Tranquility at Length

Name: Tranquility at Length
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores the theme of tranquility that arrives with autumn, contrasting it with the bustling energy of summer. It depicts a serene atmosphere where the spirit is enveloped in a gentle haze, reminiscent of distant islands. The imagery evokes a sense of calm and reflection, as the harvest season signifies a pause in the relentless progression of time. The poem emphasizes the stillness that autumn brings, halting the usual fervor of life. The sounds of nature shift; the cricket's persistent chirping replaces the vibrant noise of summer, while the chilly bee moves slowly, symbolizing a retreat from the busyness of life. In this moment of tranquility, the mind is liberated, allowing for introspection and contemplation. The speaker reflects on the past year, acknowledging that while much has concluded, there remains an opportunity for mental exploration. The poem captures the essence of autumn as a time for quiet reflection, inviting the reader to appreciate the stillness and the freedom it offers for thought and understanding.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1928 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Modernist Poetry · 136 words

First lines

Tranquility at length, when autumn comes, Will lie upon the spirit like that haze

Touching far islands on fine autumn days

With tenderest blue, like bloom on purple plums;

Harvest will ring, but not as summer hums, With noisy enterprise-to broaden, raise, Proceed, proclaim, establish: autumn stays

What this Textopian page supports

Tranquility at Length is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1928 CE.

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

Work type: Poem
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1928 CE
Language: English
Genres: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Modernist Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Imagist Poetry
Length: 136 words
Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Tranquility at Length by Edna St. Vincent Millay
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Tranquility at Length?
How does this poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Nature Poetry — The imagery and themes focus on the natural world and the changing seasons.
Modernist Poetry — The poem employs modernist techniques, such as free verse and a focus on individual perception.
Philosophical Poetry — The poem contemplates existence and the passage of time, reflecting philosophical themes.