Introduction: “A Night Thought” by William Wordsworth
“A Night Thought” by William Wordsworth first appeared in Poems Written in Youth (1786), a collection that showcased the poet’s early works, rich in reflective and contemplative themes. The poem explores the contrast between the steady, untroubled path of the moon and the restless, often discontented nature of humankind. Wordsworth uses celestial imagery to depict the moon’s unwavering journey across the sky—”Lo! where the Moon along the sky / Sails with her happy destiny”—as a metaphor for constancy and serenity, in stark opposition to human beings, who, despite their fortunes, often remain dissatisfied and morose. The poem’s popularity as a textbook selection lies in its simple yet profound meditation on nature and human temperament, its moral introspection, and its use of accessible yet lyrical language. It serves as an excellent example of Wordsworth’s early poetic philosophy, emphasizing harmony with nature as a source of emotional and spiritual balance.
Text: “A Night Thought” by William Wordsworth
Lo! where the Moon along the sky
Sails with her happy destiny;
Oft is she hid from mortal eye
Or dimly seen,
But when the clouds asunder fly
How bright her mien!
Far different we—a froward race,
Thousands though rich in Fortune’s grace
With cherished sullenness of pace
Their way pursue,
Ingrates who wear a smileless face
The whole year through.
If kindred humours e’er would make
My spirit droop for drooping’s sake,
From Fancy following in thy wake,
Bright ship of heaven!
A counter impulse let me take
And be forgiven.
Annotations: “A Night Thought” by William Wordsworth
| Line | Annotation |
| Lo! where the Moon along the sky | The speaker directs attention to the moon, personifying it as an entity with a purposeful journey across the sky. “Lo!” serves as an exclamation, emphasizing awe and admiration. |
| Sails with her happy destiny; | The moon is metaphorically compared to a ship sailing smoothly with a “happy destiny,” symbolizing peace, steadiness, and fulfillment in contrast to human restlessness. |
| Oft is she hid from mortal eye | The moon is sometimes obscured by clouds, suggesting that its brilliance is not always visible, much like truth, hope, or clarity in human life. |
| Or dimly seen, | Even when not fully hidden, the moon might appear faint, reinforcing the idea that beauty and purpose can sometimes be obscured but not lost. |
| But when the clouds asunder fly | When the clouds move apart, the moon’s light shines clearly again, symbolizing the idea that difficulties and uncertainties eventually give way to clarity and hope. |
| How bright her mien! | “Mien” refers to the moon’s appearance or demeanor. This line celebrates the moon’s radiance, reinforcing its symbolic role as a guiding force. |
| Far different we—a froward race, | The speaker contrasts humanity with the moon. “Froward” means stubborn or contrary, suggesting that human beings are often difficult and resistant to happiness or peace. |
| Thousands though rich in Fortune’s grace | Many people, despite being blessed with good fortune, remain unsatisfied or ungrateful, emphasizing human discontent. |
| With cherished sullenness of pace | “Cherished sullenness” is an ironic phrase suggesting that people hold onto their gloom and negativity despite having reasons to be happy. |
| Their way pursue, | People continue along their paths in life, but often without joy or gratitude. |
| Ingrates who wear a smileless face | “Ingrates” refers to ungrateful individuals. This line critiques those who do not appreciate their blessings and instead wear expressions of discontent throughout the year. |
| The whole year through. | This phrase emphasizes that for many people, unhappiness is a constant state, not just a passing mood. |
| If kindred humours e’er would make | “Kindred humours” refers to similar melancholic moods. The speaker acknowledges that he too might sometimes feel this way. |
| My spirit droop for drooping’s sake, | The speaker admits that he might fall into sadness without real reason, simply because such emotions can be contagious. |
| From Fancy following in thy wake, | “Fancy” refers to imagination, and “thy wake” refers to the moon’s path. The speaker suggests that by following the moon (a symbol of constancy and light), he can find inspiration and guidance. |
| Bright ship of heaven! | The moon is again likened to a celestial ship, reinforcing its steady, guiding nature. This metaphor suggests that the moon is a symbol of hope and navigation in life’s uncertainties. |
| A counter impulse let me take | The speaker wishes to counteract negative feelings by adopting the moon’s unwavering brightness and positivity. |
| And be forgiven. | The final line suggests a form of redemption or self-correction. By aligning himself with the moon’s light and constancy, the speaker seeks to escape human discontent and find peace. |
Literary And Poetic Devices: “A Night Thought” by William Wordsworth
| Poetic Device | Example from Poem | Explanation |
