Introduction: The term “vagabond” refers to a person who loves to wander, without any destination. R.L. Stevenson always loves to depict the beauty and tenderness of nature. Most of his poetries wish to explore the natural world. “The Treasure Island” can be another example. In “Vagabond,” Stevenson portrays the beauty and pleasure of wandering in the Scottish countryside where he is amazingly painting the landscapes of Scotland. Thus, the title suggests the lifestyle the poet wants to lead which should be liberal and in the natural world.
Significance of the Title: The title “Vagabond” by Robert Louis Stevenson is profoundly significant and encapsulates the central themes and the very essence of the poem. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:
- Direct Identification of the Speaker: The title immediately introduces the reader to the persona of the poem. A “vagabond” is a person who wanders from place to place without a settled home or regular employment. This directly tells us that the speaker is someone who embraces a life of freedom, movement, and a lack of conventional ties.
- Setting the Tone and Mood: The word “vagabond” carries connotations of independence, a rejection of societal norms, and a certain carefree spirit. It sets a tone of wanderlust, simplicity, and a potential disregard for material possessions and social expectations. The mood is likely to be one of contentment with a simple, unburdened existence.
- Highlighting the Central Theme of Freedom: The core of the poem revolves around the speaker’s desire for and appreciation of a life lived outdoors, unconstrained by domesticity or work. The title “Vagabond” directly points to this central theme of freedom and the joy found in a nomadic existence.
- Contrasting with Conventional Life: By choosing the title “Vagabond,” Stevenson implicitly contrasts this lifestyle with the more settled and structured lives of most people. It suggests a deliberate choice to deviate from the norm and find happiness in unconventional ways.
- Emphasizing the Speaker’s Values: The title reveals the speaker’s values. The vagabond values experiences over possessions, the open road over a fixed address, and the natural world over indoor comforts. The title acts as a concise statement of these priorities.
- Creating a Romantic Ideal: While “vagabond” might sometimes carry negative connotations of homelessness or lack of purpose, Stevenson’s poem romanticizes this lifestyle. The title, in this context, can evoke a sense of adventure, self-reliance, and a deep connection with nature.
- Serving as a Concise Summary: In a single word, the title effectively summarizes the subject matter and the speaker’s identity. It prepares the reader for a poem that will explore the joys and perspectives of someone who has chosen a life of wandering.
In conclusion, the title “Vagabond” is not merely a label for the speaker but a key to understanding the poem’s themes, tone, and the speaker’s philosophy of life. It immediately establishes the central idea of freedom found in a nomadic existence and invites the reader to explore this unconventional perspective.
Stanza 1:
- Give to me the life I love, – The speaker expresses a desire for a specific kind of life, one they cherish.
- Let the lave go by me, – “Lave” is an archaic word for the remainder or what is left over, often implying something unwanted. The speaker wants to be free from the burdens or unwanted aspects of conventional life. This could be a metaphor for societal expectations or responsibilities.
- Give the jolly heaven above – The speaker desires the simple pleasure of the open sky. “Jolly” personifies the heaven, suggesting a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere. This is personification.
- And the byway nigh me. – The speaker wants the freedom of an unpaved or less-traveled road, symbolizing independence and a path less ordinary.
- Bed in the bush with stars to see, – The speaker envisions nature as their bedroom, with the stars as their ceiling, highlighting a connection with the natural world.
- Bread I dip in the river – – A simple and self-sufficient way of sustenance, emphasizing a life free from material wealth and dependence.
- There’s the life for a man like me, – The speaker firmly states that this simple, wandering existence is their ideal.
- There’s the life for ever. – This suggests that this way of life is not just a temporary desire but a lasting aspiration, perhaps even hinting at a timeless or idealized existence.
Stanza 2:
- Let the blow fall soon or late, – The speaker accepts the inevitability of hardship or fate (“the blow”) without fear or concern for timing. This could be a metaphor for life’s challenges.
- Let what will be o’er me; – The speaker embraces whatever destiny holds, showing a sense of resignation and acceptance.
- Give the face of earth around – The speaker desires the constant presence and variety of the natural world. “Face of earth” is a personification, giving the planet a human-like characteristic.
