“The Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry

“The Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry, first published in 1968 in the poetry collection Openings, is a contemplative poem renowned for its simple yet profound exploration of solace found in nature. Berry’s lyrical language and vivid imagery paint a picture of tranquility and harmony, inviting the reader to find peace amidst the chaos of human existence. The poem’s enduring appeal lies in its timeless message, offering a refuge from the complexities of life and a reminder of the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world.

Text: “The Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry

When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

Annotations: “The Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry

Line	Annotation
“When despair for the world grows in me”	The speaker introduces a feeling of deep despair and anxiety about the world.
“and I wake in the night at the least sound”	This line suggests the speaker’s heightened sensitivity and anxiety, causing sleeplessness and worry.
“in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,”	The fear is not just for the speaker but extends to their children, reflecting a generational concern and anxiety about the future.
“I go and lie down where the wood drake”	The speaker seeks solace in nature, specifically by lying down in a natural setting, away from the source of their fears.
“rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.”	This imagery of peaceful animals suggests that the natural world offers a form of tranquility and beauty that contrasts with human concerns.
“I come into the peace of wild things”	The speaker finds peace in the presence of wild creatures, who live without the burdens of human anxieties.
“who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief.”	Unlike humans, these animals do not worry about the future, allowing them to live peacefully in the present.
“I come into the presence of still water.”	The still water represents calmness and serenity, symbolizing a refuge from the speaker’s troubled thoughts.
“And I feel above me the day-blind stars”	The stars, invisible during the day, suggest a constant presence of beauty and hope that is always there, even if not always visible or felt.
“waiting with their light.”	The stars’ light symbolizes hope and continuity, suggesting that beauty and peace are always there, waiting to be noticed.
“For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.”	The speaker experiences a temporary but profound sense of freedom and relief by connecting with the natural world, finding peace away from human worries.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “The Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry

Device	Definition	Example	Explanation
Alliteration	The repetition of initial consonant sounds.	“When despair for the world grows in me”	The repetition of the “w” sound creates a sense of urgency and despair.
Anaphora	The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.	“I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.”	The repetition of “I” emphasizes the speaker’s personal connection to nature.
Assonance	The repetition of vowel sounds within words.	“For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.”	The repetition of the “a” sound creates a sense of peace and tranquility.
Connotation	The emotional or associative meaning of a word.	“The great heron feeds”	The word “great” suggests a sense of power and majesty.
Consonance	The repetition of consonant sounds within words, especially at the end of words.	“And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light.”	The repetition of the “s” sound creates a sense of serenity.
Contrast	The juxtaposition of opposing ideas or images.	“I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief.”	The contrast between the speaker’s anxiety and the peace of nature emphasizes the restorative power of the natural world.
Imagery	The use of vivid language to create mental images.	“I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief.”	The image of wild things living without worry creates a sense of tranquility.
Metaphor	A figure of speech that compares two unlike things without using “like” or “as.”	“I come into the peace of wild things”	The speaker compares nature to a place of peace and tranquility.
Personification	Giving human qualities to non-human things.	“The day-blind stars waiting with their light”	The stars are described as “waiting,” giving them a human quality of patience.
Repetition	The repeated use of words, phrases, or sounds.	“I come into the peace of wild things”	The repetition of “I come into” emphasizes the speaker’s desire for peace.
Rhyme	The repetition of sounds at the end of words.	“And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light.”	The words “stars” and “cars” rhyme.
Rhythm	The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line of poetry.	“When despair for the world grows in me”	The poem has a regular rhythm, contributing to its sense of peace and tranquility.
Simile	A figure of speech that compares two unlike things using “like” or “as.”	“I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be”	The speaker compares the feeling of fear to a sound in the night.
Symbolism	The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.	“The wood drake”	The wood drake symbolizes beauty and tranquility.
Syntax	The arrangement of words in a sentence.	“I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.”	The long sentence structure creates a sense of peace and contemplation.
Theme	The central idea or message of a literary work.	The restorative power of nature	The poem explores the idea that nature can provide solace and peace in times of distress.
Tone	The author’s attitude toward the subject matter.	Contemplative and peaceful	The poem conveys a sense of calm and serenity.
Verbal irony	A figure of speech where the speaker says the opposite of what they mean.	Not applicable in this poem	Verbal irony is not used in this poem.
Visual imagery	The use of vivid language to create mental images related to sight.	“I come into the presence of still water”	The image of still water creates a sense of peace and tranquility.
Word choice	The selection of specific words to convey meaning and evoke emotion.	“Despair,” “peace,” “grace”	The choice of words contributes to the poem’s overall tone and theme.

