
midnight shine and a purple glow at noon. Evenings are full of linnet‟s
wings. He feels happy and gets peace of mind.
4. The poet hears the lake water lapping the shore with low sounds.
5. Do you think Innisfree is only a place, or a state of mind? Does the poet actually miss
the place of his boyhood days?
Answer:
The natural beauty of Innisfree is not the creation of the poet‟s fancy. It is a real place
that gives solace to the frustrated souls. The poet longs to live at such a beautiful and
peaceful place. He misses it a lot.
6. Look at the words the poet uses to describe what he sees and hears at
Innisfree
a) bee-loud glade
b) evenings full of the linnet‟s wings
c) lake water lapping with low sounds
What pictures do these words create in your mind?
a) These words create the picture of the hive and honeybee humming all
around. It is in the glade.
bLinnet is a bird with wings. When it flutters its wings, it looks beautiful. And
when the bird sits on a tree amidst beautiful natural scene, it leaves an
indelible impression on the minds of the beholder.
cIt is an ordinary but bewitching scene. The waves strike the lake‟s shore to
create a pleasing and soothing sound.
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
1. When and where will the poet experience „peace‟?
The poet will experience „peace‟ in the lap of nature at the Lake Isle of
Innisfree. He will observe the beautiful trees, insects, birds and bushes. The
calm and cool atmosphere of the forest will give happiness to him.
2.How does the poet describe the lake‟s waves?
The poet says that the lake‟s waves hit its shore and create a low sound. It
gives him aesthetic pleasure. He hears it and enjoys it. It also gives him
solace and comforts. He finds his peace of mind.
3.Why does the poet want to go to Innisfree?:
The poet wants to go to Innisfree to enjoy its natural beauty. Its morning, noon
and evening are different from the cities where high-rise buildings touch the
sky. He hears the pleasing sound of birds and gets peace of mind.
4.Where is the poet standing? How is it different from Innisfree?
The poet is standing on the roadway or on the pavements of grey colour.
This colour epitomises decay. He compares that with the floral beauty of
Innisfree. However, standing even there, he can hear the sounds of the
lake water lapping by the shore. He hears it in the core of his heart.
5.What does the isle of Innisfree stand for the poet?
The isle of Innisfree stands for unadulterated natural beauty. A visit to
Innisfree gives immense joy, pleasure and peace to the poet. The sounds
of honeybees, crickets and the lake water lapping by the shore tempt him
to go there again and again. He will be contented with living in a small
cabin and working at a small farm.
6. Is the poet‟s going to Innisfree merely an attempt to escape from the harsh
realities of city life?
No doubt, Innisfree provides all what the poet yearns for. Even standing on the
doorway or on the grey pavement of the city, he escapes to the natural world of the
lake isle of Innisfree. The sounds of the birds and the lake water lapping by the shore
echo in the core of his heart. This escapism gives him immense pleasure and peace.
