London 1802 | Sonnet| Published in 1807 | Addressed John Milton
“London, 1802” is a sonnet by William Wordsworth, published in 1807. The poem is a tribute to John Milton, the 17th-century English poet, and also serves as a lament for the state of England in Wordsworth’s own time.
The poem begins with an apostrophe to Milton, imploring him to come back to England, which is described as a “fen of stagnant waters”. Wordsworth laments the moral decay and lack of virtue in England and calls upon Milton’s spirit to help restore the country to its former glory. He describes Milton as a “stern, and yet a kind master” who would be able to guide the nation back to a path of righteousness.
The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most famous, with Wordsworth addressing Milton directly and proclaiming-
“Thy soul was like a Star, and dwelt apart;
Thou hadst a voice whose sound was like the sea.”
These lines emphasize Milton’s greatness and the enduring nature of his legacy, while also underscoring the poet’s longing for a return to the values and principles that he believes England has lost.
London, 1802″ is a powerful and evocative poem that speaks to the larger themes of history, morality, and the individual’s relationship to society.
Daffodils |Lyric |Published 1807
“Daffodils” is a lyric poem by William Wordsworth, also known as “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud,” that was first published in 1807. The poem is a celebration of the beauty of nature and the power of memory.
The poem begins with the speaker describing how he wandered “lonely as a cloud” and stumbled upon a field of daffodils. He is struck by the beauty of the scene, with the flowers stretching out in a continuous line along the shore of a lake, and the waves dancing beside them. The speaker notes that even though the daffodils are a simple and common sight, the memory of them continues to bring him joy and comfort even in his solitary moments.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most famous, with the speaker reflecting on the enduring power of the daffodils in his memory:
“For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.”
WW 1807
These lines express the idea that even in times of loneliness or sadness, the beauty of nature can offer solace and joy, and that memories of the natural world can sustain us throughout our lives.
Daffodils is a simple yet powerful poem that celebrates the beauty of the natural world and the power of memory to bring us comfort and joy.
Solitary Reapers| Lyric| Published in 1807
“Solitary Reaper” is a lyric poem by William Wordsworth, published in 1807. The poem describes the experience of encountering a Highland girl in the Scottish countryside, who is singing a song in Gaelic as she works in the fields.
The poem is set against the backdrop of the Romantic movement, which celebrated the beauty of nature and the emotional power of music and poetry. Wordsworth was particularly interested in the way that music could capture the spirit of a place or a moment, and “Solitary Reaper” is a perfect example of this idea in action.
The poem begins with the speaker describing the girl as she works in the fields, singing a song that is “more welcome / Than a nightingale to the new-born spring.” The speaker is struck by the beauty and power of the girl’s song, and he muses on the ways in which music can evoke deep emotions and memories.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most famous, with the speaker reflecting on the enduring power of the girl’s song:
“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?”
WW 1807
These lines express the idea that music can tap into deep emotions and memories, and that even a simple song in a foreign language can evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia in the listener.
“Solitary Reaper” is a beautiful and haunting poem that celebrates the emotional power of music and the beauty of the Scottish countryside. Its focus on the evocative power of music and the idea that even a solitary moment can be rich with meaning reflects the broader themes of the Romantic movement.
Three years she grew in sun and shower| Lucy Poem Published in 1798
“Three years she grew in sun and shower” is a poem by William Wordsworth, first published in 1798. The poem describes the life and death of a young girl who grows up in the natural world, surrounded by the beauty and power of nature.
The poem begins by describing the girl’s childhood, in which she lives in harmony with the natural world around her. The speaker notes that the girl’s growth and development are closely tied to the cycles of nature, and that she is nourished by the sun, rain, and earth. The poem then takes a darker turn, describing the girl’s sudden and unexpected death. The speaker notes that even though the girl’s life was short, she lived fully and completely and that her spirit lives on in the natural world around her.
