When I Set Out for Lysonnesse Poem Summary and Notes - CBSE Class 8 English

When I Set Out for Lyonesse" is a poem by Thomas Hardy that was published in 1901. The poem tells the story of a sailor who is setting out on a journey to the mythical land of Lyonesse. Here is a summary and some notes on the poem: 

Summary:

The poem begins with the speaker recounting how he set out for Lyonesse, a legendary land that is said to have sunk beneath the sea. The speaker is a sailor, and he describes the journey as being full of excitement and anticipation. He imagines all of the wonders that he will see in Lyonesse, including "harbours that never freeze" and "galleys with gay sails."

Practise Noun Exercise.

As the sailor journeys further out to sea, he begins to feel a sense of foreboding. He realizes that the journey is risky and that he may never return. Despite this, he continues on, driven by his desire to see Lyonesse.

Eventually, the sailor reaches his destination, and he describes the land of Lyonesse in great detail. He sees "stately pleasure-houses" and "garden-closes" that are filled with beautiful flowers. He also sees the ruins of ancient cities, which suggest that Lyonesse was once a great and powerful land.

At the end of the poem, the speaker reflects on his journey and on the fleeting nature of life. He realizes that, like Lyonesse, all things must eventually come to an end. Nevertheless, he is glad that he made the journey, and he is grateful for the memories that he will carry with him.

If you're interested in reading "No Men Are Foreign" by James Kirkup, a powerful poem about the unity of all humanity, I highly recommend it. The poem emphasizes that, despite our differences, we are all part of the same human family and that we should strive to treat one another with compassion and understanding. So, take a moment to read the poem summary and reflect on its message of peace and unity.

Notes:

• The poem is written in rhyming couplets, which gives it a sing-song quality that is reminiscent of traditional ballads.

• The land of Lyonesse is a mythical place that appears in various legends and folktales. It is said to have been located off the coast of Cornwall, England, and to have sunk beneath the sea due to a great storm.

• The poem can be read as an allegory for the human desire to explore and discover new things. The sailor's journey represents the human quest for knowledge and adventure, even in the face of danger and uncertainty.

• The poem is also notable for its themes of transience and impermanence. The land of Lyonesse is depicted as a place that was once great and powerful but has now been lost to the sands of time. This reflects the larger theme of the fleeting nature of human existence and the inevitability of change and decay.