The Sands Of Dee by Charles Kingsley - Poem / Poetry Appreciation / Exercises on Poem / Question-Answer on Poem / Theme and Summary of Poem / Poem Analysis
- Fakhruddin Babar
- Feb 5
- 22 min read
Updated: Mar 4
The Sands Of Dee
by Charles Kingsley
'O Mary, go and call the cattle home,
And call the cattle home,
And call the cattle home
Across the sands of Dee;'
The western wind was wild and dank with foam,
And all alone went she.
The western tide crept up along the sand,
And o'er and o'er the sand,
And round and round the sand,
As far as eye could see.
The rolling mist came down and hid the land:
And never home came she.
'Oh! is it weed, or fish, or floating hair -
A tress of golden hair,
A drowned maiden's hair
Above the nets at sea?
Was never salmon yet that shone so fair
Among the stakes on Dee.'
They rowed her in across the rolling foam,
The cruel crawling foam,
The cruel hungry foam,
To her grave beside the sea:
But still the boatmen hear her call the cattle home
Across the sands of Dee.
Bangla Translation:
The Sands of Dee
(ডির বালির উপকূলে)
'O Mary, go and call the cattle home,
'ও মেরি, যাও এবং গরুগুলোকে বাড়ি ফিরিয়ে আনো,
And call the cattle home,
এবং গরুগুলোকে বাড়ি ফিরিয়ে আনো,
And call the cattle home
এবং গরুগুলোকে বাড়ি ফিরিয়ে আনো,
Across the sands of Dee;'
ডির বালির উপর দিয়ে;'
The western wind was wild and dank with foam,
পশ্চিম বাতাস ছিল বিক্ষুব্ধ এবং ফেনায় ভরা,
And all alone went she.
এবং একা একা সে চললো।
The western tide crept up along the sand,
পশ্চিম স্রোত বালির উপর দিয়ে আসছিল,
And o'er and o'er the sand,
এবং বালির উপর বারবার,
And round and round the sand,
এবং বালির চারপাশে ঘুরতে লাগলো,
As far as eye could see.
যতদূর চোখ যেতে পারতো।
The rolling mist came down and hid the land:
ঘূর্ণায়মান কুয়াশা নেমে এল এবং ভূমি আড়াল করে ফেলল:
And never home came she.
এবং সে কখনো বাড়ি ফিরলো না।
'Oh! is it weed, or fish, or floating hair -
'ওহ! এটা কি সাগরের কচুরি, মাছ, বা ভাসমান চুল -
A tress of golden hair,
একটি সোনালী চুলের গোছা,
A drowned maiden's hair
একটি ডুবে যাওয়া কন্যার চুল,
Above the nets at sea?
সাগরের জালগুলির উপরে?
Was never salmon yet that shone so fair
কখনো এমন একটি স্যালমন ছিল না যা এত সুন্দর ঝলমল করত
Among the stakes on Dee.'
ডির খুঁটির মাঝে।
They rowed her in across the rolling foam,
তারা তাকে ভাসমান ফেনার মধ্যে নৌকা করে নিয়ে এল,
The cruel crawling foam,
অবিশ্বাস্য জটিল ফেনা,
The cruel hungry foam,
অবোধশূন্য ক্ষুধার্ত ফেনা,
To her grave beside the sea:
তার সমাধি সাগরের পাশে;
But still the boatmen hear her call the cattle home
কিন্তু এখনো নৌকার মাঝিরা শুনতে পায় তাকে গরুগুলোকে বাড়ি ফিরিয়ে আনতে বলছে
Across the sands of Dee.
ডির বালির উপর দিয়ে।
Paraphrasing
"O Mary, go and call the cattle home,"
The speaker is asking Mary to go and bring the cattle back to their home. This is her job, and it’s important for her to do it now.
"And call the cattle home,"
This repeats the instruction to Mary, emphasizing that she needs to bring the cattle back to their home. The repetition shows it is an important task.