| Alliteration | From Fancy following in thy wake, | The repetition of the ‘f’ sound enhances rhythm and musicality. |
| Allusion | Bright ship of heaven! | An indirect reference to celestial navigation, possibly evoking mythological or spiritual guidance. |
| Anaphora | If kindred humours e’er would make / My spirit droop for drooping’s sake | The repetition of droop emphasizes the speaker’s potential susceptibility to melancholy. |
| Assonance | Lo! where the Moon along the sky | The repetition of the long ‘o’ sound creates a flowing, musical effect. |
| Caesura | Lo! where the Moon along the sky | The exclamation mark acts as a natural pause, adding emphasis. |
| Contrast | Far different we—a froward race, / Thousands though rich in Fortune’s grace | The poem contrasts the moon’s stability with human discontent. |
| Enjambment | Oft is she hid from mortal eye / Or dimly seen, | The continuation of a sentence beyond a line break maintains the poem’s flow. |
| Epiphany | A counter impulse let me take / And be forgiven. | The speaker experiences a realization about overcoming melancholy. |
| Hyperbole | Thousands though rich in Fortune’s grace | Exaggeration is used to emphasize the extent of human ingratitude. |
| Imagery | But when the clouds asunder fly / How bright her mien! | Vivid description of the moon breaking through clouds appeals to visual senses. |
| Inversion | Lo! where the Moon along the sky | Rearranging normal syntax emphasizes the subject and adds poetic effect. |
| Irony | With cherished sullenness of pace | The phrase ironically suggests that people take pride in their gloom. |
| Metaphor | Bright ship of heaven! | The moon is compared to a ship, symbolizing guidance and stability. |
| Mood | If kindred humours e’er would make / My spirit droop | The mood is introspective and melancholic, later shifting toward hope. |
| Onomatopoeia | Lo! | The exclamation mimics a natural call for attention. |
| Paradox | With cherished sullenness of pace | It is contradictory to cherish something negative like sullenness. |
| Personification | Sails with her happy destiny | The moon is given human qualities, implying intentionality and emotion. |
| Repetition | My spirit droop for drooping’s sake | The repetition of droop highlights an emotional cycle of sadness. |
| Symbolism | The whole year through. | The phrase represents the idea of perpetual human dissatisfaction. |
| Tone | And be forgiven. | The tone shifts from contemplative and melancholic to hopeful and redemptive. |
Themes: “A Night Thought” by William Wordsworth
- The Contrast Between Nature and Human Discontent: One of the central themes of “A Night Thought” is the stark contrast between the harmony of nature and the restless dissatisfaction of human beings. Wordsworth presents the moon as a symbol of serenity and purpose, stating, “Lo! where the Moon along the sky / Sails with her happy destiny;” The moon moves effortlessly along its path, undisturbed by obstacles, representing an ideal state of contentment and grace. In contrast, humans are described as a “froward race,” inherently stubborn and ungrateful despite being blessed with “Fortune’s grace.” This distinction highlights how humans often fail to appreciate the beauty and stability of nature, choosing instead to dwell in unnecessary sorrow and discontent. Through this juxtaposition, Wordsworth suggests that human beings should take inspiration from nature’s constancy rather than succumb to self-imposed misery.
- The Burden of Melancholy and the Human Tendency Toward Negativity: Wordsworth also explores the tendency of people to hold onto sorrow, sometimes without reason. The poem criticizes those who move through life with “cherished sullenness of pace,” suggesting that some individuals embrace their gloom rather than seek happiness. The phrase “The whole year through” reinforces the idea that this is not a passing phase but a habitual state of mind. The speaker acknowledges that he, too, is vulnerable to such melancholic tendencies: “If kindred humours e’er would make / My spirit droop for drooping’s sake.” Here, he recognizes that sorrow can be contagious, spreading among individuals even without a real cause. The poem urges readers to reject this self-defeating attitude and seek a more positive perspective on life.
- The Power of Imagination and Inspiration: A recurring theme in Wordsworth’s poetry is the role of imagination in shaping one’s emotional state, and “A Night Thought” is no exception. The speaker finds a solution to his potential melancholy through the power of thought and vision, particularly by turning to the imagery of the moon: “From Fancy following in thy wake, / Bright ship of heaven!” Here, “Fancy” represents the imagination, which allows the speaker to escape sorrow by metaphorically following the moon’s steady course. The moon, described as a “bright ship of heaven,” serves as a guiding force that inspires him to rise above despondency. This theme aligns with Wordsworth’s broader belief in the transformative power of nature and the mind’s ability to overcome negative emotions through reflection and inspiration.
