http://eardstapa.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/the-wanderer.jpg
The wolf has been a revered animal for thousands of years. Symbolizing strength, and survival, the wolf is a majestic animal that is very complex. I think that a lone grey wolf can be related to "The Wanderer", because when wolves are by themselves, they become very lonely. Their shrill howls and big glassy eyes can make any person feel unnerved and jittery. In the poem, a man is by himself. He has no one to love him, and no one to be around. Like a wolf without a pack, the man is destined to be by himself. Although he cannot howl to show his discontent, he can use his words to show how sad and depressed he is.
If I could sum this poem up in one line, it would definitely be line 17-18. It reads "For this reason any man ambitious for renown confines his unhappiness to his own heart. To me, this is a perfect way to sum up the entire poem. It's saying that he is taking all of his sorrows and confining them to himself. He does not burden anyone else with his problems and sadness, he simply takes them into his heart and suffers in silence.
I agree that the wolf can be a lonely figure. I am trying to understand, though, whether you think the wolf is powerful and intimidating or lonely and desperate. As for your quote, I think it is a good line to choose as a representation of the poem. There is one more layer to this line. Don't forget to overlook the fact that he says "...any man ambitious for renown..." What does that part mean?
ReplyDelete