Saturday, November 23, 2013

Describe a summary of the poem "Joy and Pleasure" by William Henry Davies.

The poem "Joy and Pleasure" compares the difference between pleasure and joy, and can be summed up with the conclusion that joy is the better of the two, because it is more lasting, pure, exuberant, sincere, and moving.  William Henry Davies, in each stanza, compares pleasure and joy to different things that demonstrate the difference between the two.  For example, pleasure is a "moth", a roaming "cuckoo" bird seeking attention, a "greedy wasp", and is "cold and dumb" when alone.  However, joy is a "sweet...song", a "butterfly" embracing the daylight, a "bee" nurturing the flowers, a "Lark" with strong connections, and sings "with little care if others hear."  Basically, joy is something that comes from your soul, that you enjoy simply for the happiness that it brings you-a happiness that is independent of other people.  Pleasure depends on other people being involved, giving attention, and as soon as those people leave is dead and cold.


I hope that helps!  Good luck!

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