What is the topic of each stanza of "the solitary reaper"? how does the stanza structure develop a major theme of the poem? the solitary reaper by william wordsworth behold her, single in the field, yon solitary highland lass! reaping and singing by herself; stop here, or gently pass! alone she cuts and binds the grain, and sings a melancholy strain; o listen! for the vale profound is overflowing with the sound. no nightingale did ever chaunt more welcome notes to weary bands of travellers in some shady haunt, among arabian sands: a voice so thrilling ne'er was heard in spring-time from the cuckoo-bird, breaking the silence of the seas among the farthest hebrides. will no one tell me what she sings? — perhaps the plaintive numbers flow for old, unhappy, far-off things, and battles long ago: or is it some more humble lay, familiar matter of to-day? some natural sorrow, loss, or pain, that has been, and may be again? whate'er the theme, the maiden sang as if her song could have no ending; i saw her singing at her work, and o'er the sickle bending; — i listened, motionless and still; and, as i mounted up the hill, the music in my heart i bore, long after it was heard no more.