"And call the cattle home across the sands of Dee;"
Mary needs to bring the cattle across the sands of Dee, which is a stretch of land near the sea. This location is important because it is where the story takes place and also where the tragic event happens.
"The western wind was wild and dank with foam,"
The wind from the west is very strong, cold, and filled with sea foam. The word "dank" makes it sound like the air is wet and uncomfortable.
"And all alone went she."
Mary is going alone on her journey to bring the cattle back. This makes it more dangerous, as she has no one to help her if something goes wrong.
"The western tide crept up along the sand,"
The tide from the west slowly moves up the sandy beach. The word "crept" makes it sound like the tide is coming in quietly but steadily.
"And o'er and o'er the sand,"
The tide moves back and forth over the sand again and again. This shows that the sea is always moving and is a powerful force that cannot be stopped.
"And round and round the sand,"
The tide moves in circles around the sand, continuing to cover more ground. The sea’s movement is endless and repetitive.
"As far as eye could see."
The sand stretches as far as the eye can see. This shows that Mary is far from help, and there is no one around to assist her.
"The rolling mist came down and hid the land:"
A thick mist or fog comes down and covers everything. It makes it hard for anyone to see clearly, and this adds to the danger of the situation.
"And never home came she."
Mary never returns home. The mist and the sea take her, and she disappears without anyone seeing what happened to her.
"'Oh! is it weed, or fish, or floating hair - "
Some people see something floating in the water and wonder if it is a plant (weed), a fish, or something more surprising, like hair.
"A tress of golden hair,"
The floating thing turns out to be a piece of beautiful golden hair. This hair could be from a woman, and it suggests that the person it belongs to may have drowned in the sea.
"A drowned maiden's hair above the nets at sea?"
The speaker wonders if the golden hair belongs to a young woman who has drowned in the sea. This is an important clue that connects the hair to the tragedy.
"Was never salmon yet that shone so fair among the stakes on Dee."
The hair is described as more beautiful and shining than any fish that has ever been caught in the river Dee. The comparison makes the hair seem almost magical or otherworldly.
"They rowed her in across the rolling foam,"
The boatmen take her body and row it through the sea foam, which is rough and rolling. The foam shows the strength of the sea as it continues to move powerfully.
"The cruel crawling foam,"
The foam is described as cruel, making it seem like the sea is unforgiving. It is "crawling" because it is slowly moving, just like the danger that slowly took Mary.
"The cruel hungry foam,"
The foam is also described as "hungry," suggesting that it consumes lives, as if the sea is a predator that takes what it wants.
"To her grave beside the sea:"
Her body is taken to be buried near the sea, the place where she lost her life. The sea, which was the cause of her death, now becomes the site of her grave.
"But still the boatmen hear her call the cattle home across the sands of Dee."
Even after her death, the boatmen still hear Mary’s voice calling for the cattle to come home, as if her spirit is still trying to finish her task. This suggests that her work is not over, and her voice lives on.
Short Answer Questions ( Basic)
What is the setting of the poem "The Sands of Dee"?
The poem happens by the sea near a place called Dee. The area is very empty and wild. The wind is cold and strong, and there is mist. It feels like a lonely, scary place. This setting makes it seem like something sad could happen here.
What does the western wind bring in "The Sands of Dee"?
The western wind is cold and strong. It carries sea foam, which shows how rough and wild the sea is. The wind makes everything feel harsh and unsettled, adding to the dangerous setting of the poem.
What happened to Mary in "The Sands of Dee"?
Mary goes out to bring the cattle home across the sand, but she never returns. The sea and mist take her, and she is lost. Later, the boatmen find her body, showing that she drowned. Her disappearance is sad and mysterious.
How is the tide described in "The Sands of Dee"?
The tide moves slowly and covers the sand. It repeats again and again, showing that the tide never stops. This gives the feeling of something powerful and unstoppable, which is part of Mary’s sad fate.
