The Listeners by Walter De La Mare 's poem' s easy explanation

The Listeners – Walter de la Mare

Introduction to Walter de la Mare :-

1. Born in 1873, England; died in 1956.

2. Famous for mystical, supernatural, and fantasy poetry.

3. Known for creating an eerie, dreamlike atmosphere in his poems.

4. Worked as a clerk before becoming a full-time writer.

5. His poetry often explores mystery, loneliness, and the unknown.

6. Famous poems: The Listeners, Silver, The Song of the Mad Prince.

7. Also wrote children’s stories and ghost tales.

8. Inspired by romantic poets like Wordsworth and Coleridge.

9. His poetry focuses on imagination, subconscious, and unseen worlds.

10. Won the Carnegie Medal for his literary contributions.

Poem Explanation

Background:-

• Written in 1912, before World War I.

• A famous narrative poem with a ghostly atmosphere.

• It tells the story of a mysterious traveller knocking at a deserted house.

• The poem leaves the reader with unanswered questions.

What the Poem is Saying:-

• A traveller arrives at a lonely house in the forest at night.

• He knocks on the door but receives no response.

• Unknown "listeners" (ghosts or spirits) are inside, silently observing.

• The traveller speaks, as if fulfilling a promise, but no one answers.

• Eventually, he leaves, disappointed and lonely, while the listeners remain.

• The poem ends on a mysterious note, leaving the reader in suspense.

Summary

1. A traveller knocks on a mysterious house at night.

2. The house seems empty, but unseen "listeners" are present.

3. He speaks about a past promise but gets no reply.

4. Feeling unheard, he rides away into the darkness.

5. The poem leaves a sense of mystery and unanswered questions.

Themes:-

Mystery and the supernatural → The unseen "listeners" create suspense.

Loneliness and isolation → The traveller is ignored, making him feel alone.

Unfulfilled promises → The poem hints at a past agreement left unresolved.

The unknown → The poem doesn’t reveal who the "listeners" are.

Poetic Devices & Structure

Imagery → "Moonlit door" (mysterious setting), "phantom listeners" (ghostly presence).

Symbolism → The door = connection between worlds, Silence = unanswered questions.

Tone → Eerie, suspenseful, and melancholic.

Structure → 36 lines with a regular rhythm.

Rhyme Scheme → AABCCB (creates a haunting effect).

Conclusion:-

"The Listeners" is a poem that leaves readers with a deep sense of mystery and curiosity. The traveller's unanswered calls and the silent watchers create an eerie and unsettling mood. The poem makes us think about promises, the unknown, and our connection with the past. De la Mare’s use of imagery and sound gives the poem a haunting quality that lingers long after reading. It reminds us that sometimes, questions in life remain unanswered, and silence can be more powerful than words.