Lucy Poems By W.Wordsworth
- “Strange fits of passion have I known”
- “She dwelt among the untrodden ways”
- “I travelled among unknown men”
- “Three years she grew in sun and shower”
- “A slumber did my spirit seal”
The most famous line from the poem is the final couplet:
“The child is father of the man;
And I could wish my days to be
Bound each to each by natural piety.”
WW 1798
This line expresses the idea that the experiences and impressions of childhood shape who we become as adults, and that our connection to the natural world is an important part of our identity. The concept of “natural piety” refers to the idea that we should approach the world with a sense of reverence and respect, recognizing the interconnectedness of all things.
The poem reflects the broader themes of Romanticism, particularly the idea that nature is a source of inspiration, wonder, and meaning. It also emphasizes the idea that our connection to the natural world is an important part of our humanity, and that even in the face of death and loss, there is a deeper sense of continuity and meaning that transcends our individual lives.
The Table Turned| Lyrical Ballad|Published in 1798
“The Table Turned” is a poem by William Wordsworth, first published in 1798. The poem describes a conversation between two friends who are sitting at a table in a garden, surrounded by the beauty of nature. One of the friends, who is a scholar, is encouraging the other to study and learn from books. The other friend, who is a farmer, argues that there is a different kind of knowledge to be gained from direct experience with the natural world.
The poem describes the farmer’s argument that the scholar is too focused on abstract ideas and theories, and that he is missing out on the immediate, sensory experiences that come from being in nature. The farmer encourages the scholar to turn his attention away from books and towards the natural world, where he can learn important lessons about life and the human experience.
The most famous line from the poem is:
“One impulse from a vernal wood
May teach you more of man,
Of moral evil and of good,
Than all the sages can.”
WW 1798
This line expresses the idea that direct experience with the natural world can be a powerful source of knowledge and wisdom, and that it can teach us important lessons about ourselves and our place in the world. The concept of a “vernal wood” refers to a lush, green forest in the springtime when the natural world is at its most vibrant and full of life.
The poem reflects the broader themes of Romanticism, particularly the idea that nature is a source of inspiration, wisdom, and moral guidance. It also highlights the tension between abstract knowledge and direct experience and the idea that true understanding comes from a balance of both.
We Are Seven| Published in 1798| Ballad
“We Are Seven” is a poem by William Wordsworth, first published in 1798. The poem describes a conversation between the speaker and a young girl who insists that she has six siblings, even though two of them have died. The speaker argues that the girl only has five siblings who are still alive, but the girl insists that her two dead siblings are still part of her family and that she still feels a deep connection to them.
The poem explores themes of death, loss, and the persistence of memory. The young girl’s insistence that she still has seven siblings reflects a childlike innocence and an unshakable sense of belonging, even in the face of tragedy. The speaker’s attempts to rationalize the girl’s experience reflect a more adult perspective, one that tries to impose logic and reason on the messiness of human emotions.
The most famous line from the poem is:
“A simple child, that lightly draws its breath,
And feels its life in every limb,
What should it know of death?”
WW 1798
This line expresses the idea that death is a complex and abstract concept that is difficult for a child to fully understand. The image of the “simple child” suggests a kind of purity and innocence that is untainted by the complexities of adult life. The line also implies that the speaker is projecting their own fears and anxieties onto the child, who may not be capable of fully comprehending the reality of death.
The poem reflects the broader themes of Romanticism, particularly the idea that children have a unique perspective on the world that is often more connected to the natural world and the emotions that come with it. It also emphasizes the idea that human experience is complex and multi-layered, and that our attempts to impose order and reason on it may not always be successful.
Laodamia from The Excursion| Narrative Poem| Published in 1815
The poem “Laodamia” was written by English poet William Wordsworth. It was first published in 1815 as part of a collection of his works called “The Excursion.” The poem tells the story of a woman named Laodamia who is mourning the death of her husband, who has been killed in battle. She becomes obsessed with the idea of bringing him back to life and eventually makes a deal with the gods to do so, but the result is tragic.
