Complete Map

The complete map shows how the topological map form works with otherwise unmappable spaces. Here the inner space of 'home' remains grounded in the real and safe, the outdoor 'brookside' allows for the attraction of danger and 'dreams of desire' represents the loss of self.  The spatial map of the poem mirrors the journey of dangerous self-discovery that straying from the familiar might bring about, that lies at the heart of the narrative. The map shows a number of minor sites (such as 'a south-facing wall' and 'the chimney-nook') that are of importance to both the characters and at a symbolic level, but would not scale or relate well on a traditional geographic map. The central role of the reedy brook as the site of encountering forbidden temptation, Bacchic revelry, frustrated desire, and subsequent recovery is reflected in its topographical placement between the two other extremes (safety / danger) at the heart of the map.