A Whirl-Blast from Behind the Hill

Name: A Whirl-Blast from Behind the Hill
Author: William Wordsworth

The poem begins with a sudden and powerful gust of wind that disrupts the tranquility of a wooded area, followed by a stillness that is abruptly broken by hailstones falling. The speaker finds refuge in a grove of tall hollies, which provides a serene and beautiful shelter. The ground is covered with withered leaves, yet the bower remains vibrant and green throughout the year. Despite the absence of wind, the speaker observes the leaves moving as if animated, responding to the hailstones. This phenomenon evokes a sense of enchantment, suggesting that even in stillness, life and joy can be found. The imagery of the leaves dancing implies a magical presence, reminiscent of folklore. The speaker expresses a desire for a peaceful heart, hoping to find inspiration and nourishment for the mind in the simple beauty of nature. The poem reflects themes of nature's vitality, the interplay between stillness and movement, and the quest for inner peace through observation and appreciation of the natural world. The overall tone is contemplative, celebrating the connection between the observer and the environment.

By William Wordsworth · First published 1815 · Genre: Nature Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric Poetry · 271 words

First lines

A whirl-blast from behind the hill Rushed o'er the wood with startling sound: Then all at once the air was still, And showers of hail-stones pattered round.

Where leafless Oaks towered high above, I sat within an undergrove Of tallest hollies, tall and green; A fairer bower was never seen.

From year to year the spacious floor With withered leaves is covered o'er, You could not lay a hair between: And all the year the bower is green.

But see! where'er the hailstones drop The withered leaves all skip and hop, There's not a breeze -- no breath of air --

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A Whirl-Blast from Behind the Hill is listed on Textopian as a poem by William Wordsworth, dated 1815 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: William Wordsworth
Date: 1815 CE
Language: English
Genres: Nature Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric Poetry, Imagery, Philosophical Poetry
Length: 271 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Nature Poetry — The poem vividly describes natural elements and phenomena, focusing on the beauty and dynamics of the natural world.
Romanticism — The work embodies Romantic themes such as emotion, nature, and individual experience, characteristic of the Romantic literary movement.
Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal feelings and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry, with a focus on the speaker's emotional response to nature.
Imagery — The use of vivid imagery to evoke sensory experiences is prominent throughout the poem, enhancing the reader's connection to the scene.