A voice so thrilling ne'er was heard In spring-time from the Cuckoo-bird, Breaking the silence of the seas Among the farthest Hebrides.
Will no one tell me what she sings?- Perhaps the plaintive numbers flow For old, unhappy, far-off things,
And battles long ago:
Or is it some more humble lay, Familiar matter of to-day?
Question 1: How does the poet use the image of the Cuckoo-bird's voice to develop the theme of the poem?
Answer: The poet uses the image of the Cuckoo-bird's voice to evoke a sense of mystery and longing, suggesting that its song may be connected to themes of nostalgia and the passage of time.
Question 2: Identify and explain the literary technique used in the line "Breaking the silence of the seas Among the farthest Hebrides?"
Answer: The literary technique used here is personification, where the poet attributes human-like qualities of breaking silence to the Cuckoo-bird's song, enhancing the imagery and emphasizing its impact on the natural landscape.
Question 3: What are the two possible interpretations of the Cuckoo-bird's song mentioned in the poem, and how do they contribute to the theme?
Answer: The two possible interpretations are: the song may be about "old, unhappy, far-off things, And battles long ago" or it may be "some more humble lay, Familiar matter of to-day." These interpretations contribute to the theme by highlighting the contrast between the past and present, and the significance of memory and tradition in shaping our understanding of the world.