1. 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. 66 Poem as a letter – attempt to establish a connection/communication with the outside world (personal/ intimate/ confessional) Awareness of isolation – from the ‘entire world’. Desire for belonging – reaching out to the world Declarative ‘never’ – bitter/grievance tone – conscious of exclusion and rejection – persona aware of lack of acceptability – ignored? Writing as metaphor for connection or acknowledgement - acceptance Romantic literary tradition – Importance of nature in human existence – ‘told’ referring to natural order. Nature here may represent both human nature and natural world reverence for nature – implies a greater connection with and value of nature than people Emotive lang. Connotations – soft; not harsh; not judgemental – nature’s (loving) way Actually complex – some interpret simple news as the theme of love – persona received this from nature rather than society – offers love?? A love letter? Nature personified - female Nature’s (human/natural/ divine) teachings, lessons, values, ideology, rules = of love, acceptance, spirituality Connotations – bound, pledged, devoted, sincere, fixed, unchangeable, loyal Paradox = ‘world’ that can not be seen/yet to exist – awareness of possible/future readership, audience. Universality – appeal to common experience – show your love and follow nature’s way Do we belong?? Feel inclusion? Declaration of love? Paradox = nature’s love or persona’s love? Ironic (sarcastic) – bitter tone – desperate, cajoling (pleading) Synecdoche (change term for inclusion – male audience/ receivers of letter Puritan moral tradition - recognition that others will ‘judge’ 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.

2. 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. 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

3. 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. 66