Question

stanza 2 of 3

1. reread the second stanza.
2. what words in lines 6 - 7 are repeated?
3. underline the words that are repeated in lines 6 - 7.
4. visualize: picture the way the waves break on the beach, smoothing the sand.
5. what are thesoft, white hands of the waves in line 8?
6. why are the hands white (line 8)?
7. footprints on the sands of time is a common expression referring to mortality and the passing of time. what is implied about the fate of the traveler when his footprints are washed away?

activity 5 - popcorn read and analyze
the tide rises, the tide falls by henry wadsworth longfellow
the tide rises, the tide falls,
the twilight darkens, the curlew calls;
along the sea - sands damp and brown
the traveller hastens toward the town,
5 and the tide rises, the tide falls.
darkness settles on roofs and walls,
but the sea, the sea in the darkness calls;
the little waves, with their soft, white hands,
efface the footprints in the sands,
10 and the tide rises, the tide falls.
the morning breaks; the steeds in their stalls
stamp and neigh, as the hostler calls;
the day returns, but nevermore
returns the traveller to the shore,
15 and the tide rises, the tide falls.

Explanation:

1. Repeated words in lines 6 - 7: In lines 6 - 7 "the sea, the sea in the darkness calls", the word "the sea" is repeated.
2. Visualize waves breaking: Waves break on the beach, their force smoothing the sand, creating a rhythmic and natural process.
3. "Soft, white hands" of waves: The "soft, white hands" refer to the foamy crests of the waves as they wash over the sand.
4. Why hands are white: The hands are white because of the foam created as the waves break, which appears white against the darker sea and sand.
5. Fate of traveler when footprints are washed away: The washing - away of the traveler's footprints implies that the traveler has moved on or perhaps passed away, as the impermanence of the footprints symbolizes the impermanence of human presence on the shore.

Answer:

1. The repeated word in lines 6 - 7 is "the sea".
2. Waves break on the beach, smoothing the sand through their force.
3. The "soft, white hands" are the foamy crests of the waves.
4. The hands are white due to the foam of the breaking waves.
5. It implies the traveler has moved on or passed away, symbolizing the impermanence of human presence.