What obscures the land in "The Sands of Dee"?
A thick mist covers the land, making it hard to see anything. The mist hides what happened to Mary and adds to the mystery of her fate. It also makes the place feel dangerous, as no one can help her.
What do people question about what they find in the nets in "The Sands of Dee"?
The boatmen find something strange in their nets, and they wonder if it is seaweed, a fish, or hair. They think it could be golden hair, maybe from a drowned woman like Mary. This adds to the sadness of the poem.
How is Mary’s hair described in "The Sands of Dee"?
Mary’s hair is golden, and it is seen floating in the sea. This makes her seem beautiful and innocent. The golden hair adds to the sadness of her death.
What comparison is made with Mary’s hair in "The Sands of Dee"?
Mary’s hair is compared to a salmon, saying no salmon was ever as beautiful. This shows how special her hair was, even after her death.
Who is being asked to call the cattle home in "The Sands of Dee"?
Mary is the one asked to call the cattle home. She is supposed to bring them back, but she disappears into the sea and never returns.
What does the "cruel crawling foam" signify in "The Sands of Dee"?
The "cruel crawling foam" shows how dangerous and powerful the sea is. The foam moves slowly, almost like it is coming to take something, and it eventually takes Mary away.
What happens to Mary’s body in "The Sands of Dee"?
Mary’s body is found later, and the boatmen bring her back. She is dead, and the sea has taken her life. This shows the finality of her death.
What emotion does the "cruel hungry foam" evoke in "The Sands of Dee"?
The foam makes us feel sad and scared. It shows how the sea is hungry and takes life without care. Mary is taken by it, and we feel her loss deeply.
Where is Mary buried in "The Sands of Dee"?
Mary is buried near the sea. The boatmen bring her body back and lay her to rest by the shore, marking the end of her tragic life.
What haunting element remains after Mary’s death in "The Sands of Dee"?
After Mary dies, her voice is still heard calling the cattle. It feels like her spirit is still there, trapped in the land and sea.
How does the poet depict the sea in "The Sands of Dee"?
The poet shows the sea as cruel and powerful. It takes away life, and the poem describes it as dangerous and all-consuming.
What is the significance of the catchphrase "call the cattle home" in "The Sands of Dee"?
"Call the cattle home" shows Mary’s duty. After she dies, the phrase becomes sad because her spirit is still calling, but she can never return.
What does the rolling mist symbolize in "The Sands of Dee"?
The mist symbolizes mystery and the unknown. It hides what happened to Mary and makes her death even more tragic and unclear.
How is the tragedy of Mary’s death highlighted in "The Sands of Dee"?
The tragedy is shown through the sadness of her disappearance and the haunting sound of her voice calling. The sea takes her away, and her spirit is stuck in the same place forever.
What imagery is used to describe the tide in "The Sands of Dee"?
The tide is shown as moving over and over again. It seems never-ending, like a force that can’t be stopped. This shows how the sea controls everything, including Mary’s fate.
What do the boatmen hear after Mary's death in "The Sands of Dee"?
After Mary dies, the boatmen still hear her calling the cattle. This makes it feel like her spirit is still there, forever tied to the sands.
How does repetition contribute to the mood in "The Sands of Dee"?
Repetition makes the poem feel sad and eerie. The repeated phrases show how the events are unstoppable, and it adds to the feeling of loss.
What role does nature play in "The Sands of Dee"?
Nature, especially the sea, is a force that causes Mary’s death. It is powerful and unstoppable, showing how nature can take away life without care.
How is Mary remembered in "The Sands of Dee"?
Mary is remembered by her voice calling the cattle. Even after her death, she is still part of the land and sea, trapped in a cycle of her old task.
What feeling does the poet leave the reader with in "The Sands of Dee"?
The poet leaves the reader feeling sad and uneasy. The loss of Mary and the haunting call of her voice make us think about death and loss.
What is the central theme of "The Sands of Dee"?
