Friday, April 3, 2009
Andy Brown's Blog Post on Book First of William Wordsworth's Prelude of 1805
Wordsworth describes his struggles with writers block in lines 238-271 of Book First of the 1805 Prelude. His description of the struggle writers go through to produce meaningful work resonated especially well with me, seeing as I am currently writing this blog post and it is well past midnight. My despair is lessened upon careful consideration of the circumstances of Wordsworth’s struggle with a lack of poetic agency. These lines were new for the 1805 version of The Prelude, which means that in the time between 1799, when the first version of the poem was completed, and 1805, when this version was finished, William Wordsworth had still not made meaningful progress on The Recluse, his planned mother-of-all-philosophy-poems Poem. In fact, he would die before ever finishing or even really making significant progress on this philosophical epic.
Worse yet for the poet, he cannot even seem to come to terms with his need to write The Recluse. Is it a “vague longing that is bred by want of power” (241) or is it a “paramount impulse not to be withstood” (242)? His project is not getting off the ground because of the conflict between his own timidity and the necessity to write the poem, his prudence and his propensity for delay (243-244). The poet’s negative emotions, such as anger, self-pity, and helplessness, come through on the page, juxtaposed with the early optimism he displayed at the beginning of Book First. The “mild creative breeze” that filled Wordsworth with poetic energy in line 43 has given way to “a mind that every hour / turns recreant to her task, takes heart again, / then feels immediately some hollow thought / hang like an interdict upon her hopes” (259-262).
The passage that begins on line 271 after the conclusion of the “writers block” passage, confirms that Wordsworth had been stuck on The Recluse for quite some time. It is the same passage that opened the first part of the two part Prelude of 1799. The question asked, “Was it for this”, is the same, and the passage is exactly the same as it was in 1799, indicating that the poet had not made enough progress on the planned philosophical poem to satisfy himself. The issues that he was having in 1799 were the same that worried him in 1805. By this time, however, Wordsworth seems convinced that he would have been better off whiling away his days without the specter of unwritten Recluse haunting him. Had not the grand idea of The Recluse occurred to him, he could have spent his days in ”vacant musing, unreproved neglect / of all things, and deliberate holiday” (255-256) without worrying about the hours lost in the process.
One feels sympathy with Wordsworth when he complains that his creative faculties are “in blank reserve” (248) and that progress on The Recluse is stuck in the limbo of “infinite delay” (244). Unfortunately for Wordsworth, though, this limbo was not to be of the Dantean type, filled with poets, philosophers, and other great and creative types who in antiquity produced fine works of philosophy in Latin and Greek. Instead, his Recluse was to be condemned to the Miltonic depths of Pandæmonium for all time, never to come to fruition. The hope of potential readers was abandoned, and the paradisiacal pleasure of reading The Recluse was to be forever lost when Wordsworth died in 1850 without having written The Recluse. Truly, a writers block of hellish proportions.
Worse yet for the poet, he cannot even seem to come to terms with his need to write The Recluse. Is it a “vague longing that is bred by want of power” (241) or is it a “paramount impulse not to be withstood” (242)? His project is not getting off the ground because of the conflict between his own timidity and the necessity to write the poem, his prudence and his propensity for delay (243-244). The poet’s negative emotions, such as anger, self-pity, and helplessness, come through on the page, juxtaposed with the early optimism he displayed at the beginning of Book First. The “mild creative breeze” that filled Wordsworth with poetic energy in line 43 has given way to “a mind that every hour / turns recreant to her task, takes heart again, / then feels immediately some hollow thought / hang like an interdict upon her hopes” (259-262).
The passage that begins on line 271 after the conclusion of the “writers block” passage, confirms that Wordsworth had been stuck on The Recluse for quite some time. It is the same passage that opened the first part of the two part Prelude of 1799. The question asked, “Was it for this”, is the same, and the passage is exactly the same as it was in 1799, indicating that the poet had not made enough progress on the planned philosophical poem to satisfy himself. The issues that he was having in 1799 were the same that worried him in 1805. By this time, however, Wordsworth seems convinced that he would have been better off whiling away his days without the specter of unwritten Recluse haunting him. Had not the grand idea of The Recluse occurred to him, he could have spent his days in ”vacant musing, unreproved neglect / of all things, and deliberate holiday” (255-256) without worrying about the hours lost in the process.
One feels sympathy with Wordsworth when he complains that his creative faculties are “in blank reserve” (248) and that progress on The Recluse is stuck in the limbo of “infinite delay” (244). Unfortunately for Wordsworth, though, this limbo was not to be of the Dantean type, filled with poets, philosophers, and other great and creative types who in antiquity produced fine works of philosophy in Latin and Greek. Instead, his Recluse was to be condemned to the Miltonic depths of Pandæmonium for all time, never to come to fruition. The hope of potential readers was abandoned, and the paradisiacal pleasure of reading The Recluse was to be forever lost when Wordsworth died in 1850 without having written The Recluse. Truly, a writers block of hellish proportions.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Book First
William Wordsworth’s “Prelude” of 1805 was his second critique on trying to create the greatest English work ever written. He felt that to explain his philosophies in the greatest poem he had to show the reader how he got to this point in his life. This first book tells stories of his childhood and uses a lot of imagery of nature. Although not meant to be humorous, I find the fact that the “Prelude” is like an epic poem about the story of his like to entertaining.
The most intriguing lines to me are 206-228 in which he speaks of the highs and lows of man. “Of meditation on the inhuman deeds” (line 206) Wordsworth realizes the brutal past of such things as colonization and wars. He distinctly mentions the conquering of the Indian Isles that was done by the English. Oddly enough even though he is English his next few lines consist of brave men who helped fight for their respective countries and none of them were English. The most mentioned of these men is William Wallace who fought to free his countrymen from English rule.
“Wallace fought for Scotland, left the name / Of Wallace to be found like a wild flower” (lines 213-214). Wordsworth brings in the nature imagery at this point to emphasize how Wallace’s popularity spread even through death. He continues this imagery by comparing rocks and river-banks, or nature’s “sanctuaries,” to freedom and liberty. Through this Wordsworth is able to articulate how far they had come to that point, since a couple hundred years ago it was the English who tortured Wallace and tried denying his countrymen that same freedom and liberty.
Wordsworth uses this small section to show how he agrees with and supports those who fight for freedom and liberty. He ultimately wants to make a utopian society and believes that freedom and liberty would be best for a utopian society.
The most intriguing lines to me are 206-228 in which he speaks of the highs and lows of man. “Of meditation on the inhuman deeds” (line 206) Wordsworth realizes the brutal past of such things as colonization and wars. He distinctly mentions the conquering of the Indian Isles that was done by the English. Oddly enough even though he is English his next few lines consist of brave men who helped fight for their respective countries and none of them were English. The most mentioned of these men is William Wallace who fought to free his countrymen from English rule.
