LINES FROM A DESERTED VILLAGE

• Oliver Goldsmith
Summary:
"Lines from The Deserted Village" is an excerpt from the longer poem "The Deserted Village" written by
Oliver Goldsmith. The poem reflects on the social and economic changes brought about by the enclosures
and the rural exodus in England during the 18th century. It portrays the loss of a once-thriving village and
laments the impact of progress on the simplicity and happiness of rural life.

Type of Poem:
"Lines from The Deserted Village" is a narrative and descriptive poem that explores the themes of rural
decline, nostalgia, and the detrimental effects of societal changes.

Stanza-wise Summary:
Stanza 1: The poet describes the idyllic village, its peaceful surroundings, and the cheerful sounds of
nature.
Stanza 2: The poem reflects on the villagers' simple and contented lives, with their daily routines and
familiar community bonds.
Stanza 3: The stanza mourns the gradual decline of the village due to economic changes and enclosures,
which disrupted the harmony of rural life.
Stanza 4: The poet highlights the consequences of depopulation, as the villagers are forced to leave their
homes and seek work elsewhere.
Stanza 5: The stanza examines the changes in the village landscape, with abandoned houses, neglected
fields, and the absence of once vibrant activities.
Stanza 6: The poet reflects on the contrast between the present desolation and the lively scenes of the
past, evoking a sense of nostalgia and loss.

Stanza-wise Information:

Stanza 1:

Tone: Serene, nostalgic

Mood: Peaceful, evocative
Setting: An idyllic village surrounded by nature
Poetic Persona: The poet, observing and describing the village
Point of View: Third-person perspective
Theme: The beauty and tranquility of the village

Stanza 2:
Tone: Appreciative, nostalgic
Mood: Content, communal
Setting: The village and its inhabitants
Poetic Persona: The poet, reminiscing about the villagers' lives
Point of View: Third-person perspective
Theme: The simplicity and contentment of rural life

Stanza 3:
Tone: Reflective, mournful
Mood: Melancholic, regretful
Setting: The changing economic landscape
Poetic Persona: The poet, lamenting the village's decline
Point of View: Third-person perspective
Theme: The impact of economic changes on rural life

Stanza 4:
Tone: Sorrowful, lamenting
Mood: Displaced, abandoned
Setting: Villagers leaving their homes
Poetic Persona: The poet, describing the villagers' forced departure
Point of View: Third-person perspective
Theme: The consequences of depopulation and migration

Stanza 5:

Tone: Desolate, regretful

Mood: Neglected, desolate
Setting: The abandoned village and neglected fields
Poetic Persona: The poet, portraying the village's changed landscape
Point of View: Third-person perspective
Theme: The visual impact of decline and neglect