After Many Summer Dies the Swan

After many summers dies the swan

After Many a Summer Dies the Swan: A Novel

by Aldous Huxley

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1514 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	369 pages
Hardcover	:	244 pages
Item Weight	:	1.07 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.3 x 0.8 x 9.4 inches

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And the bell tolls its final knell.

The swan is dead, the swan is gone,

And the world is a darker place.

These are the opening lines of Ted Hughes's poem "After Many Summer Dies the Swan." The poem is a lyrical exploration of the themes of loss, mortality, and the beauty of the natural world. The poem is written in a free verse style, with a focus on the sensory details of the dying swan's experience.

The poem begins with the death of the swan. The swan is a symbol of beauty and grace, and its death is a reminder of the transience of life. The bell tolls the swan's final knell, and the world is a darker place without it.

The second stanza of the poem focuses on the physical details of the swan's death. The swan's feathers are "ruffled and damp," and its "eyes are glazed." The swan's body is "cold and stiff," and it is "lying in the mud."

The third stanza of the poem shifts to a more abstract focus. The poet reflects on the swan's life and death. He wonders what the swan has seen and experienced during its long life. He also wonders what the swan's death means for the world.

The fourth stanza of the poem returns to the physical details of the swan's death. The poet describes the swan's "long neck" and "curved wings." He also describes the swan's "webbed feet" and "heavy beak."

The fifth stanza of the poem is a meditation on the beauty of the natural world. The poet describes the "green leaves" and "blue sky." He also describes the "white clouds" and "yellow flowers." The poet's description of the natural world is a reminder of the beauty that still exists in the world, even after the death of the swan.

The sixth stanza of the poem is a return to the swan. The poet describes the swan's "last breath" and "final cry." The poet's description of the swan's death is a reminder of the fragility of life.

The seventh and final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the meaning of the swan's death. The poet writes that the swan's death is "a reminder of our own mortality." He also writes that the swan's death is "a reminder of the beauty of the natural world." The poet's final words are a reminder that even in death, there is beauty to be found.

After Many Summer Dies the Swan is a powerful and moving poem about loss, mortality, and the beauty of the natural world. The poem's lyrical style and focus on sensory detail create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader. The poem's themes are universal, and they will resonate with readers of all ages.

Suggested Activities

• Read the poem aloud and listen to the rhythm and flow of the language.
• Identify the different literary devices that Hughes uses in the poem, such as metaphor, simile, and personification.
• Discuss the poem's themes with a partner or group.
• Write a poem of your own that explores the themes of loss, mortality, or the beauty of the natural world.

Additional Resources

* After Many Summer Dies the Swan by Ted Hughes on Poets.org * After Many Summer Dies the Swan by Ted Hughes on LitCharts * After Many Summer Dies the Swan by Ted Hughes on Shmoop

After Many a Summer Dies the Swan: A Novel

by Aldous Huxley

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1514 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	369 pages
Hardcover	:	244 pages
Item Weight	:	1.07 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.3 x 0.8 x 9.4 inches

FREE