“Wallace fought for Scotland, left the name / Of Wallace to be found like a wild flower” (lines 213-214). Wordsworth brings in the nature imagery at this point to emphasize how Wallace’s popularity spread even through death. He continues this imagery by comparing rocks and river-banks, or nature’s “sanctuaries,” to freedom and liberty. Through this Wordsworth is able to articulate how far they had come to that point, since a couple hundred years ago it was the English who tortured Wallace and tried denying his countrymen that same freedom and liberty.
Wordsworth uses this small section to show how he agrees with and supports those who fight for freedom and liberty. He ultimately wants to make a utopian society and believes that freedom and liberty would be best for a utopian society.
The Prelude of 1805- Zoey Russell
In “The Prelude of 1805”, the first book from lines 1 to 25, William Wordsworth starts by stating “Oh there is blessing in this gentle breeze, That blows from the green fields and from the clouds, And from the sky; it beats against my check”. He then moves to welcoming a “messenger” and “friend” who is “coming from a house Of bondage, from yon city’s walls set free,”. Then he talks about the “prisoner” and how he was captive for a long time and is now free. He then goes on to talk about where the “prisoner” will live and he states “underneath what grove”? Wordsworth uses diction and theme to illustrate his message of how one can live as a prisoner and when released, find shelter within nature.
Wordsworth uses many words to depict a prisoner who was recently released from prison. He uses words such as “bondage”, “set free”, “prisoner”, “immured”, and “enfranchised” to show that the prisoner was just released. At the beginning of the book, Wordsworth introduces the prisoner as a messenger and friend and “greets thee, coming from a house”. At the beginning, a reader might seem a little confused because he is introduced as a friend and then turned into a prisoner. He also is coming from a house but a few lines down he is “from yon city’s walls set free”. After being released from “yon city’s walls” and held captive for a period of time one has to find shelter and he does within nature.
The first book then goes into the prisoner talking about his shelter. He states “Shall be my harbor, underneath what grove”? This indicates that the prisoner needs a place to stay and hints a group of trees. Trees are a part of nature and he clearly does not mind to live with the nature. He then goes on to say “Shall with its murmurs lull me to my rest?” This indicates that if he does decide to live within the group of trees, will they lead him to sleep. He then suggest, “The earth is all before me-with a heart” meaning whatever he decides to do, the earth will protect him. Even if he does decide to sleep with the trees, the earth will not only be his shelter but his protection.
From the time of the prisoner being released from “yon city’s walls”, he chose to live within a group of trees. He feels that nature and the earth can and will protect him. Wordsworth uses diction and theme to illustrate his message of how easily a prisoner can find shelter. Nobody ever said shelter had to be within a home, and here the prisoner chose shelter within a group of trees.
The Prelude Book 1 pg 107-131
In the 1805 version of the first book of The Prelude, Jonathan Wordsworth speaks a lot about God’s constant presence within nature, the order and harmony in nature, and he shares many of his rationalistic thoughts which he plans on writing down in The Recluse, his next book. One passage which I found interesting speaks of his new philosophical findings and how he intends to share them in his future book. This passage, lines 107-131, carries an emotional arc which starts with his excitement and happiness over discovering inspiration, moves to his indecisiveness in composing and presenting superlative philosophical beliefs, and ends with an his discouragement in writing The Recluse. Through diction, metaphors, and imagery, Wordsworth presents the emotional arc of his thoughts about writing The Recluse.
In the first part of the stanza, Wordsworth talks about his exciting discovery of philosophical inspirations all around him. He uses words such as “common” and describes “the endless store of things” as “rare, or at least so seeming…” The endless store is a metaphor Wordsworth uses for an atomistic view of ideas. The store places new products on its shelves as the mind places new impressed ideas in the brain from the outer world. In his description of them as common or as seeming rare, Wordsworth emphasizes that nature’s inspiration has always been around though he could not see it before his maturation. In writing the prelude, he is expressing his maturation as an artist and is showing his excitement and passion which springs from the inspirational world around him.
Though he is ecstatic and passionate about his ideas, he feels he needs an organized plan for sharing the best philosophical ideas ever presented. Wordsworth again uses the store metaphor to allude to his indecisiveness in approaching his writing of The Recluse. He notes he wants to “either lay up new stores, or rescue from decay the old by timely interference.” In other words, he is unsure whether he should present new philosophical ideas which have never been presented before or if he should base his book off older, yet still great, ideas which people have forgotten about. Though he is unsure of the approach, he hopes to present ideas better than other philosophers or poets of his time. Wordsworth alludes to his disapproval of current philosophical beliefs when he states, “I have hopes still higher, that with a frame of outward life I might endue, might fix in a visible home, some portion of those phantoms of conceit that had been floating loose about so long, and to such beings temperately deal forth the many feelings that oppressed my heart.” In this line, the “phantoms of conceit” which have “been floating about so long” refer to the current philosophical beliefs of others which have not been disproved or challenged. Wordsworth uses the imagery of phantoms to emphasize the negative connotations he has with the ideas “floating” around at the time. In going through with his plan to write The Recluse, he feels he can present better ideas.
Though he desires to write The Recluse, Wordsworth notes his recent discouragement; specifically, he uses imagery to present his frustration. He describes how he sees flashes of light as though the sun is rising, yet the sun never rises and merely “mock[s]” him. Wordsworth is being mocked by nature since he “remembers the sweet promise of the past…” In other words, based on the impressions in his mind, he has been taught or “promised” that the sun will rise when he sees “flashes” “from the east.” However, in recent cases, his memories and beliefs have failed him and nature seems to be messing with his head. This frustrating situation alludes to his frustration and uncertainty in writing The Recluse. Though nature is supposed to be his inspiration, nature now seems to be tricking him and confusing him. His ideas are being lost, and he faces obstacles or “impediments from day to day renewed” when trying to write the book.
In the first part of the stanza, Wordsworth talks about his exciting discovery of philosophical inspirations all around him. He uses words such as “common” and describes “the endless store of things” as “rare, or at least so seeming…” The endless store is a metaphor Wordsworth uses for an atomistic view of ideas. The store places new products on its shelves as the mind places new impressed ideas in the brain from the outer world. In his description of them as common or as seeming rare, Wordsworth emphasizes that nature’s inspiration has always been around though he could not see it before his maturation. In writing the prelude, he is expressing his maturation as an artist and is showing his excitement and passion which springs from the inspirational world around him.
