See, winter comes to rule the varied year, Sullen and sad

See, winter comes to rule the varied year, Sullen and sad

James Thomson, a Scottish poet and playwright, is best known for his work "The Seasons," a series of four poems that describe the changing landscape and weather throughout the year. In the opening lines of the poem "Winter," Thomson sets the tone for the season with the words, "See, winter comes to rule the varied year, Sullen and sad."

These words perfectly capture the essence of winter as a season of cold, darkness, and melancholy. Thomson personifies winter as a ruler, suggesting that it holds dominion over the other seasons and brings with it a sense of power and authority. The use of the words "sullen and sad" further emphasizes the somber mood of winter, as the days grow shorter, the temperatures drop, and the natural world seems to retreat into hibernation.

Thomson's description of winter as "sullen and sad" reflects the common perception of the season as a time of hardship and struggle. In the 18th century, when Thomson was writing, winter was a time of scarcity and hardship for many people, as food and fuel supplies dwindled and the cold weather made daily life more difficult. The image of winter as a ruler suggests that it is a force to be reckoned with, one that must be endured and overcome.

Despite its challenges, Thomson also finds beauty in winter, describing the frost-covered landscape and the quiet stillness of the snow-covered fields. He celebrates the resilience of nature in the face of winter's harshness, as animals hibernate and plants lie dormant, waiting for the warmth of spring to return.

Overall, Thomson's depiction of winter as "sullen and sad" captures the complex emotions that the season evokes. While it may be a time of hardship and struggle, it is also a time of beauty and resilience, as nature endures the cold and dark days in anticipation of the rebirth and renewal that spring will bring.