61. Barcan wilderness: waste of North Africa.

54. Why does Bryant suggest "the wings of the morning" to begin such a
survey of the world? Would he choose the Oregon now?

28. ape: mimic.

This poem is very simple in its form and is typical of Bryant's nature
poems. First, is his observation of the waterfowl's flight and his
question about it. Secondly, the answer is given. Thirdly, the
application is made to human nature. Do you find such a comparison of
nature and human nature in any other poems by Bryant?

9. plashy: swampy.

15. illimitable: boundless.

GREEN RIVER

Green River, flows near Great Barrington where Bryant practised law.

33. simpler: a collector of herbs for medicinal use.

58. This reference to Bryant's profession is noteworthy. His ambition
for a thorough literary training was abandoned on account of poverty. He
then took up the study of law and practiced it in Great Barrington,
Mass., for nine years. His dislike of this profession is here very
plainly shown. He abandoned it entirely in 1824 and gave himself to
literature. "I Broke the Spell That Held Me Long" also throws a light on
his choice of a life work.

THE WEST WIND

With this may be compared with profit Shelley's "Ode to the West Wind"
and Kingsley's "Ode to the Northeast Wind." State the contrast between
the ideas of the west wind held by Shelley and by Bryant.

A FOREST HYMN

2. architrave: the beam resting on the top of the column and supporting
the frieze.

5. From these details can you form a picture of this temple in its
exterior and interior? Is it like a modern church?

darkling: dimly seen; a poetic word. Do you find any other adjectives in
this poem which are poetic words?

23. Why is the poem divided here? Is the thought divided? Connected?
Can you account in the same way for the divisions at lines 68 and 89?

34. vaults: arched ceilings.

44. instinct: alive, animated by.

66. emanation: that which proceeds from a source, as fragrance is an
emanation from flowers.

89. This idea that death is the source of other life everywhere in
nature is a favorite one with Bryant. It is the fundamental thought in
his first poem, "Thanatopsis" (A View of Death), which may be read in
connection with "The Forest Hymn."

96. Emerson discusses this question in "The Problem," See selections
from Emerson.

THE DEATH OF THE FLOWERS

26. Bryant's favorite sister, Mrs. Sarah Bryant