The Window on the Hill
The poem depicts a journey through a stormy night, where the speaker navigates a darkened path leading to a familiar home. The imagery evokes a sense of nature's tumult, with references to the camomile and the scents of rain, creating a vivid atmosphere of impending weather. The speaker's route is marked by a dense wood that amplifies the darkness, contrasting with the warm light emanating from a window on a hill, symbolizing safety and comfort. As the speaker approaches the home, the description of the surroundings becomes more intimate, detailing the path around a rock and the overgrown rose at the latch-gate. This journey is not just physical but also emotional, as the anticipation builds towards reuniting with a loved one. The light from the lamp signifies hope and warmth, cutting through the fog and rain, while the door opening reveals a welcoming figure, embodying joy and affection. The poem encapsulates themes of longing, the solace of home, and the contrast between nature's fury and human connection. The imagery serves to highlight the emotional landscape of the speaker, who finds refuge in the presence of a loved one amidst the chaos of the storm. The final lines emphasize the joy of reunion, underscoring the importance of love and companionship in overcoming life's challenges.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1903 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Writing · 219 words
First lines
Among the fields the camomile Seems blown mist in the lightning's glare: Cool, rainy odors drench the air; Night speaks above; the angry smile Of storm within her stare.
The way that I shall take to-night Is through the wood whose branches fill The road with double darkness, till, Between the boughs, a window's light Shines out upon the hill.
The fence; and then the path that goes Around a trailer-tangled rock, Through puckered pink and hollyhock, Unto a latch-gate's unkempt rose, And door whereat I knock.
Bright on the oldtime flower place The lamp streams through the foggy pane; The door is opened to the rain: And in the door -- her happy face And outstretched arms again.
What this Textopian page supports
The Window on the Hill is listed on Textopian as a poem by Madison Cawein, dated 1903 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Madison Cawein
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Writing, Lyric, Imagism
- Length: 219 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Window on the Hill by Madison Cawein
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Rain by Madison Cawein
- Before The Rain by Madison Cawein
- But These Things Also by Edward Thomas
- How At Once by Edward Thomas
- Diurnal by Madison Cawein
- The Golden Hour by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing rhythm and imagery typical of poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of nature, emotion, and nostalgia align with Romantic ideals.
- Nature Writing — The vivid descriptions of the natural landscape emphasize the connection to nature.
- Lyric — The personal expression of feelings and emotions is characteristic of lyric poetry.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Simile · Alliteration · Personification · Enjambment · Free Verse · Stream-of-Consciousness · Realism