Question

what is the summary of the poem The brook?​

Answer 1

Summary of 'The Brook'

‘The Brook’ describes the journey of a stream from its place

of origin to the river that it joins. The poem has been written in the form of

an autobiography where the brook relates its experiences, like a human being as

it flows towards the river. In Literature such a device by which an inanimate

object is made to appear as a living creature is called Personification.

The poem is full of symbolism. ‘The Brook’ represents the

life of a man. From birth till adulthood man’s life is full of activities;

similarly the brook is quite active and noisy from birth till it joins a river

and becomes one with it. After joining the river, it becomes quite peaceful and

flows quietly. Similarly, after becoming mature and adult man also becomes

calmer and more composed. In spite of the similarities between man and the

brook there is one stark dissimilarity also, which the brook keeps telling the

readers frequently in the refrain ‘For men may come and men may go, But I go on

for ever.’ This refrain contrasts man’s mortal existence with the brook’s

immortal life.

The Brook also teaches us many important lessons of life. It teaches us the lesson of determinedly moving on, overcoming all obstacles; and finding a detour round rock-ridden course. Similarly, a man must move towards his goal like a river or a brook if he is to achieve his goals. His path may be full of obstacles, but he must keep moving like a brook. As the brook starts its journey from high mountains, on its way to the river it flows down many valleys, hills; slips between many ridges, flows by many villages, towns and cities, passing under many bridges, ultimately it joins the brimming river. Similarly, man must pass by and overcome many obstacles before reaching his goal or destination. So brook teaches us the lesson of perseverance, flowing energetically despite all obstacles, and never giving up.