- And the road before me. – The speaker reiterates their desire for the freedom of the open road and the journey ahead.
- Wealth I seek not, hope nor love, – The speaker explicitly rejects conventional desires for material possessions, romantic relationships, and even hopeful aspirations. This emphasizes their detachment from societal norms.
- Nor a friend to know me; – The speaker desires solitude and anonymity, perhaps valuing independence over social connections.
- All I seek, the heaven above – The speaker’s primary desire is the vastness and freedom represented by the sky.
- And the road below me. – The speaker’s other fundamental desire is the journey and the constant movement of life on the road.
Stanza 3:
- Or let autumn fall on me – The speaker contemplates embracing the season of change and decline.
- Where afield I linger, – The speaker pictures themselves staying out in the open fields.
- Silencing the bird on tree, – Autumn is personified as something that can silence nature, highlighting its powerful and transformative effect. This is personification.
- Biting the blue finger. – The cold of autumn is vividly described as “biting” and turning fingers “blue.” This is personification and also a strong sensory image.
- White as meal the frosty field – – The frost-covered field is compared to “meal” (ground grain), creating a vivid simile of whiteness and texture. This is a simile.
- Warm the fireside haven – – The speaker acknowledges the comfort of a warm fireplace. “Haven” suggests a place of safety and refuge.
- Not to autumn will I yield, – Despite the beauty and power of autumn, the speaker declares they will not surrender to its pull to settle down.
- Not to winter even! – The speaker extends this resistance to the even harsher season of winter, reinforcing their commitment to their wandering life.
Detailed Summary:
This stanza shifts the focus to a specific season, autumn, and the speaker’s interaction with it. The speaker expresses a willingness to experience the arrival of autumn while they are wandering “afield” (in the open countryside). The imagery becomes more sensory and evokes the characteristic atmosphere of the season. The stanza then introduces a contrasting image of a “fireside haven,” acknowledging the comfort it offers. However, the speaker firmly declares their resistance to settling down or yielding to the pull of both autumn and the even harsher winter, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to their vagabond lifestyle.
The third stanza delves into the speaker’s relationship with the changing seasons, specifically autumn. It highlights their willingness to experience the natural world in all its phases, even as it becomes colder and less inviting. The vivid imagery of silencing birds and biting cold emphasizes the potential hardships of this lifestyle.
However, the stanza’s core meaning lies in the speaker’s resolute refusal to abandon their vagabond existence for the comfort and security of a “fireside haven.” They acknowledge the allure of such a life but firmly reject yielding to the natural inclination to seek shelter as winter approaches. This stanza powerfully reinforces the speaker’s deep-seated desire for freedom and their unwavering commitment to their chosen path, even in the face of potential discomfort and hardship. It suggests that the spiritual and emotional rewards of their wandering life outweigh the physical comforts of a settled existence.
Stanza 4:
- Let the blow fall soon or late, – (Repeated from the beginning of what I initially thought was Stanza 2) Reinforces the speaker’s acceptance of fate.
- Let what will be o’er me; – (Repeated from the beginning of what I initially thought was Stanza 2) Further emphasizes the speaker’s resignation.
- Give the face of earth around, – (Repeated from what I initially thought was Stanza 2) Reaffirms the love for the natural world.
- And the road before me. – (Repeated from what I initially thought was Stanza 2) Underscores the enduring desire for the journey.
- Wealth I ask not, hope nor love, – (Slightly different wording but similar meaning to what I initially thought was Stanza 3) Again, the speaker rejects conventional desires.
- Nor a friend to know me; – (Repeated from what I initially thought was Stanza 3) Reinforces the desire for solitude.
- All I ask, the heaven above – (Repeated from what I initially thought was Stanza 3) The primary longing for freedom.
- And the road below me. – (Repeated from what I initially thought was Stanza 3) The fundamental desire for the journey.
In summary, the poem celebrates a life of simplicity, freedom, and independence, deeply connected with nature and unburdened by societal expectations or material desires. The repetition of certain lines emphasizes the speaker’s unwavering commitment to this vagabond lifestyle. The figures of speech used enhance the imagery and convey the speaker’s feelings and perspectives more vividly.
