The+Ecchoing+Green+(2)


 * Notes About the Poem

1. Sun does arise -** The sun rising represents new beginnings. The sun is a constant symbol for youth. Just as innocence fades with age, so does the sunlight at the end of each day.


 * 2. Spring-** symbolic of new life because the seasons are changing from the dead of winter to the thawing of the earth. In Spring, enjoying nature takes precedence over the mundane rigors of daily life.[[image:http://www.woophy.com/images/org/229562.jpg width="365" height="325" align="right" caption="www.creativecommons.org"]]


 * 3. Birds-** In this poem the birds are emerging from their winter hibernation, and with this gaining a fresh start. The birds, like the children, have an innocent perspective on life.
 * 4. Ecchoing** - In the dictonary a variation of the word can be seen as "an effect that continues after its cause has ceased." ( www.oed.com ) This definition fits Blake's use of the word best because it relates the youth playing while the elders watch. Even though the elders have grown up and their youth has ceased, they can reminice on their innocent past through watching the young people on "the green."


 * 5. white hair-** changing hair color parallels the fading of innocence with age and experience. As a person grows older they have experiences that bring them to see the world in a more realistic perspective.


 * 6. descend-** The sun descending represents the aging of man. Life is a journey of expeiences that take away innocent nature, from the rise at birth to the descention at death.


 * 7. darkening Green -** Opposite of the ecchoing green, which represents life, the darkening green represents death and the experience of reality. Once a person has gained experience, their innocence is tainted, and life is no longer what it used to be. In the end, most people find that being in the innocent state is better than having experienced the trials and tribulations of life. After a man experiences the trueness of nature, they cannot revisit that moment; they have to rely on observing the innocence of the inexperienced youth.