- Redemption and the Choice to Seek Joy: The final lines of the poem suggest a shift from passive sorrow to active redemption. The speaker ultimately decides to counteract negative emotions: “A counter impulse let me take / And be forgiven.” The phrase “counter impulse” implies an intentional effort to resist melancholy, choosing instead to embrace a more hopeful and forgiving perspective. The idea of seeking forgiveness may indicate a personal realization that dwelling in sorrow is a self-inflicted burden, one that can be overcome through a conscious change in attitude. By aligning himself with the moon’s unwavering brightness, the speaker finds a path to emotional renewal, reinforcing the idea that joy and peace are choices rather than mere circumstances.
Literary Theories and “A Night Thought” by William Wordsworth
| Literary Theory | Application to “A Night Thought” | References from the Poem |
| Romanticism | The poem reflects the Romantic ideals of nature’s superiority over human existence and the emotional depth of the individual. Wordsworth uses the moon as a symbol of stability and peace, contrasting it with human restlessness and dissatisfaction. | “Lo! where the Moon along the sky / Sails with her happy destiny;” — The moon symbolizes natural harmony, a common Romantic theme. |
| Psychoanalytic Criticism | The poem explores the human subconscious and the inner battle between melancholy and joy. The speaker acknowledges a tendency toward sadness but consciously chooses to overcome it. This aligns with Freud’s idea of internal conflict between the id (emotions) and the ego (rational self). | “If kindred humours e’er would make / My spirit droop for drooping’s sake,” — Suggests an internal psychological struggle with sadness. |
| Existentialism | The poem suggests that human suffering and discontent are self-inflicted and that individuals have the agency to change their outlook. The speaker ultimately chooses to resist despair and seek meaning, reflecting existentialist ideas of personal responsibility. | “A counter impulse let me take / And be forgiven.” — The speaker exercises free will to reject negativity and find purpose. |
| Moral Criticism | The poem conveys a moral lesson, criticizing ingratitude and encouraging appreciation for life’s blessings. It suggests that humans should learn from nature’s constancy and adopt a more positive, grateful perspective. | “Ingrates who wear a smileless face / The whole year through.” — A moral critique of those who remain ungrateful despite their fortunes. |
Critical Questions about “A Night Thought” by William Wordsworth
- How does Wordsworth use the moon as a symbol, and what does it represent in contrast to human nature?
- In “A Night Thought,” Wordsworth employs the moon as a powerful symbol of stability, peace, and purpose, contrasting it with the unsettled and often discontented nature of humanity. The moon’s journey across the sky is described in calm and confident terms: “Lo! where the Moon along the sky / Sails with her happy destiny;” Here, the word “sails” likens the moon to a ship moving effortlessly, suggesting a natural harmony and contentment. In contrast, humans are depicted as restless and unsatisfied despite their material wealth: “Far different we—a froward race, / Thousands though rich in Fortune’s grace.” The term “froward race” suggests stubbornness and a tendency to resist happiness. By juxtaposing the moon’s serene path with human ingratitude and melancholy, Wordsworth conveys a central theme of Romantic poetry: that nature embodies an ideal order and harmony that humanity often fails to appreciate or emulate.
- How does Wordsworth portray human dissatisfaction and self-imposed sorrow?
- The poem presents human beings as inherently discontented, even when they are fortunate. Wordsworth critiques this tendency, highlighting how people often dwell in sorrow without real cause. This idea is emphasized in the lines: “With cherished sullenness of pace / Their way pursue, / Ingrates who wear a smileless face / The whole year through.” The phrase “cherished sullenness” is ironic, suggesting that some individuals almost take pride in their misery. Similarly, “smileless face / The whole year through” implies that unhappiness has become a habitual state rather than a temporary feeling. The speaker acknowledges that he, too, may fall into this trap: “If kindred humours e’er would make / My spirit droop for drooping’s sake.” This self-awareness reinforces the poem’s critique of unnecessary sorrow. Wordsworth suggests that this unhappiness is often self-imposed rather than a result of external circumstances, urging readers to reflect on their own emotional tendencies.
- What role does imagination play in overcoming despair in the poem?
- Imagination functions as a key tool for transcending negative emotions in “A Night Thought.” The speaker turns to “Fancy” as a means of shifting his mindset: “From Fancy following in thy wake, / Bright ship of heaven!” Here, “Fancy” refers to the imagination, which allows him to metaphorically follow the moon’s example of steadiness and light. By envisioning the moon as a “bright ship of heaven,” the speaker transforms it into an inspirational guide rather than a mere celestial object. This aligns with Wordsworth’s broader Romantic belief in the power of imagination to elevate human experience. The poem suggests that by focusing on uplifting images and natural beauty, one can counteract melancholy and regain a sense of purpose. Thus, the speaker does not simply observe nature passively; he actively engages with it through his imagination, allowing it to shape his emotions in a positive way.
- How does the poem convey the idea of personal choice in shaping one’s emotional state?