Though he is ecstatic and passionate about his ideas, he feels he needs an organized plan for sharing the best philosophical ideas ever presented. Wordsworth again uses the store metaphor to allude to his indecisiveness in approaching his writing of The Recluse. He notes he wants to “either lay up new stores, or rescue from decay the old by timely interference.” In other words, he is unsure whether he should present new philosophical ideas which have never been presented before or if he should base his book off older, yet still great, ideas which people have forgotten about. Though he is unsure of the approach, he hopes to present ideas better than other philosophers or poets of his time. Wordsworth alludes to his disapproval of current philosophical beliefs when he states, “I have hopes still higher, that with a frame of outward life I might endue, might fix in a visible home, some portion of those phantoms of conceit that had been floating loose about so long, and to such beings temperately deal forth the many feelings that oppressed my heart.” In this line, the “phantoms of conceit” which have “been floating about so long” refer to the current philosophical beliefs of others which have not been disproved or challenged. Wordsworth uses the imagery of phantoms to emphasize the negative connotations he has with the ideas “floating” around at the time. In going through with his plan to write The Recluse, he feels he can present better ideas.
Though he desires to write The Recluse, Wordsworth notes his recent discouragement; specifically, he uses imagery to present his frustration. He describes how he sees flashes of light as though the sun is rising, yet the sun never rises and merely “mock[s]” him. Wordsworth is being mocked by nature since he “remembers the sweet promise of the past…” In other words, based on the impressions in his mind, he has been taught or “promised” that the sun will rise when he sees “flashes” “from the east.” However, in recent cases, his memories and beliefs have failed him and nature seems to be messing with his head. This frustrating situation alludes to his frustration and uncertainty in writing The Recluse. Though nature is supposed to be his inspiration, nature now seems to be tricking him and confusing him. His ideas are being lost, and he faces obstacles or “impediments from day to day renewed” when trying to write the book.
Book First..First Book
In the First Book in The Prelude, there was one particular section that really stood out to me, even though I do not fully understand it just yet. It was on page 34 and it consisted of lines 107 to 131. In short, this section’s main focus seems to be based off of William Wordsworth extreme passion for his dreams and nature. The first line says “I spare to speak, my friend, of what ensued –“, and this dash leads into an explanation from Wordsworth of something he does not want to talk about, which draws the reader in to find out what Wordsworth does not what to mention to his friend.
In lines 108 to 113, I felt a very positive vibe coming from Wordsworth. This was expressed through his use of positive language, such as ‘love’, ‘admiration’, ‘self-congratulation’, and ‘happiness’. With the use of these words at the beginning the reader can expect a complete turnaround according to the first line of this passage. This is apparent because in lines 114 until the end, the mood changes from this positive, loving attitude, to a saddened and discouraging attitude. From lines 114 to 124, Wordsworth leaves the reader under the impression that somebody or something has let him down. The use of negative toned words helps set the new mood for the rest of this passage, such as ‘longing’, ‘had hopes’, ‘oppressed’, ‘decay’, ‘rescue’, and ‘discouraged’. The rest of the passage has this same attitude and then it is revealed that the reader is upset with Mother Nature, who he calls ‘she’ and ‘her’.
“But I have been discouraged: gleams of lightFlash often from the east, then disappearAnd mock me with a sky that ripens notInto a steady morning.”
To me, Wordsworth is upset with Mother Nature because she did not bring him a sunny morning. After reading this passage, it is interesting of Wordsworth’s choice of words into the revealing of why he is upset and what he did not want to talk about. His choice of words came off as if he did not entirely want to blame Mother Nature or be upset with Mother Nature because she did not bring him a lovely sky in the morning. He is so upset that he has to go into his mind and remember what a ‘steady morning’ is supposed to be like. This is almost comical to me, because he did not want to tell the reader of his anger towards Mother Nature. Maybe he did not want to tell the reader because he thinks Mother Nature will hear him and she may do this again?
This brings me back to my point of Wordsworth being extremely passionate about his dreams and Mother Nature. In this section is extremely apparent how passionate he is about Mother Nature. Like I said before, he is so passionate that he does not even want to speak of the negative of Mother Nature, because it hurts him so much. Passion is one of the huge themes of The Prelude and this is only one portion that demonstrates his passion.
In lines 108 to 113, I felt a very positive vibe coming from Wordsworth. This was expressed through his use of positive language, such as ‘love’, ‘admiration’, ‘self-congratulation’, and ‘happiness’. With the use of these words at the beginning the reader can expect a complete turnaround according to the first line of this passage. This is apparent because in lines 114 until the end, the mood changes from this positive, loving attitude, to a saddened and discouraging attitude. From lines 114 to 124, Wordsworth leaves the reader under the impression that somebody or something has let him down. The use of negative toned words helps set the new mood for the rest of this passage, such as ‘longing’, ‘had hopes’, ‘oppressed’, ‘decay’, ‘rescue’, and ‘discouraged’. The rest of the passage has this same attitude and then it is revealed that the reader is upset with Mother Nature, who he calls ‘she’ and ‘her’.
“But I have been discouraged: gleams of lightFlash often from the east, then disappearAnd mock me with a sky that ripens notInto a steady morning.”
To me, Wordsworth is upset with Mother Nature because she did not bring him a sunny morning. After reading this passage, it is interesting of Wordsworth’s choice of words into the revealing of why he is upset and what he did not want to talk about. His choice of words came off as if he did not entirely want to blame Mother Nature or be upset with Mother Nature because she did not bring him a lovely sky in the morning. He is so upset that he has to go into his mind and remember what a ‘steady morning’ is supposed to be like. This is almost comical to me, because he did not want to tell the reader of his anger towards Mother Nature. Maybe he did not want to tell the reader because he thinks Mother Nature will hear him and she may do this again?
This brings me back to my point of Wordsworth being extremely passionate about his dreams and Mother Nature. In this section is extremely apparent how passionate he is about Mother Nature. Like I said before, he is so passionate that he does not even want to speak of the negative of Mother Nature, because it hurts him so much. Passion is one of the huge themes of The Prelude and this is only one portion that demonstrates his passion.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
The Prelude, part II
In The Prelude, many themes are introduced and expounded upon, all in an attempt to explain the development of Wordsworth’s poetic vocation over the course of his life. Yet even though many are introduced, the work is mostly concerned with themes of ever-present nature and its effect on fickle mankind. Whether it was the poet’s opinion that this subject was worthy of the remainder of his epic, we will never know, but the Prelude does a masterful job of exploring the subject. In the second part of the piece, Wordsworth focuses on his early adolescence, and the memories that he has of various outings into nature’s magnificent beauty, which serve as metaphorical vehicles for the spiritual journey that he experiences as a whole during the epic.
One such outing or memory that Wordsworth (as the narrator) has of nature is a scene in which he interacts with the sun and the moon, which are both personified in the passage. He speaks of loving the sun and watching it “lay [its] beauty on the morning hills… in many a thoughtless hour” and of how his “blood appeared to flow with its own pleasure”. He speaks of the moon in similar fashion, of dreaming away his purposes while looking upon it with a sense of belonging. The anthropomorphism associated with the celestial spheres is common in all poetry throughout, and especially works of the romantic era, but Wordsworth displays a rare mastery of the technique in this section of the Prelude.