The poem explores themes of love, grief, and the limits of human mortality. Laodamia’s intense love for her husband drives her to seek a solution to the pain of his loss, but her attempts to overcome death ultimately prove futile. The poem also explores the role of the gods in human affairs and the extent to which they can be manipulated or controlled.
The most famous line from the poem is:
“Thou art the grave where buried love doth live,
Hung with the trophies of my lovers gone”
WW 1815
This line expresses the idea that the memory of a lost love can persist even in death, and that the pain of loss can become a kind of monument to the love that was shared. The image of a “grave where buried love doth live” suggests that the speaker has found a way to keep the memory of her husband alive, even as she must confront the reality of his absence.
The poem reflects the broader themes of Romanticism, particularly the idea that human emotions and experiences are complex and multi-layered. It also emphasizes the idea that love and loss are powerful and enduring themes that can evoke deep emotions and provoke philosophical questions about the nature of human existence.
My Heart Leaps Up When I Behold|Published in 1807| Short Poem only 9 lines
“My Heart Leaps Up When I Behold” is a short poem by William Wordsworth, published in 1807. It is one of his most famous works and a perfect example of his love for nature and his belief in the spiritual and moral benefits that can be derived from it.
The poem is only nine lines long, and it begins with the speaker expressing his joy at the sight of a rainbow. He says that when he sees a rainbow, his heart leaps up with happiness, just as it did when he was a child. The speaker goes on to say that he believes that a person’s connection to nature is established early in life and stays with them throughout their life. He concludes by saying that he hopes to always feel this way, even in old age.
The poem is reflective of Wordsworth’s Romantic ideals, which placed a strong emphasis on the emotional and spiritual connections between humans and the natural world. It suggests that our connection to nature is both profound and enduring, and that it can provide us with a sense of wonder and joy throughout our lives.
Some of the most important lines of the poem are:
“My heart leaps up when I behold
A rainbow in the sky:
So was it when my life began;
So is it now I am a man;
So be it when I shall grow old,
Or let me die!”
WW 1807
These lines convey the idea that our connection to nature is something that begins early in life and stays with us throughout our lives, and that it is something that should continue to bring us joy even in old age. The repeated phrase “So was it when my life began” emphasizes the continuity of this connection and the importance of maintaining it.
Tintern Abbey| Written in 1798 and published in 1799
“Tintern Abbey” is a poem by William Wordsworth, written in 1798 and published in 1799. The poem is considered one of Wordsworth’s greatest works and a masterpiece of the Romantic era. It is a meditation on the relationship between nature and humanity, memory and experience, and the passage of time.
The poem is set at the ruins of Tintern Abbey, a Gothic monastery on the banks of the River Wye in Wales. The speaker of the poem, who is revisiting the abbey after a five-year absence, reflects on the changes that have taken place in his own life and in the world around him. He recalls the sense of wonder and connection to nature that he experienced during his first visit to the abbey, and he finds that these feelings are still present in him, even after all these years.
Throughout the poem, the speaker explores the ways in which his experiences of nature and the abbey have shaped his understanding of the world and his place in it. He reflects on the power of memory to connect him to the past and to provide him with a sense of continuity and meaning in his life. He concludes that his experiences of nature and the abbey have given him a sense of spiritual renewal and a deep appreciation for the beauty and power of the natural world.
Some of the most important lines of the poem include:
“Five years have past; five summers,
with the length Of five long winters! and again I hear
These waters, rolling from their mountain-springs
With a soft inland murmur.”
WW 1799
These lines convey the sense of the passage of time and the speaker’s awareness of the changes that have taken place since his last visit to the abbey. They also highlight the speaker’s deep connection to the natural world, which he describes in rich, sensory language throughout the poem.
“Nature never did betray The heart that loved her.”
These lines convey the speaker’s belief in the power of nature to provide solace and comfort to those who love it, and they suggest that our connection to the natural world is fundamental to our well-being and happiness.
