9.

Poetry of William Cowper in the context of his biography: The Solitude of Alexander
Selkirk

Introduction: William Cowper, a famous poet from the 18th century, is known for writing religious
songs and everyday life poems, especially about the simple countryside. He had a tough life, with early
troubles like losing his mother and suffering in a difficult school. He also went through times of madness,
deep sadness, and even tried to end his own life. To truly understand his poems, we must look at his life.
In this essay, we'll explore parts of Cowper's poem "The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk" while keeping his
life in mind. We'll talk about loneliness, thinking deeply, and finding peace through religion.

Plot: "The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk" is a poem inspired by Alexander Selkirk, who was stuck on a
deserted island. The person talking in the poem, probably Selkirk, talks about how he's alone and feels
like a king on this empty island. But, it's just a feeling because he's not really in control. He watches things
but can't really take part. He calls himself the king of birds and animals, but it's kind of a joke because he's
isolated and powerless.

In the poem, Selkirk thinks about escaping his loneliness by dreaming and remembering things. But
remembering doesn't make him feel better. Selkirk's loneliness is very different from Robinson Crusoe's
exciting adventures. The poem ends with Selkirk finding comfort in his solitude and his cabin, showing us
that there's kindness everywhere, even when life is tough. Even when things are really hard, nature and
God's kindness can make things better.

Conclusion: In "The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk," Cowper uses thoughtful and descriptive words to talk
about being alone and thinking deeply. He shares a bit of his own struggles with loneliness and mental
health because he felt different and had times of deep sadness. While most of Cowper's poems are about
everyday life and religion, this one is about feeling alone and how he found peace by believing in God and
seeing the beauty in nature.
THE SOLITUDE OF ALEXANDER SELKIRK
by William Cowper (1731-1800)
I am monarch of all I survey;
My right there is none to dispute;
From the centre all round to the sea
I am lord of the fowl and the brute
O Solitude! where are the charms
That sages have seen in thy face?
Better dwell in the midst of alarms,
Than reign in this horrible place.

I am out of humanity's reach;

I must finish my journey alone;
Never hear the sweet music of speech—
I start at the sound of my own;
The beasts that roam over the plain
My form with indifference see—
They are so unacquainted with man,
Their tameness is shocking to me.

How fleet is a glance of the mind!

Compared with the speed of its flight,
The tempest itself lags behind,
And the swift-wingèd arrows of light.
When I think of my own native land,
In a moment I seem to be there;
But, alas! recollection at hand
Soon hurries me back to despair.

But the sea-fowl is gone to her nest,

The beast is laid down in his lair;
Even here is a season of rest,
And I to my cabin repair.
There's mercy in every place;
And mercy—encouraging thought!—
Gives even affliction a grace,
And reconciles man to his lot.