Good Night by William Carlos Williams
The poem presents a serene domestic scene, focusing on the speaker's evening routine in a well-kept kitchen. The imagery of the kitchen, with its clean white sink and a glass of parsley, evokes a sense of order and tranquility. The act of turning on the water symbolizes a transition, as the speaker reflects on the mundane yet comforting aspects of home life. As the speaker waits for the water to freshen, they observe the surroundings, noting the rubber sandals and the spotless floor, which further emphasizes the theme of domesticity and preparation for rest. The mention of three girls in crimson satin introduces a contrasting memory, evoking a sense of nostalgia and fleeting beauty. These girls, associated with the opera, represent a vibrant yet ephemeral experience, filled with sensory details like smells and sounds. The juxtaposition of the lively memory against the stillness of the kitchen highlights the tension between the past and the present. The speaker's recollection is tinged with a sense of detachment, as the girls become vague figures in their mind, embodying the transient nature of memory. The reference to "high-school French" adds a layer of irony, suggesting a youthful exuberance that contrasts with the speaker's current state of readiness for bed. Ultimately, the poem captures a moment of reflection, where the speaker acknowledges the beauty of both the mundane and the memorable. The concluding lines convey a sense of contentment and acceptance of the present, as the speaker prepares to embrace the night, finding solace in the simplicity of their surroundings. The work encapsulates themes of memory, domesticity, and the passage of time, inviting readers to appreciate the quiet moments that define everyday life.
By William Carlos Williams · First published 1928 · Genre: Poetry, Modernism, Imagism · 245 words
First lines
In brilliant gas light / I turn the kitchen spigot / and watch the water plash / into the clean white sink.
On the grooved drain-board / to one side is / a glass filled with parsley -- / crisped green.
Waiting for the water to freshen -- / I glance at the spotless floor -- : / a pair of rubber sandals / lie side by side / under the wall-table, / all is in order for the night.
What this Textopian page supports
Good Night is listed on Textopian as a poem by William Carlos Williams, dated 1928 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: William Carlos Williams
- Date: 1928 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Modernism, Imagism, Lyrical, Slice of Life
- Length: 245 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Good Night by William Carlos Williams
- 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
Similar titles
- To A Solitary Disciple by William Carlos Williams
- Portent by William Carlos Williams
- A Night Festival by John Gould Fletcher
- Solitaire Amy Lowell by Frank Stuart Flint
- Daisy by William Carlos Williams
- The Soughing Wind by William Carlos Williams
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing imagery and rhythm characteristic of poetry.
- Modernism — The poem reflects modernist themes such as memory, perception, and the mundane aspects of life.
- Imagism — The vivid imagery and focus on precise details align with the principles of Imagism.
- Lyrical — The personal and emotional tone of the poem conveys the speaker's introspective thoughts.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Modernism · Free Verse · Nature Imagery · Nighttime Setting · Sleep · Dreams · Imagination · Symbolism · Simple Language · Accessible Style