CBSE Class 9  >  Class 9 Notes  >  English   >  Summary: The lake Isle of Innisfree

Summary: The lake Isle of Innisfree

Key Points of the Story

  • The protagonist decides to leave for Innisfree to build a small cabin and live in solitude.
  • He plans to have nine bean-rows, a beehive, and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
  • Peace is described as coming slowly in the morning, with nature's sounds soothing the soul.
  • The setting is depicted with vivid imagery of midnight, noon, and evening.
  • The protagonist hears the sounds of the lake water even when he is away from it.

Summary

Summary

I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made:
Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honeybee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.

In this stanza, the speaker expresses his desire to leave his current place and travel to Innisfree, where he plans to build a small cabin using clay and wattles. He envisions having nine bean-rows and a beehive for honeybees in this serene location, where he intends to live in solitude surrounded by the buzzing sounds of bees in the tranquil glade.

And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight's all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evenings full of the linnet's wings.

In this stanza, the speaker anticipates finding peace in Innisfree. He describes how peace descends slowly, like droplets falling from the morning mist where the crickets chirp. The speaker paints a picturesque scene where midnight shimmers, noon radiates a purple hue, and evenings are filled with the fluttering wings of the linnet bird, all contributing to the tranquility and beauty of the place.

I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear the lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,
I hear it in the deep heart's core.

In this stanza, the speaker reaffirms his determination to depart for Innisfree. He explains that day and night, he hears the gentle, rhythmic sounds of the lake water lapping against the shore. Even when he is amidst the noise of the roadway or the dull pavements, the sound of the lake resonates within his deepest emotions, emphasizing the profound connection he feels towards the natural beauty and serenity of Innisfree.

Summary

Theme/ Message

Theme: Connection with Nature

  • The theme of the poem revolves around the speaker's deep desire to connect with nature, seeking solace and peace in the simplicity and beauty of the natural world.

Message: Finding Inner Peace

  • The message conveyed is the importance of finding inner peace and tranquility by immersing oneself in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Useful Expressions

  • ... And live alone in the bee-loud glade - The poet will live in the natural surroundings with the honey bees humming all around.
  • ... bee-loud glade - A green place where the honey bees hum over.
  • ... come dropping slow/Dropping from the veils of the morning peace comes slowly from everywhere when morning sets in.
  • ... to where the cricket sings - The cricket sings happily and greets the morning.
  • ... evenings full of the linnet's wings The linnets sitting in the tree flutter and fly, they create a pleasant sound.
  • ... lake water lapping with low sounds The lake water striking the shore creates a pleasant murmuring sound.

Difficult Words

  1. Arise: To get up or stand up.
  2. Innisfree: A symbolic place representing peace and tranquility in nature.
  3. Wattles: Framework of twigs used for building.
  4. Hive: A structure where bees are kept.
  5. Bee-loud: Describing the noisy buzzing of bees.
  6. Glimmer: A faint or wavering light.
  7. Linnet: A small songbird.
  8. Lapping: The gentle sound of water against a shore or object.
  9. Pavements: Sidewalks or footpaths.
  10. Core: The central or most important part.
The document Summary: The lake Isle of Innisfree is a part of the Class 9 Course English Class 9.
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FAQs on Summary: The lake Isle of Innisfree

1. What is the main theme of "The Lake Isle of Innisfree" by W.B. Yeats?
Ans. The poem explores the speaker's desire to escape urban life and seek peace in nature, specifically on Innisfree island. Yeats depicts a yearning for solitude and spiritual retreat through vivid imagery of a simple, self-sufficient life away from society's chaos and noise.
2. Why does the speaker want to build a cabin on Innisfree in the poem?
Ans. The speaker wishes to construct a small dwelling to live in complete solitude and harmony with nature. Building the cabin symbolises creating a personal sanctuary where he can achieve inner peace, away from the materialistic and demanding world of cities.
3. What does the phrase "nine bean rows" mean in Innisfree's summary and context?
Ans. The nine bean rows represent the speaker's plan for a simple, self-sustaining agricultural life. This specific detail symbolises practical self-sufficiency and a humble existence focused on growing food independently, reflecting the romantic ideals of rural simplicity and freedom from dependence.
4. How does the repetition of "I will arise and go" affect the poem's meaning in Class 9 English?
Ans. This repeated refrain emphasises the speaker's firm determination and inner conflict between present reality and desired escape. The insistent repetition creates urgency and emotional intensity, reinforcing the obsessive nature of the longing for Innisfree and the psychological pull towards isolation and peace.
5. What do the natural images like "evening full of the linnet's wings" represent in the poem's deeper message?
Ans. Natural imagery symbolises beauty, freedom, and spiritual awakening absent in urban existence. Details such as bird songs and water create sensory richness that contrasts sharply with city life, emphasising how nature offers emotional healing, tranquillity, and connection to something greater than human concerns.
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