Critical Analysis of `to the nightingale” by Anne Finch

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On Finding Nightingales in Human Voices

Anne Finch 's To the Nightingale ' is an ode to a Muse , which is represented by the nightingale . The poem is written in a series of rhyming couplets that provides it a singsong rhythm throughout , which is appropriate for its subject . When emphasizing the merits of being a nightingale , the speaker articulates the difficulties of being a human poet , subject to judgment by his critics . In To the Nightingale though the narrator recognizes the significance of the nightingale and

br even bestows upon it affirmative adjectives such as sweet ' and lofty titles like harbinger of spring (line 1 , he knows the limitations of the bird as a poet

The first four lines indicate the admiration of the speaker for the nightingale . This moment I attend to praise (line 3 ) refers to the moment in which the nightingale will sing to announce the coming of spring . The speaker wishes to be as free with expressing himself , like the nightingale . As the line Free as thine shall be my song (line 5 indicates , he believes that as a human being , his singing is more restricted by his audience . On the other hand , the nightingale sings according to its nature , whether or not it s anyone . There is no fear of being ridiculed , or anxieties about not being praised Moreover , the beauty of the nightingale 's singing is in its freedom Poets , wild as thee , were born / Pleasing best when unconfined / When to is least designed / Soothing but their cares to rest (lines 7-10 . These four lines may also suggest that the speaker is hoping to experience the same unconfined ' performance . Indeed , if the nightingale is his muse , he is inspired by its sheer autonomy and being true to itself

Some artists need their personal pain in to produce depth of feeling . An artist who is experiencing problems while composing sad ballads will create genuine emotion which will be felt by their audience : Cares do still their thoughts molest / And still the unhappy poet 's breast /Like thine , when best he sings , is placed against a thorn (lines 11-13 . The three lines , however , may also signify the other way around - that when at his best , a poet may experience loneliness brought by success

The next few lines incorporate gold as a metaphor for the beauty and the effect of the nightingale 's song , after praising the sweetness of it . Canst thou syllables refine /Melt a sense that shall retain /Still some spirit of the brain (lines 18-20 . The words refine ' and melt ' elucidate the worth of the nightingale 's song . It can create something equivalent to gold , which consequently leaves a mark in the listener 's mind

The poem starts to change its tone by line 21 . The speaker seems to expect more out of the nightingale , by asking it to change its note . He further commands let division shake thy throat (line 22 , longing for the joyous varying and fluttering of...