THE RIVER

LITERAL MEANING :
The river is a natural phenomenon on the Earth. It moves from its source to its mouth and journeys non-stop through hills and valleys (wanderer). As it travels, it twists and turns and goes where it likes (traveller). Along the way, the river inadvertently collects things and these

stays in the river bed (hoarder). As it moves over lowlands, the water gurgles with a happy sound (baby). At steep drops where there is a waterfall, the water moves or dances swiftly and falls with a loud roar that echoes through the valley (singer). But the river can cause erosion by pulling down trees and creating floods (monster).

FIGURATIVE MEANING :
Man is like the river as he journeys through life. In life, man may become a traveller, a nomad and a wanderer and does not stay in a specific place. A man without a home may be a tramp. With no fixed place in mind, man can turn and

take any road he likes. On his travels, man may collect souvenirs as keepsakes. Man can be childlike when he is happy with his station in life. He shows his happiness with joyous acts. People around him can feel or hear his happiness. Man is destroyer when his anger is aroused. He may destroy everything and anything that get in his way.

SETTING :
The poem is set in the countryside as the persona talks about the river and its features

and movements. The river winds its way through the countryside happily. But, the river can cause erosion and flood.

THEMES :

The main theme of the poem is man and life. Man can choose to lead a stable life and stay put in one place or move around in search of his dreams. As he travels around, man may choose the straight path or the road less traveled. During his travels, man collects mementos and souvenirs. Contentment brings happiness and man moves with a light step of heart. Man

may face challenges in life and this can prompt him to destruction.

MORAL VALUES :

goal.

ood memories of life and people close to our heart.

along the way.

down trees and polluting the river.