The poet makes numerous referrals to the fact that the reaper is alone. I think that in saying this, Wordsworth is trying to put across a point that she is maybe morning over something. However, I think that he is more bothered by the fact that she is solitary than the reaper herself. There are a few occasions where Wordsworth is addressing the reader directly. The first time in which he uses this is in the first line. I think that he intended his first line to grab the attention of the reader and in addressing the reader directly within the first few words, he has done that perfectly. All of the times in which he refers directly to the reader, Wordsworth uses very blunt and harsh verbs within what he is saying. I think that this is also the grab the reader’s attention and direct them into the mood of the poem. Some of these directive verbs are: ‘Behold her’, ‘Stop here’, ‘O listen!’
I think that this is a very pleasant poem but, with an underlying tone of severity and sombreness. It also has a quite depressing tone, however, the poet contrasts this by saying that the woman’s beauty and vocal talent is in comparative lines with nature itself. I think that the poet also meant for the poem to be quite sad and sombre as it adds to the mystery of the reaper. The poet wants the reader to focus upon the fact that reaper is alone and she seems to be singing happily to herself. However, I think that in doing this, Wordsworth is saying that she is not happy with her solitude and being unaccompanied. I think that Wordsworth has written this poem so that he can remember the time of which he most enjoyed. If he had not have written this poem, then he would have had to recall the day completely from memory and I think that this is why he wrote the poem (so that he could have a look back on what a great memory he had).
The poem's structure is simple - the first stanza sets the scene, the second offers two bird comparisons for the music, the third wonders about the content of the songs, and the fourth describes the effect of the songs on the poet. In addition, the final two lines bring the focus of the poem back to memory and thoughts of the poet. This is done just to round off the poem and give it a more rational ending. The stanzas are set out in four blocks of eight lines. There is a constant rhyming scheme throughout the poem; however it alters slightly in the 1st and 4th stanzas. I think that the poem should be said slowly and the rhythm has an unvarying sombre tone. The poem also uses a lot of enjambement. I think that Wordsworth does this to keep the poems tone regular, but also to enhance the complexity of the poem and make his point come across easier. Wordsworth’s choice of verbs develops ‘The Solitary Reaper’ and makes the poem more powerful and interesting. Inclusive are: ‘Behold’, ‘Stop’, ‘Cuts’, ‘Breaking’, ‘Mounted’ and ‘Bore’. These verbs add tension to the poem and they are extremely effective in their role.
To conclude, I think that Wordsworth was very successful with the writing of this poem and that in writing this poem he immortalised his image of the woman reaping in the field. I think that this was his main intention when writing the poem and that in writing it he could share his thoughts and feelings about her with other people. The poem was very clear, concise and effective. I feel that Wordsworth has produced an excellent piece of poetry and I think that after writing it, his memory of the woman reaping in the field, can be shared with anyone who reads the poem – as it is so clear and effective.