Another interesting aspect of this particular segment is that it can almost stand alone as its own poem. If one only alters the beginning, it takes on its own independent emotional arc and thematic repetition. This only further argues Wordsworth’s mastery of the English language, and causes us to truly mourn the incompletion of the latter parts of his epic masterpiece.
One such outing or memory that Wordsworth (as the narrator) has of nature is a scene in which he interacts with the sun and the moon, which are both personified in the passage. He speaks of loving the sun and watching it “lay [its] beauty on the morning hills… in many a thoughtless hour” and of how his “blood appeared to flow with its own pleasure”. He speaks of the moon in similar fashion, of dreaming away his purposes while looking upon it with a sense of belonging. The anthropomorphism associated with the celestial spheres is common in all poetry throughout, and especially works of the romantic era, but Wordsworth displays a rare mastery of the technique in this section of the Prelude.
Another interesting aspect of this particular segment is that it can almost stand alone as its own poem. If one only alters the beginning, it takes on its own independent emotional arc and thematic repetition. This only further argues Wordsworth’s mastery of the English language, and causes us to truly mourn the incompletion of the latter parts of his epic masterpiece.
William Wordsworth's "The Prelude" is very largely concerned with how nature affects man and his intellectual development. This theme is very evident throughout the Second Part of "The Prelude." Wordsworth uses descriptions of the effects of nature and her beauty on himself, personification of the sun and the moon, and the technique of speaking to nature directly as if it were a person to illustrate the importance of Nature and in the lives and development of man.
Wordsworth talks a lot about the effects of nature and certain images and experiences in his life on his mind and soul. Most of these experiences come from his childhood, but clearly have had a lasting impact on him to this day. He talks about how certain outings in nature "mellowed down" his selfishness and "gradually produced a quiet independence of the heart." These statements certain imply powerful effects of nature on his mind and soul. He talks elsewhere about "the gravitation and the filial bond of Nature that connect him with the world." This bond with Nature creates a sense of unity interaction with the universe that imparts strength on a person that stays with them forever.
He uses personification of the sun and moon to emphasize the personal connection he feels with them and the important role they play in his life. He says, "...a boy I loved the sun not as since I have loved him-as a pledge and surety of my earthly life, a light which while I view I feel I am alive... I had seen him lay his beauty on the morning hills...." He speaks of the sun not as an inanimate force of nature, but as an agentic figure for whom he felt real emotions. The sun gave him a sense of life he could find nowhere else. Further, he spoke of the moon in a similar way. "The moon to me was dear: for I would dream away my purposes standing to look upon her..." The personification of both the moon and sun creates the idea of a personal relationship that has and continues to affect him in his life.
His personification of nature is not limited to the moon and sun. He personifies Nature itself and even speaks directly to Nature throughout the poem. He says, for example "That in whatever region I should close my mortal life I would remember you, fair scenes... my soul would send a longing look to you...." The connection he feels with nature is not only evident in the direct duologue with the "fair scenes," but also in the longing of his soul for those scenes. Again, he speaks directly to nature, "O, ye rocks and streams, and that still spirit of the evening air, even in this joyous time I sometimes felt your presence...." Not only is he directly addressing these elements of nature, he goes so far as to reference the existence of a spirit of air. This clearly portrays nature as an active agent with a spirit like that of a person, which emphasizes its impact on and influencial relationship with humans.
The importance Wordsworth places on nature is clear in his most epic work, "The Prelude." This is certainly evident in Part II, as he uses the descriptions of effects of certain experiences in nature, personification of the sun and mood, and dialogue with nature to illustrate the impact it has had on him.
Wordsworth talks a lot about the effects of nature and certain images and experiences in his life on his mind and soul. Most of these experiences come from his childhood, but clearly have had a lasting impact on him to this day. He talks about how certain outings in nature "mellowed down" his selfishness and "gradually produced a quiet independence of the heart." These statements certain imply powerful effects of nature on his mind and soul. He talks elsewhere about "the gravitation and the filial bond of Nature that connect him with the world." This bond with Nature creates a sense of unity interaction with the universe that imparts strength on a person that stays with them forever.
He uses personification of the sun and moon to emphasize the personal connection he feels with them and the important role they play in his life. He says, "...a boy I loved the sun not as since I have loved him-as a pledge and surety of my earthly life, a light which while I view I feel I am alive... I had seen him lay his beauty on the morning hills...." He speaks of the sun not as an inanimate force of nature, but as an agentic figure for whom he felt real emotions. The sun gave him a sense of life he could find nowhere else. Further, he spoke of the moon in a similar way. "The moon to me was dear: for I would dream away my purposes standing to look upon her..." The personification of both the moon and sun creates the idea of a personal relationship that has and continues to affect him in his life.
His personification of nature is not limited to the moon and sun. He personifies Nature itself and even speaks directly to Nature throughout the poem. He says, for example "That in whatever region I should close my mortal life I would remember you, fair scenes... my soul would send a longing look to you...." The connection he feels with nature is not only evident in the direct duologue with the "fair scenes," but also in the longing of his soul for those scenes. Again, he speaks directly to nature, "O, ye rocks and streams, and that still spirit of the evening air, even in this joyous time I sometimes felt your presence...." Not only is he directly addressing these elements of nature, he goes so far as to reference the existence of a spirit of air. This clearly portrays nature as an active agent with a spirit like that of a person, which emphasizes its impact on and influencial relationship with humans.
The importance Wordsworth places on nature is clear in his most epic work, "The Prelude." This is certainly evident in Part II, as he uses the descriptions of effects of certain experiences in nature, personification of the sun and mood, and dialogue with nature to illustrate the impact it has had on him.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Wordsworth's Prelude of 1799: Second Part
In the second part of Wordsworth’s two-part prelude, Wordsworth describes the vitality he had as a youth. He also explains how his connection with nature was established during this time. His youthful vitality and connection with nature has its origins in lines 1-33. To start the second part of his prelude, Wordsworth describes how he would play for hours, ultimately arriving home when the clouds were dark and the sky was filled with stars. Wordsworth describes the “nourishment” he obtained in being in the presence of nature, and how he desired it everyday, every week and every month. The conclusion of stanza 1 signals the temporary end to Wordsworth’s reflection on his youth and the reality of adulthood. By analyzing Wordsworth’s use of enjambment, description, and the eventual switch from past to present, one can see the origins of Wordsworth’s connection with nature.
In lines 1-20, Wordsworth describes the long hours spent outside as a youth. He explains the extensive games he played when outside and the feeling he had while playing amongst nature. As he describes the setting and passion of his formative years, phrases flow from line to line, only separated by the occasion period. This mirrors the passion and emotion Wordsworth had as a child with nature.
Throughout the first stanza, Wordsworth extensively uses description. More specifically, he describes the nature that surrounds him. This can be seen in lines 10-18 as describes the prolonged summer daylight, the “dark huge clouds” and the twinkling stars of the night sky. Wordsworth use of description visually re-creates setting and establishes the start of Wordsworth awareness of the natural world.
