The word “Solitary” means alone, and “Reaper” means a person who cuts and gathers crops. So, “The Solitary Reaper” means a girl who works alone in the field, reaping grain. In the poem “The Solitary Reaper” (1807) by William Wordsworth (1770-1850), the Solitary Reaper is a young Highland girl from Scotland. The poet saw her during his visit to the Highlands with his sister Dorothy. The sight of the lonely girl singing while working deeply touched his heart.

The Girl and the Scene: The Solitary Reaper is a simple Scottish peasant girl. She is working alone in a field. She is cutting and binding grain. She stands alone. Yet her song fills the quiet valley. The poet says travellers should stop and listen or pass silently. He says,

“Stop here, or gently pass!”

The whole scene is peaceful. The green field, the clear valley, and the girl’s song together create a calm and beautiful picture.

The Beauty of Her Song: The girl’s song is full of emotion and sweetness. The poet does not understand her language, but he feels its beauty. Her voice is more pleasing than the nightingale in the Arabian desert. The song is more thrilling than the cuckoo bird heard among the Hebrides. So the poet says,

“A voice so thrilling ne’er was heard 

In spring-time from the Cuckoo-bird.”

Her song is the music of pure feeling.

The Poet’s Feelings and Memory: The poet stands still. He listens to her song. He is filled with peace and wonder. Even when he leaves, the music stays with him. He says,

“The music in my heart I bore, 

Long after it was heard no more.”

Her song becomes a lasting memory in his heart.

The Solitary Reaper is not only a village girl but also a symbol of natural beauty and deep emotion. Her simple song joins nature, peace, and music into one lovely moment in the Highland valley.