The Fountain by Sara Teasdale (1920)
The poem explores themes of solitude, beauty, and the interplay between nature and art. It opens with a serene night scene where a fountain sings, creating a sense of tranquility. The fountain's song is directed towards a stone satyr, symbolizing the unresponsive nature of art and the permanence of stone compared to the fluidity of water and sound. The satyr remains motionless, highlighting a contrast between the vitality of the fountain and the stillness of the statue. The moon, as the only witness, adds a layer of ethereal beauty to the scene, suggesting that the fountain's song is a private expression, unheard by the world. The imagery of sleeping peacocks and dew-covered grass enhances the dreamlike quality of the night, evoking a sense of peace and stillness. The peacocks, often symbols of beauty and pride, are depicted in a vulnerable state, asleep and dreaming, which contrasts with the active, singing fountain. As the poem progresses, the repetition of the fountain's song emphasizes its persistence and the depth of its expression—communicating feelings and thoughts that are beyond words. The stirring of the peacocks and the falling dew-drops signify a subtle awakening, suggesting that beauty and art can evoke emotions even in the most inert forms. Overall, the work reflects on the relationship between the ephemeral nature of sound and the enduring quality of stone, while also celebrating the quiet moments of beauty that exist in solitude. The imagery and rhythm create a meditative atmosphere, inviting readers to contemplate the deeper meanings behind art, nature, and the human experience.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1920 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Imagism, Romanticism · 157 words
First lines
On in the deep blue night The fountain sang alone; It sang to the drowsy heart Of the satyr carved in stone.
The fountain sang and sang But the satyr never stirred -- Only the great white moon In the empty heaven heard.
The fountain sang and sang And on the marble rim The milk-white peacocks slept, Their dreams were strange and dim.
Bright dew was on the grass, And on the ilex dew, The dreamy milk-white birds Were all a-glisten too.
What this Textopian page supports
The Fountain is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sara Teasdale, dated 1920 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Sara Teasdale
- Date: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Imagism, Romanticism, Symbolism, Nature Poetry
- Length: 157 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Fountain?
- How does this poem by Sara Teasdale fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Jolly Yellow Moon by Robert Graves
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts through musical language and vivid imagery.
- Imagism — The work focuses on precise imagery and clear language, capturing moments in nature and emotion.
- Romanticism — Themes of nature, beauty, and emotional depth align with Romantic ideals.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols like the fountain and satyr conveys deeper meanings and emotions.
Tags
nature · poetry · dreams · night · fountain · satyr · moon · silence · beauty · serenity · imagery · symbolism