The conclusion of stanza 1 displays a more reflective, somber tone. Wordsworth explains how he yearns to have the vitality and innocence he had as a youth. He also reveals the vacancy he has between his former years and the present. To him, his childhood and adulthood represent two different lives.
In lines 1-20, Wordsworth describes the long hours spent outside as a youth. He explains the extensive games he played when outside and the feeling he had while playing amongst nature. As he describes the setting and passion of his formative years, phrases flow from line to line, only separated by the occasion period. This mirrors the passion and emotion Wordsworth had as a child with nature.
Throughout the first stanza, Wordsworth extensively uses description. More specifically, he describes the nature that surrounds him. This can be seen in lines 10-18 as describes the prolonged summer daylight, the “dark huge clouds” and the twinkling stars of the night sky. Wordsworth use of description visually re-creates setting and establishes the start of Wordsworth awareness of the natural world.
The conclusion of stanza 1 displays a more reflective, somber tone. Wordsworth explains how he yearns to have the vitality and innocence he had as a youth. He also reveals the vacancy he has between his former years and the present. To him, his childhood and adulthood represent two different lives.
Wordsworth's Prelude of 1799: Second Part
William Wordsworth’s Prelude works to explain Nature by exploring the relationship of its speaker to this Nature that it loves so much. It personifies Nature, making it very personal, and by telling stories from childhood to present, shows how his relationship with Nature has grown and matured. Some of the stories refer to Nature in general, and other instances are dedicated to a more specific thing, such as the sun and the moon in lines 184-202.
As the speaker’s relationship with Nature matures, it becomes more of a religious affair. Nature becomes a sort of “spirit” that the speaker seems to worship. He just can’t get enough. He tells of getting up early before school to walk laps around a lake with Nature. Here, Nature is presented as an almost living, breathing companion of the speaker’s. Someone he can talk to, and share an even closer bond with. The diction the poet uses helps to portray Nature in this way. In a sense the poem reads almost like The Bible or another form of divine scripture, especially near the end of the Second Part when the speaker discusses God and Nature and uses diction like “Ye mountains, thine O Nature. Thou hast fed/ my lofty speculations, and in thee/ For this uneasy heart of ours I find/ A never-failing principle of joy/ And purest passion.”
The poem is broken into many stanzas, each containing a separate idea or story. When strung together the way Wordsworth has constructed them, they effectively demonstrate the growth of the bond the speaker and Nature begin to share. There is no set rhyme scheme, which frees the poem from most structural limitations, however it does maintain iambic pentameter pretty well throughout. This helps to keep that steady “flow” going as we are introduced to scene after scene of the different forms and representations of Nature and how it has affected the speaker. The lack of rhyming words, or excessive repetition or other literary devices keeps the focus of the poem on the content. Wordsworth wants people to be more concerned with the messages the poem is trying to convey, rather than how poetic and beautiful the poem looks or sounds. It reads almost as prose, but with that iambic pentameter rhythm hanging there in the backdrop to keep things flowing at the right pace.
Towards the end of the Second Part of The Prelude, the speaker begins to receive things from Nature in return for his “devotion” or relationship with it. Lines 415-434 talk about this “feeling” that has swept over the speaker, allowing him to understand the vastness and superior powers of Nature better than most people. The true importance and outreach of Nature is still incomprehensible to any human being, but the speaker’s relationship with Nature has matured to its highest point and the speaker feels at one with it and has found his joy and passion in life.
As the speaker’s relationship with Nature matures, it becomes more of a religious affair. Nature becomes a sort of “spirit” that the speaker seems to worship. He just can’t get enough. He tells of getting up early before school to walk laps around a lake with Nature. Here, Nature is presented as an almost living, breathing companion of the speaker’s. Someone he can talk to, and share an even closer bond with. The diction the poet uses helps to portray Nature in this way. In a sense the poem reads almost like The Bible or another form of divine scripture, especially near the end of the Second Part when the speaker discusses God and Nature and uses diction like “Ye mountains, thine O Nature. Thou hast fed/ my lofty speculations, and in thee/ For this uneasy heart of ours I find/ A never-failing principle of joy/ And purest passion.”
The poem is broken into many stanzas, each containing a separate idea or story. When strung together the way Wordsworth has constructed them, they effectively demonstrate the growth of the bond the speaker and Nature begin to share. There is no set rhyme scheme, which frees the poem from most structural limitations, however it does maintain iambic pentameter pretty well throughout. This helps to keep that steady “flow” going as we are introduced to scene after scene of the different forms and representations of Nature and how it has affected the speaker. The lack of rhyming words, or excessive repetition or other literary devices keeps the focus of the poem on the content. Wordsworth wants people to be more concerned with the messages the poem is trying to convey, rather than how poetic and beautiful the poem looks or sounds. It reads almost as prose, but with that iambic pentameter rhythm hanging there in the backdrop to keep things flowing at the right pace.
Towards the end of the Second Part of The Prelude, the speaker begins to receive things from Nature in return for his “devotion” or relationship with it. Lines 415-434 talk about this “feeling” that has swept over the speaker, allowing him to understand the vastness and superior powers of Nature better than most people. The true importance and outreach of Nature is still incomprehensible to any human being, but the speaker’s relationship with Nature has matured to its highest point and the speaker feels at one with it and has found his joy and passion in life.
Prelude Part II
Wordsworth’s Prelude of 1799 Part II, is a stark contrast to the goals of Part I. Part I delves heavily into the past, specifically dealing with nature. The words talk about the different effects sights in nature have on a human and how they can affect mental and emotional states of mind. Part II on the other hand is strongly focused with growth and development of the human mind and emotions. The passage between lines 268-310 is a prime example of this emotional growth.
This passage starts off while the baby is still in the mother’s womb. In the womb the child and mother’s souls are automatically intertwined by the forces of nature. Later, the basic events that occur in a baby’s life shape what the baby will develop. Locking eyes with his mother stirs emotions which increase blood flow and thus stimulate the mind and cognitive development. Wordsworth also goes on to describe how the blood within the baby’s veins are “interfused the gravitation and the filial bond of Nature that connect him with the world.” Wordsworth uses strange words here within the same sentence. Why would he describe gravitation and nature by saying a filial bond? He is talking about the pull of love that an infant has to his mother. A newborn child is always favored, almost like gravity, towards his mother. The mother has natural soothing abilities that the baby will automatically take comfort in from the minute he is born.
In the past passage Wordsworth used a technique that is, again, a contrast from the first part of Prelude. In Part I, Wordsworth took a strong liking to the growth and maturation of himself as a poet. He believed that he did not know what his prior experiences meant at the time, but looking back on them he was able to determine their purpose. For instance, Wordsworth had experience with nature. He observed natural things when he was younger but did not appreciate the natural beauty and knowledge giving ability of the great outdoors until later in his life. In Part II, there is no way that Wordsworth could have remembered an image of locking eyes with his mother when he was an infant, or feeling her embrace. Wordsworth is using a philosophical approach to pondering why things happen. The study of why people know what they know is called epistemology. Wordsworth is aiming and invoking epistemology within the readers of his works as well.