In summary, “Tintern Abbey” is a powerful meditation on the relationship between nature and humanity, memory and experience, and the passage of time. It is a celebration of the beauty and power of the natural world, and a testament to the enduring influence of our experiences of it.
Prelude| Autobiographical Poem| Written Between 1798-1805
“The Prelude” is a long autobiographical poem by William Wordsworth, written between 1798 and 1805 but not published until after his death in 1850. It is considered to be one of his most important works and a masterpiece of English Romantic literature. The poem tells the story of Wordsworth’s spiritual and artistic development, and it reflects his beliefs about nature, the imagination, and the power of poetry.
The background of the poem is closely tied to Wordsworth’s own life. It was written during a period of great social and political upheaval in Europe, and Wordsworth himself was deeply affected by the events of the time. He was also struggling to find his own voice as a poet, and he turned to nature and his own experiences as a source of inspiration and guidance.
The poem is divided into 14 books, each of which tells a different part of Wordsworth’s story. The first book describes his childhood in the Lake District of England, where he developed a deep love for nature and a strong spiritual connection to the natural world. The subsequent books trace his development as a poet, his travels through Europe, and his political beliefs and activism.
One of the most important themes of “The Prelude” is the power of nature to shape our understanding of the world and our place within it. Wordsworth believed that nature was a source of spiritual and moral guidance, and that our experiences of it could lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. He also believed that the imagination was a powerful tool for accessing these insights, and that poetry was a means of sharing them with others.
Some of the most important points of the poem include
- The idea that our experiences of nature can shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us
- The importance of the imagination in accessing spiritual and moral insights
- The power of poetry to communicate these insights to others and to effect social and political change
- The belief that our personal experiences are intimately connected to broader historical and political events
- The role of the individual in shaping society and effecting social change.
Overall, “The Prelude” is a complex and multifaceted work that reflects Wordsworth’s beliefs about nature, the imagination, and the power of poetry to effect social and political change. It is also an intensely personal work that tells the story of his own spiritual and artistic development, and it stands as one of the greatest achievements of English Romantic literature.
The Ode to Duty
Ode to Duty” is a poem by William Wordsworth, first published in 1805. The poem is a meditation on the importance of duty, both as a personal moral obligation and as a means of contributing to the greater good of society.
The poem is structured as a series of reflections, in which the speaker contemplates the nature of duty and its role in his life. The poem is addressed to duty itself, which is personified as a guiding force in the speaker’s life.
One of the most important themes of the poem is the idea that duty is not always easy or pleasant, but that it is nonetheless essential to living a moral and fulfilling life. The speaker acknowledges that duty can be a burden, but he also emphasizes that it is a necessary burden that we must all bear if we are to live a life of meaning and purpose.
Some of the important lines in the poem include:
- “Stern Daughter of the Voice of God! / O Duty! if that name thou love / Who art a light to guide, a rod / To check the erring, and reprove” – These lines introduce the poem’s personification of duty and describe it as a guide and a corrective force in the speaker’s life.
- “Though difficult be thy path, / And thorny, yet know this, / Thou by heaven’s grace shall win the prize / And conquer all through patient constancy” – These lines emphasize the idea that duty is not always easy or pleasant, but that it is nonetheless essential to living a moral and fulfilling life.
- “They who have aught to perform / Must scorn to stand with idle arms / On circumstances waiting for the cause” – These lines express the idea that duty requires us to take action, rather than waiting for circumstances to dictate our actions.
- “Then, welcome, Duty! strengthen me / Blunt, or break, or overthrow” – These lines express the speaker’s acceptance of duty, even if it means that he will face challenges or obstacles in fulfilling it.
“Ode to Duty” is a powerful meditation on the nature of duty and its role in our lives. The poem emphasizes the idea that duty is not always easy or pleasant, but that it is nonetheless essential to living a moral and fulfilling life. The poem’s personification of duty as a guiding force and corrective influence in our lives is a testament to Wordsworth’s belief in the importance of moral and ethical values in human life.