Sorley's Weather by Robert Graves
The poem explores the tension between comfort and the call of nature, reflecting on the speaker's internal conflict. The imagery of harsh weather contrasts with the warmth of the study, symbolizing the struggle between the desire for safety and the urge to engage with the world outside. The speaker contemplates the pleasures of solitude, such as drinking wine and reading poetry, while also feeling the pull of the natural environment, represented by the rain and wind. As the poem progresses, the speaker acknowledges the influence of past poets, specifically Keats and Shelley, suggesting a connection to literary tradition and the inspiration drawn from their works. This connection emphasizes the role of poetry in enhancing life's experiences, even in adverse conditions. Ultimately, the speaker decides to venture outside, motivated by a sense of adventure and a connection to the spirit of Sorley, a figure that embodies the allure of the untamed landscape. The choice to leave the comfort of the study signifies a commitment to embracing life's challenges and the beauty found in nature, despite the discomfort it may bring. The poem captures the duality of human experience, balancing the comforts of home with the call of the wild, and the enduring power of poetry to enrich both.
By Robert Graves · First published 1938 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Literary Fiction · 170 words
First lines
When outside the icy rain Comes leaping helter-skelter, Shall I tie my restive brain Snugly under shelter?
Shall I make a gentle song Here in my firelit study, When outside the winds blow strong And the lanes are muddy?
With old wine and drowsy meats Am I to fill my belly? Shall I glutton here with Keats? Shall I drink with Shelley?
Tobacco's pleasant, firelight's good: Poetry makes both better. Clay is wet and so is mud, Winter rains are wetter.
What this Textopian page supports
Sorley's Weather is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Graves, dated 1938 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: 1938 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Literary Fiction, Nature Writing, Reflective Literature
- Length: 170 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of nature and introspection.
- Romanticism — The themes reflect a connection to nature, emotion, and the influence of past poets, characteristic of the Romantic movement.
- Literary Fiction — The exploration of personal thoughts and reflections aligns with the characteristics of literary fiction.
- Nature Writing — The vivid imagery of weather and nature plays a significant role in the poem's setting and mood.
Tags
poetry · nature · weather · rain · winter · shelter · firelight · introspection · romanticism · Keats · Shelley · nostalgia