- The poem ultimately suggests that individuals have the power to resist negativity and seek emotional redemption. This is most evident in the closing lines: “A counter impulse let me take / And be forgiven.” The phrase “counter impulse” implies that one can consciously push against the instinct to dwell in sadness. The request to “be forgiven” suggests a moment of self-reflection, as if the speaker acknowledges that indulging in sorrow is a fault that needs correction. By choosing to align himself with the moon’s steadfastness, the speaker takes an active role in reshaping his emotional state. This message is deeply connected to existential and moral ideas—Wordsworth implies that while sadness is inevitable at times, remaining in it is a choice. The poem serves as both a personal resolution and an encouragement to readers to take control of their outlook rather than surrender to habitual gloom.
Literary Works Similar to “A Night Thought” by William Wordsworth
- “The Prelude” (Excerpt) – William Wordsworth
Similarity: Like “A Night Thought,” this poem explores the power of nature in shaping human emotions and thoughts, emphasizing the contrast between nature’s serenity and human restlessness. - “To the Moon” – Percy Bysshe Shelley
Similarity: Both poems use the moon as a central symbol, with Shelley depicting it as a lonely and wandering figure, much like Wordsworth contrasts the moon’s constancy with human instability. - “Ode to a Nightingale” – John Keats
Similarity: Keats, like Wordsworth, explores the theme of escaping human sorrow through a natural symbol—in this case, the nightingale—similar to Wordsworth’s use of the moon for solace and inspiration. - “The Starlight Night” – Gerard Manley Hopkins
Similarity: This poem, like “A Night Thought,” draws on celestial imagery to reflect on human emotions and the contrast between the natural world’s beauty and human concerns. - “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard” – Thomas Gray
Similarity: Both poems share a reflective and melancholic tone, contemplating human mortality, the passage of time, and the quiet guidance offered by nature.
Representative Quotations of “A Night Thought” by William Wordsworth
| Quotation | Context | Theoretical Perspective |
| “Lo! where the Moon along the sky / Sails with her happy destiny;” | The speaker introduces the moon as a symbol of stability, moving peacefully along its course. | Romanticism – Celebrates nature’s harmony and beauty as a guiding force. |
| “Oft is she hid from mortal eye / Or dimly seen,” | Acknowledges that the moon is sometimes obscured, suggesting moments of uncertainty or difficulty in life. | Psychoanalytic Criticism – Represents the unconscious mind, where clarity and obscurity alternate. |
| “But when the clouds asunder fly / How bright her mien!” | Suggests that, despite obstacles, the moon eventually shines again, symbolizing hope and renewal. | Existentialism – Highlights the idea that clarity and meaning emerge after struggles. |
| “Far different we—a froward race,” | Contrasts the moon’s steadiness with human instability and discontent. | Moral Criticism – Criticizes human ingratitude and dissatisfaction. |
| “Thousands though rich in Fortune’s grace / With cherished sullenness of pace” | Critiques people who, despite having good fortune, remain unhappy. | Marxist Criticism – Highlights discontent even among those with wealth and privilege. |
| “Ingrates who wear a smileless face / The whole year through.” | Points out habitual ungratefulness and negativity in human nature. | Ethical Criticism – Examines moral responsibility in one’s emotional state. |
| “If kindred humours e’er would make / My spirit droop for drooping’s sake,” | Acknowledges the tendency to fall into sorrow without real cause. | Psychoanalytic Criticism – Explores the idea of self-inflicted melancholy and internal conflict. |
| “From Fancy following in thy wake, / Bright ship of heaven!” | Uses imagination to follow the moon’s guidance, finding inspiration in nature. | Romanticism – Emphasizes the transformative power of imagination. |
| “A counter impulse let me take / And be forgiven.” | Expresses the speaker’s decision to resist sorrow and seek emotional renewal. | Existentialism – Advocates for personal agency in shaping one’s emotional state. |
| “The whole year through.” | Highlights how human sorrow is often a prolonged state rather than a fleeting moment. | Moral Criticism – Encourages self-awareness and emotional change as a moral choice. |
Suggested Readings: “A Night Thought” by William Wordsworth
- Cooper, Lane, ed. A concordance to the poems of William Wordsworth. Smith, Elder, 1911.
- Hitchcock, H. Wiley. “Ives’s ‘114 [+ 15] Songs’ and What He Thought of Them.” Journal of the American Musicological Society, vol. 52, no. 1, 1999, pp. 97–144. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/832025. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.
- Marshall, George O. “Giftbooks, Tennyson, and ‘The Tribute(1837).'” The Georgia Review, vol. 16, no. 4, 1962, pp. 459–64. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41395927. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.