The main theme is about life, death, and how memories stay after someone is gone. It shows how nature can take away life, but the memory of a person, like Mary, can last forever.
Short Answer Questions ( Advanced)
What is the setting of the poem "The Sands of Dee"?
The poem takes place on the coast near a place called Dee, where there are wide, sandy areas by the sea. The setting is very lonely and wild, with strong, cold winds and dark, rolling mist. The poem describes how the wind is damp and filled with sea foam, creating a dangerous and eerie atmosphere where the story unfolds. This setting makes it feel like a place where something tragic can happen, and it adds to the sadness and mystery of the poem.
What does the western wind bring in "The Sands of Dee"?
The western wind in the poem is described as wild and cold, filled with foam. This foam is a symbol of the rough and unforgiving nature of the sea. The wind helps set the scene, making everything feel harsh and unsettled. The description of the wind shows how dangerous and unpredictable the environment is, which is important because it is this wild setting that Mary has to face when she goes out to call the cattle.
What happened to Mary in "The Sands of Dee"?
Mary goes out to call the cattle home across the sands, but she never returns. As the tide comes in, the sea and mist take over, and she is lost. The poem shows how she disappears into the mist and foam, and no one sees her again. Later, the boatmen find her body, but it is clear that she drowned in the sea. The poem makes her loss feel mysterious and sad, as she is swallowed up by the sea and is never seen again.
How is the tide described in "The Sands of Dee"?
The tide is described as creeping up along the sand, covering it slowly and repeatedly. It’s like the tide is constantly moving, over and over again, showing that it never stops. This description of the tide gives a sense of something unstoppable and powerful. The tide, together with the mist and foam, is part of what causes Mary’s disappearance and makes her fate feel inevitable.
What obscures the land in "The Sands of Dee"?
A rolling mist comes down and hides everything on the land. The mist is so thick that it blocks the view of the land and makes it hard to see what is happening. The mist represents mystery and uncertainty, hiding what happened to Mary and making her fate unknown to those who might be looking for her. It also adds to the feeling of danger, as it makes it impossible for anyone to help her once she gets lost.
What do people question about what they find in the nets in "The Sands of Dee"?
The boatmen find something strange in their fishing nets, and they wonder if it is seaweed, a fish, or maybe even a piece of hair. They specifically wonder if it is golden hair, which they think might belong to a drowned woman. This hair is described as being like a maiden’s hair, suggesting that it could belong to Mary, who disappeared. The boatmen wonder if they have found a piece of her, and this adds to the sadness of the story as they try to make sense of the mysterious find.
How is Mary’s hair described in "The Sands of Dee"?
Mary’s hair is described as golden, and it is imagined to be floating in the sea, tangled in the nets. This golden hair makes her seem even more beautiful and innocent, and it contrasts with the tragedy of her death. The description of her hair being golden emphasizes how lovely she was, and it makes her loss even sadder. Her hair, which once shone brightly, now floats in the dark and cruel sea.
What comparison is made with Mary’s hair in "The Sands of Dee"?
The poem compares Mary’s golden hair to a salmon, saying that no salmon was ever as beautiful as her hair. The comparison highlights how striking and beautiful her hair was, even though she is now lost to the sea. It shows how, even in death, she remains a beautiful figure in the memories of those who remember her. The comparison makes her hair seem special, almost like a symbol of her life before the tragedy.
Who is being asked to call the cattle home in "The Sands of Dee"?
In the poem, Mary is the one being asked to call the cattle home. She is tasked with bringing the cattle back across the sands, but as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that she is facing danger from the sea, and she never returns. Her role is to bring the cattle home, but she becomes part of the sea's tragic mystery instead.
What does the "cruel crawling foam" signify in "The Sands of Dee"?
The "cruel crawling foam" symbolizes the relentless, dangerous power of the sea. The foam is described as "crawling," which gives it a slow, creeping, and threatening quality. This image suggests that the sea is not only powerful but also patient and unforgiving. The foam represents the sea’s ability to swallow everything in its path, including Mary, who is lost to it. The use of "cruel" emphasizes the harsh and unfeeling nature of the sea.