Themes: “The Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry

1. The Restorative Power of Nature: Berry emphasizes the transformative potential of the natural world. Through imagery of wild things living in harmony, he suggests that nature can provide solace and peace amidst life’s challenges. The speaker finds refuge in the presence of the wood drake, the great heron, and the still water, suggesting that these elements of nature offer a respite from despair.
2. The Importance of Connection: The poem underscores the significance of human connection to the natural world. The speaker’s decision to “lie down where the wood drake rests” and “come into the presence of still water” highlights the need for a deep and intimate relationship with nature. This connection offers a sense of belonging and grounding.
3. The Simplicity of Existence: Berry contrasts the complexity of human life with the simplicity of the natural world. The wild things are described as “who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief,” suggesting that their existence is free from the worries and anxieties that plague humans. This contrast invites the reader to consider the benefits of a simpler, more natural way of living.
4. The Endurance of Hope: Despite the speaker’s initial despair, the poem concludes on a note of hope. The image of the “day-blind stars waiting with their light” suggests that there is a timeless quality to the universe and that hope endures even in the darkest of times. This message offers a sense of comfort and reassurance to the reader.

Literary Theories and “The Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry

Literary Theory	Application to “The Peace of Wild Things”
Ecocriticism	Ecocriticism examines the relationship between literature and the natural environment. “The Peace of Wild Things” can be analyzed through this lens, as the poem highlights the contrast between human anxiety and the peacefulness of nature. The poem reflects on how nature offers a sanctuary and a source of emotional and spiritual healing, suggesting an inherent value in the natural world beyond human utility.
Romanticism	Romanticism emphasizes the importance of nature, emotion, and individualism. Wendell Berry’s poem echoes Romantic ideals by portraying nature as a place of solace and spiritual renewal. The poem’s focus on personal experience, emotion, and the sublime beauty of the natural world aligns with Romantic themes, as it contrasts the peace found in nature with the troubles of human existence.
Transcendentalism	Transcendentalism, closely related to Romanticism, focuses on the inherent goodness of nature and the belief that individuals can find truth through personal experience in nature. In “The Peace of Wild Things,” the speaker finds peace and freedom through direct interaction with the natural world, reflecting Transcendentalist beliefs in the spiritual and restorative power of nature as a means to transcend the stresses of modern life.

Critical Questions about “The Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry

