Essay Questions

Why did the author include the imprisoned larks in the poem? What could they symbolize?

The author included the imprisoned larks in the poem to add a greater meaning to the poem. The larks, just like the man watching over them, are trying to become free of something. In this case, the larks are trying to get out of their cage and the man is trying to get out of his cage of hope of love. Both of them try to free themselves, but only the larks succeed. The man needs to watch everyone around him - the larks - succeed at becoming free while he just has to continue hoping for love without hope and the ability to break free from his anxiety to initiate a relationship.

Who are these characters? Why are their names not specifically given?

First of all, this is a very short poem, so the space to describe who the people are would be wasted. Most importantly, however, these people are not supposed to represent anyone in particular, instead being a universal theme that the reader might relate to. In not giving the characters a specific identity, the author has developed a bond with the readers that might inspire them to break free of their burden just like the characters in "Love Without Hope" are.

Why does the author mention that the Squire's daughter is "singing about her head"?

This is mentioned to show that she doesn't really pay notice to the man that wants to be noticed by her, and she is initiating in activities that the bird-keeper considers fruitless. The last words are about how she rode by, and, by singing, the author shows that she paid no attention to the person that is trying to get her to notice him.

How can you interpret this poem?

There are actually many ways that you can interpret this poem, since it is so short that it can leave you guessing. What you get from what is written is that the bird-keeper is ignored by the Squire's daughter despite all of his efforts. However, if you take the title into consideration, you can imagine a story that unfolds beyond these words, where the man has love without anything else to hope for, all of his hard work paying off and now he has nothing left to want. There are many ways that this poem can be understood, but it is left up to the reader to make it seem optimistic or pessimistic.