What happens to Mary’s body in "The Sands of Dee"?
Mary’s body is found later, after she drowns in the sea. The boatmen row her body back across the foam to the shore. She is brought in by the fishermen, but it is too late to save her. The cruel sea has taken her life, and her body is now a sad and final reminder of her tragic fate. This event is described with a sense of finality, as Mary is lost to the sea, and her body is returned only after her life has been claimed.
What emotion does the "cruel hungry foam" evoke in "The Sands of Dee"?
The "cruel hungry foam" evokes feelings of fear, sadness, and inevitability. The foam is described as "hungry," which makes it seem as though it is actively seeking something to consume, and it takes Mary without mercy. The emotion tied to this image is sorrow, as it symbolizes how the sea consumes life and brings an end to Mary’s journey. It also evokes a sense of helplessness, as Mary is lost to the sea's cruel forces.
Where is Mary buried in "The Sands of Dee"?
Mary is buried beside the sea, where her body is eventually found and brought to rest. The boatmen take her back across the foam, and she is laid to rest near the shores of the Dee. Her grave is by the sea, marking the tragic end of her life in this lonely, unforgiving place. The location of her grave, beside the sea, serves as a reminder of her connection to the waters, both in life and death.
What haunting element remains after Mary’s death in "The Sands of Dee"?
The haunting element that remains after Mary’s death is her voice calling the cattle home. The boatmen continue to hear her call across the sands, even after she has drowned. This supernatural element suggests that Mary’s spirit lingers, unable to leave the sea, and that her duties (calling the cattle home) are forever tied to the sands of Dee. Her voice echoes in the air, giving the poem a ghostly and mournful tone.
How does the poet depict the sea in "The Sands of Dee"?
The poet depicts the sea as a cruel, relentless, and powerful force. The sea is described through harsh imagery such as "cruel crawling foam" and "cruel hungry foam," emphasizing its merciless nature. The sea is not just a physical element of nature, but a force that takes away life without hesitation. It’s portrayed as dangerous, unforgiving, and all-consuming, swallowing Mary and hiding the land with rolling mist.
What is the significance of the catchphrase "call the cattle home" in "The Sands of Dee"?The phrase "call the cattle home" holds a sense of duty and responsibility, as it is Mary's task to bring the cattle back across the sands. It represents the normal, everyday life that she is supposed to fulfill, but the phrase also takes on a tragic and symbolic meaning. After Mary's death, the phrase haunts the air as her spirit is trapped, endlessly calling the cattle home even though she can never return. It connects her to the land and the sea, both in life and death.
What does the rolling mist symbolize in "The Sands of Dee"?
The rolling mist in the poem symbolizes obscurity, mystery, and the unknown. It hides the land and obscures the view, creating an eerie atmosphere. The mist represents the veil between the known world and the mysterious, dangerous forces of the sea. It also serves to symbolize the separation between life and death, as it hides Mary's fate and makes her disappearance even more tragic and mysterious.
How is the tragedy of Mary’s death highlighted in "The Sands of Dee"?
The tragedy of Mary’s death is highlighted through the tragic imagery and the haunting presence of her voice after her death. The fact that she is lost to the sea and never comes home emphasizes the inevitability of her fate. Her role as a mother or caretaker is taken away, and instead, she becomes a ghost, calling the cattle home across the sands, never to return. The imagery of the sea and foam, as well as the boatmen hearing her call, underscores the sorrow and finality of her death.
What imagery is used to describe the tide in "The Sands of Dee"?
The tide is described with repetitive and overwhelming imagery: "The western tide crept up along the sand," "and o’er and o’er the sand," and "round and round the sand." These descriptions suggest the relentless, repetitive nature of the tide, which seems to never stop, mirroring the unstoppable force of the sea. It gives the tide a constant, all-encompassing presence that is beyond control, emphasizing the sea’s dominance and its role in Mary's fate.
