A Dewdrop by Robert Graves (1946)
The poem explores the profound beauty and significance of a dewdrop, juxtaposing its smallness with the vastness of nature it reflects. It begins by illustrating the dewdrop as a microcosm, containing images of mountains, lakes, and the expansive outdoors. The speaker questions humanity's tendency to overlook such a seemingly insignificant element of nature, emphasizing that the dewdrop holds the power to evoke deep emotions and wonder. The dewdrop symbolizes the interconnectedness of all things, suggesting that even the smallest aspects of nature can encapsulate the grandeur of the world. The imagery evokes a sense of awe, as the dewdrop is portrayed as a vessel of beauty that can elicit feelings of amazement and sorrow. The poem ultimately reflects on the idea that every element of nature, no matter how small, possesses intrinsic value and can inspire profound contemplation about existence and the natural world.
By Robert Graves · First published 1946 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Philosophical · 139 words
First lines
The dewdrop carries in its eye Snowdon and Hebog, sea and sky, Twelve lakes at least, woods, rivers, moors, And half a county's out-of-doors: Trembling beneath a wind-flower's shield In this remote and rocky field.
But why should man in God's Name stress The dewdrop's inconspicuousness When to lakes, woods, the estuary, Hebog and Snowdon, sky and sea, This dewdrop falling from its leaf Can spread amazement near to grief, As it were a world distinct in mould Lost with its beauty ages old?
What this Textopian page supports
A Dewdrop is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Graves, dated 1946 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Robert Graves
- Date: 1946 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Philosophical, Lyric, Romanticism
- Length: 139 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Dewdrop by Robert Graves
- 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 A Dewdrop?
- How does this poem by Robert Graves fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Nos Immortales by Stephen Vincent Benet
- Moods by Sara Teasdale
- Work Without Hope by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- Katharine by Robert Louis Stevenson
- The House Beautiful by Robert Louis Stevenson
- April by Sara Teasdale
Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that explores nature and existence through vivid imagery and emotional depth.
- Nature Writing — The poem focuses on natural elements, specifically the dewdrop, and reflects on the beauty of the natural world.
- Philosophical — The poem contemplates the significance of seemingly insignificant things, prompting deeper reflection on existence.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Tags
nature · poetry · Robert Graves · dewdrop · landscape · beauty · transience · existentialism · reflection · water · metaphor · emotion