Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Richard Wilbur’s poem, “Latus,” was written in 1966. It tells the story of a young girl named Latus, who is taken away from a luxurious life in the city to the stark isolation of a rural lake. In her loneliness and boredom, Latus begins to imagine a magical world around her as she gazes upon the lake.

Rhyme Scheme: ABABCDCDEFFGG

Essential Poetic Elements:

• • Metaphor – Comparing the lake to a “round lagoon,” with “enchanted apes”, making it seem almost like a fairy tale
• • Personification – Describing the lake as “lulled to silence”
• • Assonance – Using “like” and “mike” to evoke the rhyming sound of the words
• • Imagery – Describing the lake as a place “Where shadows climb and clouds take flight”
• Rhyme Scheme: ABABCDCDEFFGG

Conclusion:

“Latus” is a lyrical poem that beautifully paints an image of a serene landscape filled with magical elements. Through the use of various poetic elements, Wilbur creates a vivid picture of a mystical and enchanting world, ultimately inspiring readers with a longing for the wonders of the natural world.

Poem Snippet:

I sat by the lake so still and round,

Like a deep lagoon, quiet and profound;

Gazing upon the shadows climb and clouds take flight,

Enchanted apes lulled to silence in the night.

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