What do the boatmen hear after Mary's death in "The Sands of Dee"?
After Mary’s death, the boatmen hear her voice calling the cattle home. This supernatural element suggests that even after her death, Mary's spirit remains and continues her task. Her voice is a ghostly echo that haunts the boatmen, and this hearing of her call serves as a reminder of the tragedy, making her absence even more poignant. It also signifies that she is forever connected to the sands of Dee, unable to escape her role.
How does repetition contribute to the mood in "The Sands of Dee"?
Repetition in the poem contributes to a mournful, haunting mood. Phrases like "And call the cattle home" and "the cruel crawling foam" are repeated, which gives the poem a rhythmic, almost chant-like quality. This repetition emphasizes the unrelenting, cyclical nature of the sea and the tragic loss of Mary. It also creates a sense of foreboding, as the repetition reflects the idea that the events are inevitable and unchangeable. The repetition of Mary's call and the relentless tide suggest a never-ending sorrow, reinforcing the melancholy mood.
What role does nature play in "The Sands of Dee"?
Nature plays a dominant and destructive role in the poem. The sea, the mist, and the tide are all depicted as powerful, uncontrollable forces that lead to Mary’s tragic fate. The sea is described as “cruel” and “hungry,” symbolizing nature’s indifference to human life. It takes Mary away, and nature becomes a force that separates her from her loved ones. The poem portrays nature as both beautiful and deadly, with its inherent power to cause loss and destruction.
How is Mary remembered in "The Sands of Dee"?
Mary is remembered in a ghostly, haunting way. Her voice continues to be heard calling the cattle home, even after her death. This suggests that her memory lives on, not as a person, but as a spirit trapped in the sands of Dee. The boatmen hearing her call after her death indicates that she is forever tied to the land and sea. The poem remembers Mary as someone who was dutiful and loving, whose spirit is caught in an eternal cycle of her daily task, symbolizing the lasting impact of her life.
What feeling does the poet leave the reader with in "The Sands of Dee"?
The poet leaves the reader with a sense of sorrow and unease. The tragic loss of Mary, the haunting repetition of her call, and the cold, indifferent sea all evoke feelings of sadness and finality. The reader is left with the image of Mary’s spirit calling out across the sands, unable to find peace. The poem’s mood is somber, and it leaves a lasting impression of the inevitability of death and the emotional consequences of such a loss.
What is the central theme of "The Sands of Dee"?
The central theme of "The Sands of Dee" is the inevitable cycle of life and death, and the haunting persistence of memory. The poem explores the impact of nature’s forces on human life, especially in the face of tragedy. Mary’s death is an irreversible event, but her spirit remains, symbolized by her voice calling the cattle home. The theme also touches on the idea of duty, as Mary’s role as the caretaker of the cattle persists beyond death, suggesting that one’s actions and memories can outlast their physical presence. The poem highlights the fragility of life and the enduring nature of loss.
More Short Answer Questions
Who is called to bring the cattle home?
Answer: Mary is called to bring the cattle home. In the opening lines of the poem, the speaker instructs Mary to call the cattle across the sands of Dee, and she sets off to do so alone. This task sets the stage for the tragedy that follows.
What is the setting of the poem?
Answer: The setting of the poem is across the sands of Dee, a stretch of land by the sea. The poem describes the wild western wind and the rising tide that comes up along the sand, as well as the mist that eventually hides the land. The sea and the natural environment create a mood of isolation and danger.
What happens to Mary after she goes to call the cattle?
Answer: After Mary sets off to call the cattle, she is lost to the sea. The tide creeps up and the rolling mist hides the land, causing Mary to disappear. Despite the speaker's expectation that she will return, she never comes back, and her body is later found by the boatmen, who row her in across the foam.
What does the speaker think they see above the nets at sea?
