The World by Alice Meynell (1908)

Name: The World
Author: Alice Meynell

The World by Alice Meynell is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of existence, time, and the interconnectedness of all things. The poem begins with the lines "In the world, I have seen / Things that are not what they seem; / In the air, I have felt / Presences that are not there." These opening lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is full of imagery and symbolism that invites the reader to consider the nature of reality and our place within it. Throughout the poem, Meynell uses vivid descriptions of natural scenes and objects to convey her ideas about the interconnectedness of all things. For example, she writes about "the sun that shines / On the mountain-tops, and on the sea," and "the wind that blows / Through the trees, and over the land." These images are meant to evoke a sense of unity and continuity between the natural world and human experience. One of the most striking aspects of The World is its use of repetition. Meynell repeats certain phrases and images throughout the poem, such as "the world," "things that are not what they seem," and "presences that are not there." This repetition creates a sense of rhythm and flow, and it also serves to emphasize the central themes of the poem. Overall, The World is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that invites the reader to consider the nature of reality and our place within it. Its use of imagery and repetition creates a sense of unity and continuity, and its exploration of existential themes makes it a work that is both timeless and relevant to contemporary readers.

By Alice Meynell · First published 1908 · Genre: Poetry, Literature, Victorian · 151 words

First lines

THE World is too much with us; late and soon,

Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers;

Little we see in Nature that is ours;

We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon!

What this Textopian page supports

The World is listed on Textopian as a poem by Alice Meynell, dated 1908 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Alice Meynell
Date: 1908 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Literature, Victorian, Feminist Literature
Length: 151 words
Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — Alice Meynell is predominantly a poet, and 'The World' is one of her anthologies of poems, thus classifying it within the genre of Poetry.
Literature — 'The World' also belongs to Literature as it contains poems that discuss various aspects of life and human experiences, often taking on philosophical and reflective undertones.
Victorian — The book was published during the Victorian era and, thus, its style and themes reflect the sensibilities of that period.
Feminist Literature — Meynell was an important figure in the Suffragette movement and her works often reflect feminist themes, making Feminist Literature another genre associated with this work.