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Hope is the thing with feathers Man and the Natural World Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Line)

Quote #1

"Hope" is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul – (1-2)

Right from the get-go this poem positions itself halfway between the natural world and humanity. Sure, we have a hope-bird here, but it hangs out inside the soul. The poem combines a natural element (the bird) with human experience. That's pretty true of all life, when you think about it.

Quote #2

And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -
And sore must be the storm (5-6)

It's telling that the poem doesn't discuss things like a flat tire or bankruptcy when it comes to listing hardships. The threats our speaker discusses are all naturally-occurring ones, like storms. We're reminded that our whole environment might pose a threat, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on your hope-bird.

Quote #3

That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm - (7-8)

What happened? Is the heater out? More likely, this coldness is a result from exposure—metaphorical or literal—to the natural elements. Hope, again, offers a way to carry on in the face of cold, unforgiving Nature.