Answer: The speaker believes they see a tress of golden hair floating above the nets at sea. This image suggests the possibility that Mary has drowned, and the golden hair symbolizes her tragic fate. The imagery evokes a haunting and eerie connection between Mary and the sea.
How does the poem describe the tide?
Answer: The poem describes the tide as creeping up the sand and covering it again and again. The movement of the tide is persistent and relentless, a symbol of the inevitable danger that Mary faces as she walks across the sands. The repetition of the tide’s action underscores the passing of time and the sense of being trapped by nature.
What is the condition of the western wind in the poem?
Answer: The western wind is described as wild and damp with foam. This creates a sense of harshness and foreboding, as the wind plays a role in the dangerous environment that Mary navigates. The wind’s wildness contrasts with the calmness expected from the act of calling the cattle home, adding an element of unease to the scene.
What happens to Mary’s body when the boatmen find her?
Answer: When the boatmen find Mary, they row her body in across the rolling foam. The cruel and hungry foam that surrounds her body reflects the power of the sea and its ability to claim lives. The boatmen eventually bury her beside the sea, marking the tragic end of her journey.
What is the significance of the phrase "Call the cattle home"?
Answer: The phrase "Call the cattle home" serves as a symbolic refrain throughout the poem. It represents Mary’s task and the moment before her death, emphasizing her innocence and duty. However, after her death, the call becomes a haunting reminder of her lost life. Even after she is gone, her voice continues to echo, suggesting that she is still calling the cattle across the sands of Dee.
What emotion is conveyed through the description of the tide and the foam?
Answer: The description of the tide and foam conveys emotions of danger, inevitability, and despair. The cruel and crawling foam that surrounds Mary as she is lost at sea emphasizes the relentless, consuming nature of the water. The tide’s rise and the foam’s hunger suggest that Mary’s fate was sealed by the power of the sea, evoking a sense of helplessness and tragedy.
What is the last thing heard by the boatmen after Mary’s death?
Answer: After Mary’s death, the boatmen continue to hear her call for the cattle. Despite her physical absence, her voice lives on in the haunting echo of her duty to bring the cattle home. This lingering sound serves as a reminder of her tragic fate and the enduring connection between her and the sands of Dee. The poem ends with this eerie image of her voice continuing to call, even after death.
Detailed Summary of The Sands of Dee by Charles Kingsley:
In this poem, The Sands of Dee, Charles Kingsley tells the tragic tale of a young woman named Mary who is tasked with calling the cattle home across the sands of Dee, a stretch of land near the sea. The western wind is strong and stormy, and Mary sets out alone, calling the cattle back. As she walks across the sands, the tide begins to rise, creeping up and covering the sands, and the mist thickens, gradually concealing the land.
The poem then shifts to a darker tone as Mary does not return home. Her absence is noticed, and there is concern about what has happened to her. The speaker reflects on the strange sight of something floating in the sea—perhaps a piece of floating hair or something else that is mysterious. The imagery of the golden hair evokes a sense of tragedy, implying that it may be the hair of a drowned maiden.
Eventually, the boatmen row out to search for Mary and find her body in the foam. Despite her death, her voice seems to linger in the air, still calling out to the cattle. The poem ends with the eerie idea that the boatmen continue to hear her voice across the sands of Dee, as if she is still calling the cattle, even in death.
Themes:
The theme of The Sands of Dee revolves around the powerful forces of nature and the tragic consequences they can bring. It highlights the danger of the sea and the unpredictable, uncontrollable tide that claims Mary’s life. The poem also touches on loss and memory, as Mary’s spirit seems to linger, still calling the cattle even after her death. It reflects how nature’s power can be both beautiful and destructive, and how the memory of those we lose can remain with us in some form.
Multiple-choice questions based on the text:
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Who is called to bring the cattle home?
A) Mary
B) Jane
C) Anne
D) Lucy
Answer: A) Mary
Where is Mary called to bring the cattle?
