Sounds of the Day: Stanza 2
Sounds of the Day: Stanza 2
‘Sounds of the Day’: Stanza 2
Tone and Mood
- The second stanza maintains a reflective tone whereas a sense of there’s more than meets the eye is added, with the speaker delving deep into the hidden meanings of regular sounds.
Imagery
- MacCaig describes routine water “churning” in its journey through the pipe. This dynamic representation is a vivid metaphor for the journey of memories through the mind.
- “Scraping its noisy fingers against the earth’s skin” is another potent way to illustrate how normal daily echoes may turn into a poignant source of memory.
Speaker’s Perspective
- “When I lean down” signifies a very personal and direct interaction with these works of daily life, suggesting the speaker’s active engagement with his environment.
- The speaker uses his emotional response to sensory perceptions (“noise of tears”) to connect with the reader.
Language
- The phrase “noisy fingers” personifies the water, enhancing the interaction between the speaker and his surroundings.
- Words like “scraping” and “churning” capture the physicality and audibility of daily sounds and activities.
Themes
- The second stanza reinforces the themes of memory and perception. It further introduces the concept of emotion in physical form (“the noise of tears”) suggesting the intensity of sense-bound memories.
Summary
- The second stanza of “Sounds of the Day” continues its reflective journey, using evocative language to highlight commonplace sounds’ significance and their connection to personal memories. Deeply personal and sensory, the speaker’s perspective establishes a thoughtful and emotive tone, further explored in consequent verses.