This passage starts off while the baby is still in the mother’s womb. In the womb the child and mother’s souls are automatically intertwined by the forces of nature. Later, the basic events that occur in a baby’s life shape what the baby will develop. Locking eyes with his mother stirs emotions which increase blood flow and thus stimulate the mind and cognitive development. Wordsworth also goes on to describe how the blood within the baby’s veins are “interfused the gravitation and the filial bond of Nature that connect him with the world.” Wordsworth uses strange words here within the same sentence. Why would he describe gravitation and nature by saying a filial bond? He is talking about the pull of love that an infant has to his mother. A newborn child is always favored, almost like gravity, towards his mother. The mother has natural soothing abilities that the baby will automatically take comfort in from the minute he is born.
In the past passage Wordsworth used a technique that is, again, a contrast from the first part of Prelude. In Part I, Wordsworth took a strong liking to the growth and maturation of himself as a poet. He believed that he did not know what his prior experiences meant at the time, but looking back on them he was able to determine their purpose. For instance, Wordsworth had experience with nature. He observed natural things when he was younger but did not appreciate the natural beauty and knowledge giving ability of the great outdoors until later in his life. In Part II, there is no way that Wordsworth could have remembered an image of locking eyes with his mother when he was an infant, or feeling her embrace. Wordsworth is using a philosophical approach to pondering why things happen. The study of why people know what they know is called epistemology. Wordsworth is aiming and invoking epistemology within the readers of his works as well.
The Two-Part Prelude of 1799: Part Two
“The Two Part Prelude of 1799: Second Part,” by William Wordsworth is a free verse poem about a man’s love and respect for nature. He develops the poem into two parts—past and present. Wordsworth compares his sight of nature from when he was younger to his present being. The poem’s iambic pentameter beat gives the poem structure and stability, but it unravels on line 34. Wordsworth includes three themes: man vs. nature, reason vs. passion, and growth and maturation.
The theme man vs. nature is strongly presented throughout the poem as Wordsworth compares his experience with nature from the past to the present. He begins by reinforcing his knowledge of when nature began and how man should not see nature as just trees and grass, but as something that began as nothing, but grew and matured just as people do. This view was enhanced during the poem as Wordsworth described his interactions with nature, working hard to produce it and mature it in the past. He explains that he can now embrace nature and looks at it differently through his experiences. He takes his knowledge of his experiences and what he has learned and presents his passion through poetry. This theme also addresses another—epistemology. Reading the poem Wordsworth can expect his readers to ask themselves questions and realize “why do we take simple things, such as nature, for granted”? We do this because we do not have experience with nature, therefore we see as just “trees and woods”.
Reason vs. Passion is was a not heavily praised, but it seemed highly vital when it was exhibited. For example, lines 19-21 exhilarates reason vs. passion the best.
“Ah, is there one who ever has been young
And needs a monitory voice to tame
The pride of virtue and of intellect?”
Wordsworth is explaining how when you are young you things for a reason, whether you know how to do it or not, or want to. But, as you mature, doing things for a reason becomes more and more vague, and you begin to do a lot of things because you are passionate about them. Also, through experience those reasons may turn into a passion, just as Wordsworth’s character experienced; he labored and went to be “with weary joints (achy bones) and with a beating mind (a headache)”.
I feel like the entire poem is based on growth and maturation. From references to night and day, birth, and changing seasons, they all are examples of growth and maturation that Wordsworth presents in this section of the poem. For further emphasis, the entire group of poems in Part Two represents growth and maturation. For example, in the first reading most of the students were unclear of the purpose of the poems, and felt like they were pointless and boring. But now that we have a basis of what Wordsworth is attempting to exhibit, I take the second part of poems and pay a lot of attention to them, comparing to them to the first half, and really understanding what Wordsworth was implying. For that reason, it is easier to dissect Part Two.
The theme man vs. nature is strongly presented throughout the poem as Wordsworth compares his experience with nature from the past to the present. He begins by reinforcing his knowledge of when nature began and how man should not see nature as just trees and grass, but as something that began as nothing, but grew and matured just as people do. This view was enhanced during the poem as Wordsworth described his interactions with nature, working hard to produce it and mature it in the past. He explains that he can now embrace nature and looks at it differently through his experiences. He takes his knowledge of his experiences and what he has learned and presents his passion through poetry. This theme also addresses another—epistemology. Reading the poem Wordsworth can expect his readers to ask themselves questions and realize “why do we take simple things, such as nature, for granted”? We do this because we do not have experience with nature, therefore we see as just “trees and woods”.
Reason vs. Passion is was a not heavily praised, but it seemed highly vital when it was exhibited. For example, lines 19-21 exhilarates reason vs. passion the best.
“Ah, is there one who ever has been young
And needs a monitory voice to tame
The pride of virtue and of intellect?”
Wordsworth is explaining how when you are young you things for a reason, whether you know how to do it or not, or want to. But, as you mature, doing things for a reason becomes more and more vague, and you begin to do a lot of things because you are passionate about them. Also, through experience those reasons may turn into a passion, just as Wordsworth’s character experienced; he labored and went to be “with weary joints (achy bones) and with a beating mind (a headache)”.
I feel like the entire poem is based on growth and maturation. From references to night and day, birth, and changing seasons, they all are examples of growth and maturation that Wordsworth presents in this section of the poem. For further emphasis, the entire group of poems in Part Two represents growth and maturation. For example, in the first reading most of the students were unclear of the purpose of the poems, and felt like they were pointless and boring. But now that we have a basis of what Wordsworth is attempting to exhibit, I take the second part of poems and pay a lot of attention to them, comparing to them to the first half, and really understanding what Wordsworth was implying. For that reason, it is easier to dissect Part Two.
The Two-Part Prelude of 1799: Part Two
“The Two Part Prelude of 1799: Second Part,” by William Wordsworth is a free verse poem about a man’s love and respect for nature. He develops the poem into two parts—past and present. Wordsworth compares his sight of nature from when he was younger to his present being. The poem’s iambic pentameter beat gives the poem structure and stability, but it unravels on line 34. Wordsworth includes three themes: man vs. nature, reason vs. passion, and growth and maturation.
The theme man vs. nature is strongly presented throughout the poem as Wordsworth compares his experience with nature from the past to the present. He begins by reinforcing his knowledge of when nature began and how man should not see nature as just trees and grass, but as something that began as nothing, but grew and matured just as people do. This view was enhanced during the poem as Wordsworth described his interactions with nature, working hard to produce it and mature it in the past. He explains that he can now embrace nature and looks at it differently through his experiences. He takes his knowledge of his experiences and what he has learned and presents his passion through poetry. This theme also addresses another—epistemology. Reading the poem Wordsworth can expect his readers to ask themselves questions and realize “why do we take simple things, such as nature, for granted”? We do this because we do not have experience with nature, therefore we see as just “trees and woods”.
