4.4 Home Sweet Home

(a) How does the poet glorify his home in the first stanza?
The poet glorifies his home by stating that even if we roam among worldly pleasures and grand palaces, a humble home is always better than any of them. He expresses that there is a special charm from the sky that hallows (blesses) us at home, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

(b) How does the poet describe his home in the second stanza?
In the second stanza, the poet describes his home as a "lowly thatched cottage". He remembers the cheerful birds that used to come singing at his call, bringing him a peace of mind that is far more precious than all the dazzling but empty splendor of his exile.

(c) What makes the poet remember his mother?
Looking at the moon while walking through the dreary, wild landscape makes the poet remember his mother. He imagines that she is also looking at the very same moon from their cottage door, thinking lovingly of her child.

(d) What does the poet miss?
The poet deeply misses his humble thatched cottage, the birds that came singing at his call, the true peace of mind he felt there, the sweet fragrance of the woodbine, his father's fond smile, and his mother's soothing and comforting caress.

(e) What does the poet hope for?
The poet hopes to finally return to his sweet home. He hopes that when he returns overburdened with worldly cares, the dearest comforts of his heart will smile upon him there, and he firmly resolves never to roam away from that cottage again.

(f) In which professions is a person forced to stay away from his home/homeland for a long time? Try to guess why the poet is forced to stay away from his home?
People in professions such as the military (soldiers, sailors), merchant navy, diplomacy, international business, acting, or higher academic studies often have to stay away from their homeland for long periods.

Guess: The poet (John Howard Payne, who was a famous actor and playwright) was likely forced to stay away from his home due to his profession in the theater, constantly traveling to different cities and foreign countries to perform and earn a living.