Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- Why is the speaker so fascinated with the woman's song? Is it just because he can't understand it?
- Why is he so protective of her anyway (you know all that "gentle pass" business)? Is he worried people will pick on her, or what? What parts of the poem support your ideas?
- Do you think Wordsworth made this whole story up? Or do you think the events described in the poem really happened? Why?
- In Wordsworth's day, the English weren't always too crazy about Scottish people. Is there any trace of that in this poem? If so, where?
- What's with all the birds in this poem? Why does Wordsworth include them?
- Do you find yourself moved by "The Solitary Reaper" as much as the speaker is moved by the woman's song? Why or why not?