Summary: Daffodils | Class 6 English Skylark: Summary, Worksheets, Question & Ans PDF Download

About the Poet

William Wordsworth was a famous English poet born in 1770. He was a key figure of the Romantic Age in English literature. Wordsworth is known for his deep connection with nature and his lyrical portrayal of the beauty in the natural world.

Key Points of the Poem

• The poem "Daffodils" by William Wordsworth describes a personal experience of the poet encountering a field of daffodils.
• It consists of four stanzas, each with six lines, totaling 24 lines in the entire poem.
• Wordsworth vividly describes the daffodils as a "crowd" or "host" fluttering and dancing beside a lake and beneath trees.
• The daffodils are portrayed as continuous and numerous, stretching like stars in the Milky Way.
• The poet is initially unaware of the impact the daffodils will have on him until later, when the memory brings him joy during moments of solitude.

Detailed Summary

Stanza 1

I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

In this beautiful poem, the speaker compares himself to a cloud that floats freely in the sky. The speaker was wandering around, much like how a cloud moves above valleys and hills. Suddenly, the speaker noticed a large group of golden daffodils. These flowers were near a lake, under some trees, and were swaying and dancing in the gentle wind. The scene was very lively and colorful.

Stanza 2

Continuous as the stars that shine

And twinkle on the milky way,

They stretched in never-ending line

Along the margin of a bay:

Ten thousand saw I at a glance,

Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

In the next part of the poem, the speaker compares the daffodils to the stars in the sky. The flowers were lined up along the edge of a bay, just like stars that seem to go on forever in the Milky Way galaxy. The speaker estimates that there were around ten thousand daffodils, all moving their heads in a joyful dance. This imagery conveys a sense of endless beauty and natural wonder.

Stanza 3

The waves beside them danced; but they

Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:

A poet could not but be gay,

In such a jocund company:

I gazed-and gazed-but little thought

What wealth the show to me had brought:

Continuing the description, the speaker observes how the waves of the lake were also dancing, but the daffodils seemed even happier and more lively. The speaker felt extremely joyful in the presence of these cheerful flowers and nature's beauty. Despite just looking at them without much thought initially, the speaker later realizes the immense happiness and wealth this simple yet beautiful sight has brought to him.

Stanza 4

For oft, when on my couch I lie

In vacant or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye

Which is the bliss of solitude;

And then my heart with pleasure fills,

And dances with the daffodils.

In the final stanza, the speaker reflects on how the memory of the daffodils often comes to mind when they are lying on the couch feeling empty or thoughtful. The image of the dancing daffodils flashes in the speaker's mind, bringing immense joy and comfort. This recollection fills the speaker's heart with happiness, and they feel as if their heart is dancing along with the daffodils, even in moments of solitude.

Theme/ Message

Theme: The central theme of the poem revolves around the beauty and power of nature to uplift the human spirit. Wordsworth celebrates the simplicity and splendor of nature's wonders, emphasizing its ability to bring joy and inspiration to individuals.

Message: The message of the poem emphasizes the importance of connecting with nature and finding solace and happiness in its beauty. Wordsworth suggests that moments of communion with nature can bring lasting joy and comfort, even in times of solitude or reflection.

Difficult Words

1. Fluttering - Moving lightly with quick, repeated motions.
2. Jocund - Cheerful and lighthearted.
3. Sprightly - Full of energy and enthusiasm.
4. Inward - Directed or proceeding towards the inside.
5. Bliss - Extreme happiness or joy.
6. Communion - A close relationship or connection.
7. Solitude - The state of being alone or isolated.
8. Uplift - To raise or elevate morally or spiritually.
9. Splendor - Magnificent and splendid beauty or grandeur.
10. Portrayal - A representation or description of something.