• How does the poem explore the contrast between human anxiety and natural serenity?
• In “The Peace of Wild Things,” Wendell Berry contrasts the overwhelming anxiety that humans experience with the tranquility found in nature. The speaker describes waking “in the night at the least sound / in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,” highlighting the pervasive worry that dominates human life. In contrast, the natural world, represented by the “wood drake” and “great heron,” embodies a peaceful existence free from such fears. The line “who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief” underscores the idea that animals live in the moment, unburdened by the future, suggesting that humans might find peace by embracing a similar outlook.
• What role does the imagery of water play in the poem’s depiction of peace?
• Water imagery in the poem serves as a powerful symbol of peace and stillness. The speaker seeks out “the presence of still water,” which suggests a calm and tranquil environment that contrasts sharply with the turbulence of human emotions. Water is traditionally associated with cleansing and renewal, and in this poem, the “still water” offers a moment of reflection and respite from the speaker’s anxieties. The reference to “day-blind stars / waiting with their light” above the water further reinforces the idea of an ever-present, though sometimes hidden, source of peace and hope.
• How does Berry use the concept of time to reflect on human and natural experiences?
• Wendell Berry juxtaposes human concerns about the future with the timeless, ongoing rhythms of nature. The speaker’s anxiety is rooted in fears for the future, as seen in the line “in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,” which reflects a forward-looking, anticipatory dread. In contrast, the natural world is depicted as existing in a more immediate, present-focused state. The “peace of wild things” lies in their lack of “forethought of grief,” suggesting that the natural world is free from the human preoccupation with time and the future, and this freedom offers a model for finding peace in the present moment.
• What does the poem suggest about the relationship between humans and nature?
• The poem suggests that humans can find solace and healing in their relationship with nature. The speaker turns to the natural world as a refuge from the stresses of human life, indicating a deep, restorative connection between humans and the environment. By stating, “I come into the peace of wild things” and “rest in the grace of the world,” the speaker acknowledges the healing power of nature. The poem implies that nature provides a sanctuary where humans can escape the burdens of modern life and reconnect with a more primal, peaceful existence, suggesting an intrinsic bond between human well-being and the natural world.

Literary Works Similar to “The Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry

1. “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot: Both poems explore themes of isolation and alienation, with a focus on the disconnect between individuals and the world around them.
2. “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost: Both poems offer contemplative reflections on the natural world, inviting readers to find peace and solace in the simplicity of nature.
3. “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost: Both poems explore the theme of choice and its impact on life’s journey, suggesting that the decisions we make can shape our experiences and sense of self.
4. “The Wild Swans at Coole” by W.B. Yeats: Both poems evoke a sense of nostalgia and loss, reflecting on the passage of time and the changing nature of life.
5. “Ode to a Nightingale” by John Keats: Both poems explore the power of nature to inspire and uplift the human spirit, celebrating the beauty and transience of life.

Suggested Readings: “The Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry

1. Berry, Wendell. The Selected Poems of Wendell Berry. Counterpoint Press, 1998.
2. Berry, Wendell. What Are People For? North Point Press, 1990.

Representative Quotations of “The Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“When despair for the world grows in me”	The poem begins with a sense of despair and anxiety about the state of the world.	Existentialism: The poem explores themes of existential dread and the search for meaning in a seemingly chaotic universe.
“I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water”	The speaker seeks solace in the natural world.	Ecocriticism: The poem highlights the importance of human connection to nature and the ecological crisis.
“I come into the peace of wild things”	The speaker finds tranquility in the presence of nature.	Romanticism: The poem celebrates the beauty and power of the natural world, emphasizing its ability to inspire and heal.
“who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief”	The wild things are depicted as living in harmony with nature, free from human anxieties.	Taoism: The poem aligns with Taoist principles of simplicity, spontaneity, and living in harmony with the natural order.
“And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light”	The speaker finds comfort in the vastness and eternal nature of the universe.	Transcendentalism: The poem suggests that there is a spiritual connection between humans and the natural world, and that nature can provide a sense of transcendence.
“For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free”	The speaker experiences a sense of peace and freedom in nature.	Existentialism: The poem offers a temporary respite from the existential anxieties that plague the speaker.
“I come into the presence of still water”	The speaker finds solace in the stillness and tranquility of nature.	Zen Buddhism: The poem aligns with Zen Buddhist principles of mindfulness and the importance of being present in the moment.
“I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be”	The speaker expresses anxiety about the future.	Existentialism: The poem explores themes of mortality and the uncertainty of life.
“I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief”	The speaker contrasts the simplicity of nature with the complexities of human life.	Romanticism: The poem idealizes the natural world as a place of harmony and peace.
“For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free”	The speaker experiences a temporary escape from the burdens of life.	Existentialism: The poem offers a glimpse of freedom and meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.