The Brook by Théophile Gautier
The work presents a brook that emerges from underground, expressing its joy and eagerness to travel and explore the world above. It describes its surroundings, filled with greenery and flowers, and the playful interaction with birds. The brook dreams of its future, envisioning itself as a river that will meander through valleys, towns, and cliffs, ultimately reaching the sea. It imagines adorning bridges and quays with its spray and carrying ships away to distant waters. As the brook flows, it reflects on the transient nature of life, hinting at the inevitability of death and the cycle of existence. The imagery evokes a sense of vitality and movement, contrasting with the stillness of the lake where it ultimately meets its end. The brook's journey symbolizes the aspirations and dreams of life, while also acknowledging the limitations imposed by nature. The narrative captures the essence of longing for freedom and the bittersweet reality of fate, encapsulating the beauty and fragility of existence.
By Théophile Gautier · First published 1860 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romanticism · 238 words
First lines
Near a great water's waste A brook mid rock and spar Came bubbling up in haste, As though to travel far.
It sang: "What joy to rise! 'T was dismal under ground. I mirror now the skies. My banks with green abound.
"Forget-me-nots -- how fair! Beseech me from the grass; Wings frolic in the air, And graze me as they pass.
"I yet shall be -- who knows? -- A river winding down, And greeting as it flows Valley and cliff and town.
What this Textopian page supports
The Brook is listed on Textopian as a poem by Théophile Gautier, dated 1860 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Théophile Gautier
- Date: 1860 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism, Philosophical Poetry
- Length: 238 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Brook by Théophile Gautier
- 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 The Brook?
- How does this poem by Théophile Gautier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Ode To A Mountain Torrent From The German Of Stolberg by George Borrow
- Nocturne In Anjou by Bliss Carman
- A Dewdrop by Robert Graves
- From The Sea by Sara Teasdale
- A Fantasy by Sara Teasdale
- Nocturne In Provence by Bliss Carman
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts through vivid imagery and musicality.
- Nature Poetry — The work focuses on the natural world, depicting the brook and its surroundings.
- Romanticism — The themes of nature, emotion, and individual experience align with Romantic ideals.
- Symbolism — The brook symbolizes life, growth, and the passage of time, reflecting deeper meanings.
Tags
nature · water · tranquility · reflection · beauty · serenity · landscape · poetry · impressionism · romanticism · solitude · flow