Reason vs. Passion is was a not heavily praised, but it seemed highly vital when it was exhibited. For example, lines 19-21 exhilarates reason vs. passion the best.
“Ah, is there one who ever has been young
And needs a monitory voice to tame
The pride of virtue and of intellect?”
Wordsworth is explaining how when you are young you things for a reason, whether you know how to do it or not, or want to. But, as you mature, doing things for a reason becomes more and more vague, and you begin to do a lot of things because you are passionate about them. Also, through experience those reasons may turn into a passion, just as Wordsworth’s character experienced; he labored and went to be “with weary joints (achy bones) and with a beating mind (a headache)”.
I feel like the entire poem is based on growth and maturation. From references to night and day, birth, and changing seasons, they all are examples of growth and maturation that Wordsworth presents in this section of the poem. For further emphasis, the entire group of poems in Part Two represents growth and maturation. For example, in the first reading most of the students were unclear of the purpose of the poems, and felt like they were pointless and boring. But now that we have a basis of what Wordsworth is attempting to exhibit, I take the second part of poems and pay a lot of attention to them, comparing to them to the first half, and really understanding what Wordsworth was implying. For that reason, it is easier to dissect Part Two.
The theme man vs. nature is strongly presented throughout the poem as Wordsworth compares his experience with nature from the past to the present. He begins by reinforcing his knowledge of when nature began and how man should not see nature as just trees and grass, but as something that began as nothing, but grew and matured just as people do. This view was enhanced during the poem as Wordsworth described his interactions with nature, working hard to produce it and mature it in the past. He explains that he can now embrace nature and looks at it differently through his experiences. He takes his knowledge of his experiences and what he has learned and presents his passion through poetry. This theme also addresses another—epistemology. Reading the poem Wordsworth can expect his readers to ask themselves questions and realize “why do we take simple things, such as nature, for granted”? We do this because we do not have experience with nature, therefore we see as just “trees and woods”.
Reason vs. Passion is was a not heavily praised, but it seemed highly vital when it was exhibited. For example, lines 19-21 exhilarates reason vs. passion the best.
“Ah, is there one who ever has been young
And needs a monitory voice to tame
The pride of virtue and of intellect?”
Wordsworth is explaining how when you are young you things for a reason, whether you know how to do it or not, or want to. But, as you mature, doing things for a reason becomes more and more vague, and you begin to do a lot of things because you are passionate about them. Also, through experience those reasons may turn into a passion, just as Wordsworth’s character experienced; he labored and went to be “with weary joints (achy bones) and with a beating mind (a headache)”.
I feel like the entire poem is based on growth and maturation. From references to night and day, birth, and changing seasons, they all are examples of growth and maturation that Wordsworth presents in this section of the poem. For further emphasis, the entire group of poems in Part Two represents growth and maturation. For example, in the first reading most of the students were unclear of the purpose of the poems, and felt like they were pointless and boring. But now that we have a basis of what Wordsworth is attempting to exhibit, I take the second part of poems and pay a lot of attention to them, comparing to them to the first half, and really understanding what Wordsworth was implying. For that reason, it is easier to dissect Part Two.
The Prelude Part II
William Wordsworth's "The Prelude" is very largely concerned with how nature affects man and his intellectual development. This theme is very evident throughout the Second Part of "The Prelude." Wordsworth uses descriptions of the effects of nature and her beauty on himself, personification of the sun and the moon, and the technique of speaking to nature directly as if it were a person to illustrate the importance of Nature and in the lives and development of man.
Wordsworth talks a lot about the effects of nature and certain images and experiences in his life on his mind and soul. Most of these experiences come from his childhood, but clearly have had a lasting impact on him to this day. He talks about how certain outings in nature "mellowed down" his selfishness and "gradually produced a quiet independence of the heart." These statements certain imply powerful effects of nature on his mind and soul. He talks elsewhere about "the gravitation and the filial bond of Nature that connect him with the world." This bond with Nature creates a sense of unity interaction with the universe that imparts strength on a person that stays with them forever.
He uses personification of the sun and moon to emphasize the personal connection he feels with them and the important role they play in his life. He says, "...a boy I loved the sun not as since I have loved him-as a pledge and surety of my earthly life, a light which while I view I feel I am alive... I had seen him lay his beauty on the morning hills...." He speaks of the sun not as an inanimate force of nature, but as an agentic figure for whom he felt real emotions. The sun gave him a sense of life he could find nowhere else. Further, he spoke of the moon in a similar way. "The moon to me was dear: for I would dream away my purposes standing to look upon her..." The personification of both the moon and sun creates the idea of a personal relationship that has and continues to affect him in his life.
His personification of nature is not limited to the moon and sun. He personifies Nature itself and even speaks directly to Nature throughout the poem. He says, for example "That in whatever region I should close my mortal life I would remember you, fair scenes... my soul would send a longing look to you...." The connection he feels with nature is not only evident in the direct duologue with the "fair scenes," but also in the longing of his soul for those scenes. Again, he speaks directly to nature, "O, ye rocks and streams, and that still spirit of the evening air, even in this joyous time I sometimes felt your presence...." Not only is he directly addressing these elements of nature, he goes so far as to reference the existence of a spirit of air. This clearly portrays nature as an active agent with a spirit like that of a person, which emphasizes its impact on and influencial relationship with humans.
The importance Wordsworth places on nature is clear in his most epic work, "The Prelude." This is certainly evident in Part II, as he uses the descriptions of effects of certain experiences in nature, personification of the sun and mood, and dialogue with nature to illustrate the impact it has had on him.
Wordsworth talks a lot about the effects of nature and certain images and experiences in his life on his mind and soul. Most of these experiences come from his childhood, but clearly have had a lasting impact on him to this day. He talks about how certain outings in nature "mellowed down" his selfishness and "gradually produced a quiet independence of the heart." These statements certain imply powerful effects of nature on his mind and soul. He talks elsewhere about "the gravitation and the filial bond of Nature that connect him with the world." This bond with Nature creates a sense of unity interaction with the universe that imparts strength on a person that stays with them forever.
He uses personification of the sun and moon to emphasize the personal connection he feels with them and the important role they play in his life. He says, "...a boy I loved the sun not as since I have loved him-as a pledge and surety of my earthly life, a light which while I view I feel I am alive... I had seen him lay his beauty on the morning hills...." He speaks of the sun not as an inanimate force of nature, but as an agentic figure for whom he felt real emotions. The sun gave him a sense of life he could find nowhere else. Further, he spoke of the moon in a similar way. "The moon to me was dear: for I would dream away my purposes standing to look upon her..." The personification of both the moon and sun creates the idea of a personal relationship that has and continues to affect him in his life.
