To A Waterfowl

690 Words3 Pages
Final Destination In “To a Waterfowl”, William Cullen Bryant, illustrates the “Journey of Life” through a plethora of Romantic ideas. Bryant demonstrates this Romantic theory of life by exhibiting key elements of symbolism that were prevalent ideologies of the Romantic era. His primary use of the “Waterfowl” reflects the direct correlation of a Romantic’s benevolence of nature. Through Bryant’s aesthetic presentation of the “Waterfowl”, he helps deepen our understanding of the ideals of human existence to our Final Destination. The First Vision Bryant introduces is the departure of the Waterfowl at the start of his migration through the “rosy depths” (3). This distinct depiction sets the tone and reveals the sunset as representation of nature as peace and as a reflection of inner spirituality. He further elaborates Romanticism theory of life by incorporating the bird’s “solitary way” (4) and describes him as being “lone wandering, but not lost” (16) being guided by a invisible “Power” (13) By portraying this symbolism, Bryant conveys the significance of “Individualism” combined with the presence of “Power” (13), of man's divine connection and guidance of God. The most distinguished example of Romanticism depicted is of the Waterfowl’s migration to its “summer home” (22). Bryant states that, “He, who, from zone to zone, Guides through the boundless sky thy certain flight, In the long way that I must tread alone, Will lead my steps aright” (29-31). This case in point relates to the birds natural instinct for survival. The same foreknowledge that directs us as eternal beings through our journey of life. In the poem, the waterfowl is acting purely on its instinct to migrate. In this way, it avoids its own downfall. Romantics felt the strong connection that by acting on instinct you learn a treasured lesson from nature which leads to bona fide
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