In the poem "The Fog" by William Henry Davies, the fog affects the speaker in multiple ways, contributing to the overall atmosphere and tone of the poem.
Firstly, the fog captivates and mesmerizes the speaker. The repetitive and hypnotic imagery of the fog's movement—described as "creeping," "sliding," and "gliding"—creates a sense of enchantment. The speaker becomes fixated on the fog, observing its movements and hanging on its every sway. This suggests that the fog has a hypnotic power over the speaker, drawing their attention and making it difficult for them to look away.
Furthermore, the fog obscures the speaker's view and alters their perception of reality. It is described as a "sea of mist" and a "curtain," suggesting that it envelops and blinds the speaker. As a result, their vision becomes limited, and they are unable to see beyond the immediate surroundings. This not only creates a sense of physical disorientation but also symbolizes the fog clouding the speaker's mental or emotional clarity.
Additionally, the fog isolates the speaker from the world around them. It is portrayed as something that separates individuals from each other, creating a barrier between people. The speaker mentions how the fog "hedges," "separates," and "conceals," implying a sense of detachment and loneliness. The fog becomes a metaphor for a state of emotional or psychological isolation.
Overall, the fog affects the speaker by drawing them into a kind of trance-like state, obscuring their perception of reality, and isolating them from their surroundings. These effects contribute to the overall mood and atmosphere of the poem, evoking a sense of mystery, enchantment, and introspection.