A) Across the river
B) Across the fields
C) Across the sands of Dee
D) Across the hills
Answer: C) Across the sands of Dee
What is the weather like when Mary goes to call the cattle home?
A) Calm and sunny
B) Windy and rainy
C) Wild and dank with foam
D) Clear and warm
Answer: C) Wild and dank with foam
What happens as the tide creeps up the sand?
A) It retreats back to the sea
B) It becomes still and calm
C) It comes up along the sand and covers it
D) It dries up
Answer: C) It comes up along the sand and covers it
What hides the land from view?
A) The sunlight
B) A rolling mist
C) A storm
D) A thick fog
Answer: B) A rolling mist
What is found above the nets at sea?
A) A golden fish
B) A tress of golden hair
C) A boat
D) A lost ring
Answer: B) A tress of golden hair
What did the boatmen find when they rowed Mary in?
A) Her body washed ashore
B) A golden crown
C) A bag of jewels
D) Her call for the cattle
Answer: A) Her body washed ashore
What kind of foam is mentioned in the poem?
A) Gentle foam
B) Cruel and crawling foam
C) Soft and white foam
D) Clear foam
Answer: B) Cruel and crawling foam
Where was Mary buried?
A) In the town cemetery
B) In the churchyard
C) Beside the sea
D) On a hilltop
Answer: C) Beside the sea
What do the boatmen still hear after Mary's death?
A) Her singing
B) Her call for the cattle
C) Her laughter
D) Her crying
Answer: B) Her call for the cattle
Bangla Translation (Summary)
"দ্য স্যান্ডস অফ ডি" এই কবিতায়, চার্লস কিংসলি মেরি নামে এক তরুণীর করুণ কাহিনী বর্ণনা করেছেন, যাকে সমুদ্রের কাছে অবস্থিত ডি-এর বালির ওপারে গবাদি পশুদের বাড়িতে ডেকে আনার দায়িত্ব দেওয়া হয়েছে। পশ্চিমা বাতাস প্রবল এবং ঝড়ো, এবং মেরি একাই বেরিয়ে পড়েন, গবাদি পশুদের ডাকেন। বালির ওপারে হাঁটার সময়, জোয়ার উঠতে শুরু করে, লাফিয়ে লাফিয়ে বালি ঢেকে দেয়, এবং কুয়াশা ঘন হয়ে ধীরে ধীরে জমি ঢেকে দেয়।
এরপর কবিতাটি আরও গাঢ় সুরে পরিবর্তিত হয় কারণ মেরি বাড়ি ফিরে আসে না। তার অনুপস্থিতি লক্ষ্য করা যায় এবং তার সাথে কী ঘটেছে তা নিয়ে উদ্বেগ দেখা দেয়। বক্তা সমুদ্রে ভাসমান কিছুর অদ্ভুত দৃশ্যের প্রতিফলন করেন - সম্ভবত ভাসমান চুলের টুকরো বা অন্য কিছু যা রহস্যময়। সোনালী চুলের চিত্রকল্প ট্র্যাজেডির অনুভূতি জাগিয়ে তোলে, যা ইঙ্গিত করে যে এটি একটি ডুবে যাওয়া মেয়ের চুল হতে পারে।
অবশেষে, নৌকার মাঝিরা মেরির সন্ধানে সারিবদ্ধভাবে বেরিয়ে পড়ে এবং ফেনার মধ্যে তার দেহ দেখতে পায়। তার মৃত্যুর পরেও, তার কণ্ঠস্বর বাতাসে রয়ে গেছে, এখনও গবাদি পশুদের ডাকছে। কবিতাটি শেষ হয় এই অদ্ভুত ধারণা দিয়ে যে, ডি-র বালির ওপারে নৌকার মাঝিরা তার কণ্ঠস্বর শুনতে পাচ্ছে, যেন সে মৃত্যুর পরেও গবাদি পশুদের ডাকছে।
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Thanks a lot sir!