Here are the answers based on the poem “The Vagabond” by R.L. Stevenson:
A. Answer these questions.
1. What does the speaker want from life? What are the three things he feels he can live without?
The speaker wants a life of freedom and adventure, wandering through the countryside. He desires only the road, a staff, bread, and the companionship of nature. He feels he can live without wealth, love, and hope for a better life after death.
2. Pick out the lines from the poem which suggest that the speaker is not concerned about the weather.
“Let the blow fall soon or late,
Let what will be o’er me;
Give the face of earth around,
And the road before me.”
3. Describe the fields during the cold weather.
During cold weather, the fields are described as “frosty,” likely covered in snow or frost, quiet and still, symbolizing harshness and stillness of winter.
4. How does the onset of the autumn season silence the bird on the tree?
In autumn, as the weather turns colder, birds migrate or fall silent due to the chill. The silence reflects the changing season and nature’s preparation for winter.
5. Is the speaker worried about death? Explain.
No, the speaker is not worried about death. He accepts it calmly, preferring to live a free and simple life without fear of what comes after.
6. Pick out expressions from the poem that suggest the speaker is not concerned about worldly needs.
– “Wealth I seek not, hope nor love.”
– “Let the blow fall soon or late.”
– “All I seek, the heaven above
And the road below me.”
B. Answer these questions with reference to the context.
1. Or let autumn fall on me / Where field I linger…
a. Why are the words ‘autumn’ and ‘fall’ used together?
The word “autumn” and its synonym “fall” emphasize the passing of time and the natural cycle of life, highlighting change and decay, which the speaker accepts calmly.
b. What does the word ‘biting’ signify?
“Biting” refers to the sharp, cold feeling of the autumn wind, showing how harsh and chilling the weather is.
c. Explain ‘blue finger’. How does this image describe the severity of the winter season?
“Blue finger” is a metaphor for the intense cold that turns fingers blue. It vividly illustrates how freezing and severe the winter season can be.
2. White as meal the frosty field…
a. Why is the field white in colour?
The field is white because it is covered with frost or snow, indicating the coldness of winter.
b. Describe the ‘frosty field’.
The ‘frosty field’ is a barren, cold, and quiet landscape, covered in frost, representing nature’s stillness during winter.
c. Explain the last two lines.
“Not to autumn will I yield,
Not to winter even!”
These lines show the speaker’s strong spirit and determination. He refuses to give in to the challenges of any season, wanting to live freely regardless of the hardships.
C. Think and answer.
1. How would you describe the speaker as a person? Do you think it is possible to live a life free from material wants and desires? Explain in your own words.
The speaker is independent, free-spirited, and courageous. He values nature and freedom more than wealth or comfort. While it is difficult in today’s world to live entirely without material needs, the poem encourages us to find contentment in simple joys and not to be overly attached to worldly possessions. It is a reminder that inner peace and freedom are more valuable than material wealth.
2. Seasons have a symbolic significance in literature. Metaphorically autumn and winter stand for old age and death respectively. Why has the speaker made this analogy?
The speaker uses autumn and winter as metaphors for old age and death to express his acceptance of the natural course of life. He is unafraid of growing old or dying; instead, he embraces every stage of life with courage. By using this analogy, the speaker shows his detachment from worldly fears and his desire to live freely, even through the harshest times, like old age and death.
3. Do you feel that weather, hope, and friends can hamper a person’s freedom? Give reasons for your answer.
From the speaker’s point of view, yes, weather, hope, and friends can hamper a person’s freedom. He chooses to live a life free of emotional attachments and physical comforts. Weather represents nature’s hardships, hope ties a person to expectations, and friends can create responsibilities or emotional bonds. The speaker seeks “complete independence,” where he answers to no one and relies on nothing but nature and the open road. His idea of freedom means “being self-reliant,” unaffected by external support or emotional ties.
However, in real life, some might feel that friends and hope give life meaning, and freedom doesn’t have to mean isolation. It depends on one’s personal view of what true freedom means.
Aman Pal
Literatureman
