The Example
ByWilliam Henry Davies
Here’s an example from
A Butterfly;
That on a rough, hard rock
Happy can lie;
Friendless and all alone
On this unsweetened stone.
Now let my bed be hard
No care take I;
I’ll make my joy like this
Small Butterfly;
Whose happy heart has power
To make a stone a flower.
Summary
Theme of Resilience: The poem highlights the ability to find joy and contentment in difficult circumstances.
Key Points
- Imagery of the Butterfly: The butterfly represents resilience and happiness, able to thrive even in harsh conditions (e.g., lying on a rough rock).
- Contrast of Environments: The speaker contrasts the butterfly’s joyful presence with their own hard bed, suggesting that happiness is a state of mind rather than a comfortable situation.
- Inner Joy: The final lines emphasize the idea that true happiness comes from within, as the butterfly’s heart can transform a harsh environment into something beautiful.
Overall, the poem encourages readers to cultivate inner joy and resilience, regardless of external hardships. It suggests that, like the butterfly, we can find beauty and happiness even in tough situations. Let us see things taking extracts.
“A Butterfly” reflects on the simplicity and joy found in nature, using the image of a butterfly to convey deeper themes about happiness and resilience.
Key Themes
- Joy in Simplicity: The poem begins with the image of a butterfly resting on a rough rock, suggesting that happiness can be found even in harsh conditions. The butterfly is described as “happy” despite being “friendless and all alone” on an “unsweetened stone.” This highlights the idea that joy does not depend on external circumstances.
2.Resilience: The speaker expresses a desire to emulate the butterfly’s ability to find joy in a difficult situation. The lines “Now let my bed be hard / No care take I; / I’ll make my joy like this / Small Butterfly” indicate a willingness to accept hardship while maintaining a positive outlook.
- Transformation: The concluding lines, “Whose happy heart has power / To make a stone a flower,” suggest that a joyful heart can transform even the most unwelcoming environments into something beautiful. This metaphor emphasizes the power of positivity and inner happiness.
Conclusion
In summary, “A Butterfly” by William Henry Davies encourages readers to find joy in simplicity and to maintain a positive attitude even in challenging circumstances. The poem serves as a reminder that happiness is often a choice, influenced by our perspective rather than our situation.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 29 MAY 2025
