Chapter Overview
'When I Set Out for Lyonnesse' is a poem by Thomas Hardy in which the speaker describes a journey towards an ideal place, Lyonnesse, a symbolic representation of hope and longing. The poem conveys the emotional aspects of pursuing dreams, and how often, the ideal destinations we aim for remain out of reach. Through vivid imagery and reflection on personal ambition, Hardy discusses the struggles and realizations that come with pursuing lofty goals.
Important Keywords
- Lyonnesse: A symbolic place of hope, beauty, and idealism. In the poem, it represents an unattainable dream or a perfect utopian world.
- Journey: A metaphor for life’s experiences, ambitions, and the pursuit of dreams. The speaker’s journey to Lyonnesse represents the personal quest for fulfillment and meaning.
- Ambition: A central theme of the poem. The speaker’s journey is driven by a deep desire to reach an ideal destination, reflecting the human tendency to aspire for perfection.
- Utopia: The idealized and perfect world that the speaker dreams of reaching. Lyonnesse represents this unattainable utopia.
- Reflection: The poem emphasizes self-reflection on the part of the speaker as they consider the journey's purpose and what they have gained or lost along the way.