When I Set Out for Lyonnesse Summary

 

When I Set Out for Lyonnesse Summary

The poem is written by Thomas Hardy and revolves around his journey to a parish. As the poet is an apprentice architect, he oversees the restoration of a church. Little does he know that he is in for a life-changing experience.

The poet leaves for parish on a cold evening. It was about a hundred miles across and was all covered in bushy frost. It was a lonely path and the stars were his only company. In addition, they help show him the way.

The poet stays on the parish for a while, overseeing the entire process. The poet has no idea that he has a life-changing experience of Parish. However, during that short period, he notices some changes.

These are internal changes that he is not expecting. The poet is not ready for all this. He feels that he cannot even guess for the slightest minute that he is experiencing all this.

Furthermore, he even states that not even the Prophet or the magician could predict these changes. When he returns from his work journey, he feels that he has changed. He has a new glow in his eyes that everyone can notice.

This is the surprising part because when the poet can feel the changes within, everyone can see them. He feels that he now has radiated positivity. Thus, the poet credits his visit to the parish for bringing a magical glow to his eyes.

All in all, we see how the poet goes through a major change in his life when he was least expecting it. Thus, it is true that miracles happen. Furthermore, no one can predict their existence.

The poem is a very entertaining masterpiece that tells us how things happen when we least expect them and no matter what we plan, there is another plan for us by God that no one predicts Can do.