Chapter 8 What a Bird Thought Notes & Summary

Detailed Summary: What a Bird Thought

About the Poet

William Henry Davies (1871-1940) was a Welsh poet known for his simple yet profound poetry that often reflected his own experiences in nature and society. Davies grew up in poverty and spent a significant part of his life as a tramp in both the United Kingdom and the United States. His works often resonated with themes of nature, the simplicity of life, and the struggles of the common man.

Key Points of the Poem

• 
  The poem consists of four stanzas.
  
• 
  In each stanza, the speaker talks about different stages of life and perception of the world.
  
• 
  From living in a house to exploring beyond the tree, the speaker’s understanding of the world evolves.
  
• 
  The poem explores themes of growth, perception, and the journey from innocence to experience.
  

Detailed Summary

Stanza 1
I lived first in a little house,
And lived there very well,
I thought the world was small and round,
And made of pale, blue shell.
Explanation: In this stanza, the speaker describes living contently in a small house. The speaker believed that the world was tiny, circular, and constructed from a delicate, blue shell. This imagery suggests a sense of security and simplicity in the speaker’s perception of their surroundings. The use of “pale, blue shell” to describe the world hints at a fragile and beautiful existence, almost like living inside a delicate ornament or protective covering.

Stanza 2
I lived next in a little nest,
Nor needed any other,
I thought the world was made of straw,
And nestled by my mother.
Explanation: The speaker moves from living in a house to residing in a nest, feeling complete and not requiring anything more. They believed that the world was constructed from straw, emphasizing a sense of simplicity and fragility in their understanding. The mention of being “nestled by my mother” conveys a comforting and secure feeling, symbolizing the warmth and protection provided by a maternal figure.

Stanza 3
One day, I fluttered from my nest,
To see what I could find,
I said the world is made of leaves,
I have been very blind.
Explanation: Here, the speaker ventures out of their nest to explore the world. Upon seeing new things, they realize that the world is not made of straw as they once thought, but of leaves. This realization symbolizes a moment of enlightenment and growth, suggesting that the speaker’s previous perspectives were limited and narrow. The metaphor of being “very blind” highlights the transformative power of new experiences and knowledge.

Stanza 4
At length, I flew beyond the tree,
Quite fit for grown-up labours,
I don’t know how the world is made,
And neither do my neighbours.
Explanation: In this stanza, the speaker moves beyond their familiar surroundings, ready for more mature responsibilities. Despite this readiness, they admit to not knowing how the world is truly constructed. The speaker acknowledges their ignorance, realizing that even their neighbors, who may seem knowledgeable, are also unaware of the ultimate truths about the world. This acknowledgment of uncertainty reflects a sense of humility and curiosity in the speaker’s journey of understanding. 

Theme/ Message

• Themes:
  • 
    Nature of Perception: The evolving perception of the world as one grows.
    
  • 
    Transition from Innocence to Experience: The journey from a sheltered existence to facing the complexities of life.
    
  • 
    Exploration and Discovery: The natural human curiosity to explore beyond the familiar.
    
• Message:
  • 
    Life is a journey of discovery and growth, where our understanding of the world evolves with experience.
    
  • 
    Each stage of life offers new perspectives and challenges that shape our perception and knowledge.
    
  • 
    Exploring beyond our comfort zones is essential for personal growth and understanding.
    

Difficult Words

1. Nestled: To settle comfortably or snugly.
   
2. Fluttered: Moved lightly and quickly.
   
3. Labours: Hard work or effort.
   
4. Neighbours: Those who live near or next to someone.
   
5. Fit: Suitable or appropriate.
   
6. Evolves: Develops gradually.
   
7. Perception: The way in which something is regarded, understood, or interpreted.
   
8. Complexities: Complications or intricacies.
   
9. Curiosity: A strong desire to know or learn something.
   
10. Sheltered: Protected or shielded from harm or danger.
    
11. Comfort: A state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint.
    
12. Essential: Absolutely necessary or extremely important.
    
13. Perspective: A particular attitude or way of regarding something; a point of view