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1. What literal and philosophical impact do the cliffs have on the landscape the speaker is viewing?

The cliffs literally create seclusion around the valley. But they also make the speaker draw inward and consider the seclusion of his own thoughts.

2. Describe the landscape that the speaker sees.

The speaker sees the Wye River and a valley surrounded by mountain cliffs. In the valley are farms with small cottages and orchards as well as dense stands of trees. Here and there, smoke rises from among the trees.

3. What are two possibilities that the speaker imagines as the origin of the smoke he sees?

He thinks that unhoused people may be camping among the trees. He also thinks there might be a hermit living in a cave, sitting alone by his fire.

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