His personification of nature is not limited to the moon and sun. He personifies Nature itself and even speaks directly to Nature throughout the poem. He says, for example "That in whatever region I should close my mortal life I would remember you, fair scenes... my soul would send a longing look to you...." The connection he feels with nature is not only evident in the direct duologue with the "fair scenes," but also in the longing of his soul for those scenes. Again, he speaks directly to nature, "O, ye rocks and streams, and that still spirit of the evening air, even in this joyous time I sometimes felt your presence...." Not only is he directly addressing these elements of nature, he goes so far as to reference the existence of a spirit of air. This clearly portrays nature as an active agent with a spirit like that of a person, which emphasizes its impact on and influencial relationship with humans.
The importance Wordsworth places on nature is clear in his most epic work, "The Prelude." This is certainly evident in Part II, as he uses the descriptions of effects of certain experiences in nature, personification of the sun and mood, and dialogue with nature to illustrate the impact it has had on him.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Two-Part Prelude of 1799: Part One
William Wordsworth's "Two-Part Prelude of 1799" is a study of the relationship between the intellect or mind and Nature. It is through impressions of nature that new perspectives, thoughts, and 'feelings' are created in the mind. This is depicted in the story of the boy commandeering a row boat and coming upon the gigantic cliff, where he was impressed with the fear of nature, and during his escapades into stealing birds eggs, when he gained new perspective by hanging upside down. Wordsworth recounts many more memories of things past, which instill in him new appreciations for nature.The second dimension of the intellect/nature relationship is that of memory. For Nature is a silent worker whose impressions may take time and a mature intellect to properly evaluate. It is through the ever lasting memory of our experiences with nature that we are able to truly come to terms with her in a deeper morally and spiritually significant way.
Wordsworth uses three significant tools in his poetry to depict this interaction between nature, memory, and the mind. Firstly, almost every stanza is broken up into two distinct sections. Once section is of deep thought or pondering, and one is of action, the action being of course a memory. In this way active contemplation is brought together with involuntary memory. In some stanzas it is the thought which bring out the memories, while in others it is the memories that create the thought. This depicts the circularly and complicated mechanics of the mind, which the second tool of Wordsworth capitulates.
The open rhyme scheme imitates the flow of thought in the mind. Thoughts are not restricted by any rules, but rather flow where is their wont. And yet there is an elegant sense to the mind that is reflected in the lyrical cadences of the poem.Although it lacks rhyme, the words sound poetic when spoken and flow gently and steadily together.
Lastly, Wordsworth uses the arch of the entire part one to actively show how the mind creates images and memories of nature that in later years may be decoded by the adult person by beginning part one with a series of boyhood remembrances and finishing the poem almost exclusively with evaluation and contemplation. This arch over part one is a plot of imitation of the activities of the mind, it's ability to traverse time and create something new from Nature's bountiful offerings.
Wordsworth uses three significant tools in his poetry to depict this interaction between nature, memory, and the mind. Firstly, almost every stanza is broken up into two distinct sections. Once section is of deep thought or pondering, and one is of action, the action being of course a memory. In this way active contemplation is brought together with involuntary memory. In some stanzas it is the thought which bring out the memories, while in others it is the memories that create the thought. This depicts the circularly and complicated mechanics of the mind, which the second tool of Wordsworth capitulates.
The open rhyme scheme imitates the flow of thought in the mind. Thoughts are not restricted by any rules, but rather flow where is their wont. And yet there is an elegant sense to the mind that is reflected in the lyrical cadences of the poem.Although it lacks rhyme, the words sound poetic when spoken and flow gently and steadily together.
Lastly, Wordsworth uses the arch of the entire part one to actively show how the mind creates images and memories of nature that in later years may be decoded by the adult person by beginning part one with a series of boyhood remembrances and finishing the poem almost exclusively with evaluation and contemplation. This arch over part one is a plot of imitation of the activities of the mind, it's ability to traverse time and create something new from Nature's bountiful offerings.
The Prelude: Part One
“The Prelude: Part One” by Wordsworth is considered one of his greatest works.
The poem describes Wordsworth’s childhood and his ideas about life in his childhood compared to as an older adult. The poem utilizes word selection, allusions to other historical poems, and an open rhyme scheme to describe the innocence of his childhood.
The lengthy poem begins by discussing the birth of Wordsworth and moves on throughout his childhood. It describes Wordsworth as being afraid and skeptical of growing up and aging and describes on the first page as “among the fretful of mankind.” He then goes on to describe his childhood as easy by saying he often, “basked in the sun, or plunged into thy streams.” He realizes that his life will not always be this simple however, growing up brings new challenges. Often Wordsworth uses innocent words to describe his childhood such as “foolishness,” “hope,” “silent.” It is very rare that in the first thirteen pages of the poem that he uses violent words to describe what he felt as a child. Only towards the end does Wordsworth realize maturing will bring. At the end of “Part One,” Wordsworth begins to use words and descriptions such as “fear,” “impotent,”
“dread” and “harsh judgments.” He realizes that life, as a mature adult is more difficult and jaded.
“The Prelude: Part One” also utilizes allusions to other great poets to describe the innocence of childhood. On the very first page Wordsworth quotes Coleridge by writing that “Already had I dreamt/ Of my sweet birth-place.” Wordsworth chooses this quote of a “sweet birth-place” to describe his own childhood as ideal. On page 6 Wordsworth then draws from Shakespeare to describe playing throughout the woods as a young boy. This quote is reminiscent of nature as the sublime. And as a child seeing things “with meanings of delight, of hope, and fear.” This once again plays upon the innocence of childhood, where a child may see things in such awe and amazement while an adult may not be able to. By drawing upon great poets for Wordsworth’s inspiration, Wordsworth is able to explore the theme of childhood innocence in much greater depth than just working alone.
Wordworth’s use of an open rhyme scheme also allows the reader to experience and explore the theme of innocence and childhood to a deeper degree. Since Wordsworth is not constrained to the strict sonnet structure he is able to tell the story of his childhood and his experiences without structural constraints, which makes the poem, flow easier. The open structure is also reminiscent of how a child thinks. There are no constraints to where their ideas go, or what they can accomplish in their lives. In contrast, adults usually have constraints whether is be due to money, or family that get in the way of what they believe they can accomplish. The only structure the poem seems to have is breaks between different ideas that help to break up the poem and make it easier to read. The openness of the poem allows Wordsworth to go into childhood memories that may have not been possible had he used a stricter sonnet style.
Through the use of word choice, allusions, and an open rhyme scheme Wordsworth is able to successfully convey his theme of childhood innocence. Wordsworth’s use of different structures allows him to distinguish himself from other poets. He is now known as one of the greatest poets for always reinventing himself and his work.
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