Poetry

Bed in summer
By: Robert Louis Stevenson ( 1850-1894)
What is the main theme of the poem?

In this poem, the poet is complaining here about having to get up early in winter when it is still dark and

having to go to bed early in summer instead of enjoying the beautiful weather.

First Stanza

In winter I get up at night

And dress by yellow-candle light.

In summer quite the other way,

I have to go to bed by day

Paraphrase

The poet complains that in winter he has to get up early when it is still dark, and get dressed in the light of

the candle. On the other hand, in summer he has to go to bed early when there is still light.

Figures of speech

contact:

winter X summer

Get up X go to bed

Night X day

This emphasizes the difference between winter and summer It made the meaning stronger and clearer

Imagery:

“ yellow candle light” “night” “ day”

The reader visualizes the light of the candle and day in contrast to the darkness of the night.

Alliteration:

Bed by. - Winter. Way

 Second stanza

I have to go In bed and see

The birds still hopping on the tree,

0r hear the grown—up people ’s feet

Still going past me in the street

Paraphrase:

The poet doesn’t like the idea of going to bed when the birds are hopping on the trees and hear the

footsteps

Figures of speech

Contrast

Go to bed X still hopping

This emphasizes the difference between the poet’s state in bed and the state of birds in activity on the tree.

Imagery:

The birds still hopping on the tree or hear the grown-up people’s feet

The reader can imagine the sight of birds moving on the tree and the sound of footsteps in the street.

Alliteration

Still. Street
 Third stanza

And does it not seem hard to you,

When all the sky is clear and blue,

And I should like so much to play,

To have to go to bed by day?

Paraphrase:

The poet expresses his annoyance saying that it is unfair to go to bed when one likes to be awake to enjoy

the beauty of the clear sky and have fun.

Figures of speech

Contrast:

Play X go to bed

This emphasizes the poet’s desire to have fun and his obligation to sleep early

Imagery :

Clear and blue

The reader can visualize the blue sky.

What is the rhyme scheme of the poem :

aa, bb, cc, dd, ee, bb