Daffodils

One of the major shifts that occurs in “Daffodils” is how the speaker moves from an isolated individual to one who embraces a position in the community of the world. The speaker starts the poem by remembering a “lonely” (Line 1) time. They note their singularity by comparing themselves to “a cloud” (Line 1)—a single cumulous puff that “floats” (Line 2) in the sky. While it is, of course, possible for clouds to join together, the speaker does not mention this, and positions themselves instead as a solitary entity.

The speaker holds themselves above the rest of humanity. They glide “o’er vales and hills” (Line 2) and are not part of any “crowd” (Line 3). This suggests an initial lack of engagement, perhaps an inability to feel connections, a distance with others due to height from the ground, suggesting superiority. This changes, however, as the daffodils present an unexpected alternative way to live. Daffodils are never singular, instead growing in groups from bulbs. In this case, they are wild, which suggests a spontaneous rather than planned gathering. Their “glee[ful]” (Line 14) participation surprises the speaker. Enthused by their “sprightly dance” (Line 12), the speaker values their “jocund company” (Line 16). This shows a reevaluation upon the speaker’s part about what is necessary to live a happy life.