Awareness of isolation – from the ‘entire world’ .

1. Declarative ‘never’ – bitter/grievance tone – conscious of exclusion and rejection – persona aware of lack of acceptability – ignored? Nature’s (human/natural/ divine) teachings, lessons, values, ideology, rules = of love, acceptance, spirituality • Poem as a letter – attempt to establish a connection/communication with the outside world (personal/ intimate/ confessional) 66 Awareness of isolation – from the ‘entire world’ . Desire for belonging – reaching out to the world Actually complex – some interpret simple news as the theme of love – persona received this from nature rather than society – offers love?? This is my letter to the worldThat never wrote to me,The simple news that nature toldWith tender majesty.Her message is committedTo hands I cannot see.For love of her, sweet countrymen,Judge tenderly of me. Writing as metaphor for connection or acknowledgement - acceptance Connotations – soft; not harsh; not judgemental – nature’s (loving) way Romantic literary tradition – Importance of nature in human existence – ‘told’ referring to natural order. Nature here may represent both human nature and natural world Emotive lang. A love letter? reverence for nature – implies a greater connection with and value of nature than people Nature personified - female Connotations – bound, pledged, devoted, sincere, fixed, unchangeable, loyal Paradox = ‘world’ that can not be seen/yet to exist – awareness of possible/future readership, audience. Declaration of love? Paradox = nature’s love or persona’s love? Synecdoche (change term for inclusion – male audience/ receivers of letter Repetition – plea for acceptance – desire to be approved of without criticism – Ironic tone of self-pity –Persona desires acceptance and connection but does not wish to change – unconditional acceptance. Ironic (sarcastic) – bitter tone – desperate, cajoling (pleading) Puritan moral tradition - recognition that others will ‘judge’ Universality – appeal to common experience – show your love and follow nature’s way Do we belong?? Feel inclusion?

2. 66 • Insights into belonging • Belonging to place (nature) can provide comfort and security for an individual • A desire to belong can create a paradox for individuals who wish to retain their own sense of personal identity and be accepted at the same time This is my letter to the world That never wrote to me, The simple news that nature told With tender majesty. Her message is committed To hands I cannot see. For love of her, sweet countrymen, Judge tenderly of me.

3. 66 This is my letter to the world That never wrote to me, The simple news that nature told With tender majesty. Her message is committed To hands I cannot see. For love of her, sweet countrymen, Judge tenderly of me.