SHE DWELT AMONG THE UNTRODDEN WAYS-ANALYSIS

Considering the title, the reader understands that the text is going to be about a lady who probably lives in a isolated place. Besides, the intelligent reader realizes that the language is partly archaic. Indeed the word "dwelt" ,which means "lived", is not used in everyday's language anymore.

Thanks to the layout, the reader understands that he is going to read a poetical text, which is arranged into three quatrains of different length. One also understands that it's written in alternate rhyme and that each quatrain has its own structure.

 The function of the first stanza is to introduce the identity of the girl, telling the reader that she lives alone near the river Dove which is in Scotland. She is a "Maid" , which is an unmarried girl, and that's why she lives on her own in close contact with nature.

 In the second quatrain the writer develops a comparison and gives a judgment on the girl. Her identity is still mysterious enhancing the reader's curiosity and continue the reading. The writer uses metaphors to compare a half hidden violet with the beauty of the lady, which is not immediately visible. She is also fair as a star when only one is shining in the sky. These comparisons are both positive and they tells the reader her uniqueness and magnificence.

 The last lines have an important function because they tell the reader that the lady is dead. The writer also mentions her name which is Lucy. This suggests that the narrator  knows her and also because he makes the reader understand that he proved true love for this girl.

 In the second stanza there is an alliteration of "h" with the words "Half hidden" to point out that Lucy's beauty is not completely visible. The poem also includes an onomatopoeia  which is the word "oh" at line 11 that refers to the last line, expressing the writer's sorrow.