Home Thoughts, from Abroad is a poem by Robert Browning that expresses the speaker's longing for England while they are away. The poem reflects on the beauty of the English countryside during the springtime, particularly in April and May. The speaker vividly describes the sights and sounds of nature, from the tiny leaves on the elm tree to the blossoms and dewdrops on the pear-tree. They also mention the songs of the chaffinch and the thrush, which evoke feelings of nostalgia and longing for the familiarity of home. You can read the poem below and find analysis further down the page.
Home Thoughts, from Abroad by Robert Browning
O, TO be in England
Now that April 's there,
And whoever wakes in England
Sees, some morning, unaware,
That the lowest boughs and the brushwood sheaf
Round the elm-tree bole are in tiny leaf,
While the chaffinch sings on the orchard bough
In England—now!
And after April, when May follows,
And the whitethroat builds, and all the swallows!
Hark, where my blossom'd pear-tree in the hedge
Leans to the field and scatters on the clover
Blossoms and dewdrops—at the bent spray's edge—
That 's the wise thrush; he sings each song twice over,
Lest you should think he never could recapture
The first fine careless rapture!
And though the fields look rough with hoary dew,
All will be gay when noontide wakes anew
The buttercups, the little children's dower
—Far brighter than this gaudy melon-flower!
Analysis:
Title Significance:
The title, "Home Thoughts, from Abroad," immediately suggests that the speaker is away from their homeland, England, and is reflecting on it from a distant place. The title sets the tone for a nostalgic and longing exploration of the beauty of England's countryside.
Setting:
The poem is set in England during the springtime, particularly in April and May.
The setting is characterised by its natural beauty, with references to blossoming trees, singing birds, and dew-covered fields.
Imagery and Sensory Language:
Browning employs vivid imagery and sensory language to evoke the sights and sounds of the English countryside, such as "tiny leaf," "blossoms and dewdrops," and "hoary dew."
The imagery creates a sense of nostalgia and longing, as the speaker recalls the beauty of England's landscape.
Structure:
The poem consists of two stanzas, each with irregular line lengths and a regular rhyme scheme (ABAB). The structure mirrors the speaker's contemplative mood, with each stanza capturing a different aspect of the English countryside and the speaker's longing for home.
Tone and Mood:
The tone is nostalgic and longing, with a sense of yearning for the familiarity and beauty of England's countryside.
The mood is wistful and contemplative, inviting the reader to share in the speaker's longing for home.
Themes:
Nostalgia and Longing: The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for home, as the speaker reflects on the beauty of England's countryside from afar.
Beauty of Nature: Browning celebrates the beauty and vitality of nature, particularly during the springtime, as seen in the blossoming trees, singing birds, and dew-covered fields.
Transience and Renewal: The poem reflects on the transient nature of life and the cyclical renewal of nature, as seen in the changing seasons and the blossoming of new life in spring.
Symbolism:
The blossoming trees and singing birds symbolise the beauty and vitality of England's countryside, evoking feelings of nostalgia and longing in the speaker.
The thrush symbolises perseverance and resilience, continuing to sing its song despite the passage of time and the speaker's absence from home.
Language and Diction:
Browning's language is lyrical and evocative, with an emphasis on imagery and sensory detail. The use of alliteration and repetition adds musicality and rhythm to the poem, enhancing its emotional impact.
Conclusion:
Home Thoughts, from Abroad by Robert Browning is a nostalgic and longing poem that celebrates the beauty of England's countryside during the springtime. Through vivid imagery and lyrical language, Browning captures the speaker's yearning for home and the familiarity of England's landscape, offering a poignant exploration of nostalgia, beauty, and the transient nature of life.
You can find analysis of all the Edexcel Time and Place Poetry Anthology Poems here.
