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Longfellow’s statement, “The country is a lyric; the town is
dramatic when mingled, they make the most perfect musical drama,” emphasizes the
distinction between the peacefulness of the countryside and the bustling nature
of the town. Longfellow suggests that by combining the two, a perfect musical
drama is created. It is worth examining whether or not this notion is feasible.
A lyric is a musical poem that elicits emotion through a
harmonious combination of sounds. The countryside has an innate quality of music
that stems from its simplicity and harmony. While Longfellow’s conception of the
countryside may be from a bygone era, the concept still stands today. The brook,
fields, church, and even the villagers’ way of life elicit a certain emotional
harmony that is almost lyrical. The brook’s winding stream with its wildlife
inhabitants, the lush green fields that sway in the wind, and the plain-spoken
villagers going about their day-to-day lives, are all examples of this harmony.
Poems like “The Village Blacksmith,” “The Daffodils,” “The Solitary Reaper,” and
“The Skylark” showcase the lyrical quality of the countryside.
The town, on the other hand, is dramatic. In a drama, emotions
are heightened, and in the town, one can see a similar type of emotional energy.
The fast pace of the town can be likened to the fast-paced action in a drama. A
busy street corner in a big town can reveal many aspects of human nature, such
as pickpockets preying on careless victims, bravado youngsters attempting to
impress young women, and various processions taking place. The town is a hub of
different characters, different noises, and different agendas. Every hour brings
forth a new scene, which is typical of the ever-changing nature of a drama.
Longfellow’s proposal of merging the two worlds of the
countryside and town is not only feasible but has already taken shape in the
form of modern townships. These townships offer all the facilities of a town,
such as shops, schools, and offices, while still maintaining the peace and calm
of the countryside. This merging of the two worlds creates a perfect musical
drama, where the peacefulness of the countryside provides a soothing backdrop
for the bustling drama of the town.
In conclusion, Longfellow's statement accurately highlights the
contrasting qualities of the countryside and town. The countryside is a lyrical
place, where harmony and simplicity are the key ingredients, whereas the town is
dramatic, with a fast pace that elicits a range of emotions. However, by
blending the two worlds, the perfect musical drama is created, and modern
townships are a clear example of this. |
