The word imagination is used (in some form or another) at lines: 45, 252
The word “reason” is used at lines: 43 (“intellectual power”), 70, 83 (“logic”), 86, 123
The word “nature” is used at lines: 31, 99, 138, 146, 162, 178, 213, 255, 393
The word “mind” is used at lines: 46, 118, 128, 151, 169, 188, 263, 270, 369
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Book XI (1805)
One of the most interesting passages of Book XI of The Prelude comes in lines 346 to about 383. Here the reader is presented with the death of Wordsworth’s father. In very typical “Prelude” fashion, Wordsworth looks back on a particular event, this time the death of his father, and remembers all that came with the event in his life. He gives a detailed account of his sensual perceptions as well as his philosophical or moral renderings of the situation.
The sensual perceptions of the funeral day are very specific and haunting. He describes the “wind and sleety rain,” “the single sheep and the one blasted tree,” and “the bleak music of that old stone wall.” The words sleety, single, blasted and bleak all help present imagery that agrees with the mourning and devastation of losing his father. There is no sunshine, or pleasant days in this description. We are told that he was “straining” his eyes, and it was a “stormy, and rough, and wild” day. The climate sets up perfectly the bitter end to his father’s life and allows a time for Wordsworth to reflect.
We receive this lofty imagery experience in lines 368 to 374. We find a struggle for Wordsworth that he at one point felt the death was maybe a chastisement, and produced an “anxiety of hope.” Maybe he tried to reason that his father was in a better place by the line “with trite reflections of morality.” I could see this meaning he told himself that his father was a good person and probably was in heaven. But then we see that in his “deepest passion,” God “corrected his desires.” I am not sure as to what his desires are corrected towards, and maybe that is intentional. But nevertheless we are presented with this image of God helping him deal with the loss of his father in the midst of a dim and depressing scene.
This follows Wordsworth’s pattern of looking back on things that happened earlier in life, and adding meaning to them by mulling over them using his current perspective.
The sensual perceptions of the funeral day are very specific and haunting. He describes the “wind and sleety rain,” “the single sheep and the one blasted tree,” and “the bleak music of that old stone wall.” The words sleety, single, blasted and bleak all help present imagery that agrees with the mourning and devastation of losing his father. There is no sunshine, or pleasant days in this description. We are told that he was “straining” his eyes, and it was a “stormy, and rough, and wild” day. The climate sets up perfectly the bitter end to his father’s life and allows a time for Wordsworth to reflect.
We receive this lofty imagery experience in lines 368 to 374. We find a struggle for Wordsworth that he at one point felt the death was maybe a chastisement, and produced an “anxiety of hope.” Maybe he tried to reason that his father was in a better place by the line “with trite reflections of morality.” I could see this meaning he told himself that his father was a good person and probably was in heaven. But then we see that in his “deepest passion,” God “corrected his desires.” I am not sure as to what his desires are corrected towards, and maybe that is intentional. But nevertheless we are presented with this image of God helping him deal with the loss of his father in the midst of a dim and depressing scene.
This follows Wordsworth’s pattern of looking back on things that happened earlier in life, and adding meaning to them by mulling over them using his current perspective.
Book Sixth Lines 55-79
Book Sixth
Analysis by: Sarah Phillips
Wordsworth’s Book Sixth of The Prelude takes us further through his journey to manhood as he crosses the Alps, but more important than this literal journey is his spiritual journey and the pursuit into his reminiscence. However, more specifically the section of this particular book that I chose to look at more closely was the 4th stanza, lines 55 through 79. I found these lines particularly interesting because I felt that they really told the story of Wordsworth’s internal drive to decide to write The Prelude and The Recluse.
This section of Book Sixth was written at a time when Wordsworth had decided again to put off writing the main portion of The Recluse and to extend The Prelude upwards from its original 5 –book form. This can be seen in lines 57 – 60 when he writes “A thousand hopes were mine, a thousand tender dreams, of which no few have been since realized, and some do yet remain, hopes for my future life. “ This stanza really takes us through his decision to write both books and the impact that he thought they would have on the world. “Those were the days which first encouraged me to trust with firmness, hitherto but lightly touched with such a daring thought, that I might leave some monument behind me which pure hearts should reverence.” These lines show us that the reason why he wanted to write The Recluse was to put the meaning of life within verse for all of those who were “pure hearts” and cared to know it. He was hoping that this would give people the key to utopia that the French Revolution was not able to accomplish. However, despite all of this vast insight into Wordsworth’s mind that is gained through this stanza, I also chose to study this poem more closely for selfish reasons, it’s my very favorite that we’ve read so far!
This stanza really is written beautifully and flows effortlessly. It is probably my favorite part of Book Sixth because it’s so easy to read and it sounds the most soft and "poetic" of the surrounding stanzas. It is also my favorite stanza in this particular book because it contains my favorite "quote" of lines form all of what we have read of the prelude this far. "I loved and I enjoyed - that was my chief and ruling business, happy in the strength and loveliness of imagery and thought." These few lines really set a positive tone for this Book Sixth while at the same time giving us an insight into the mind set of Wordsworth in his approach to poetry in general, but more specifically to his view of writing the Prelude and The Recluse.
The Prelude (1805), Book XI – William Wordsworth
Book XI of William Wordsworth’s Prelude talks about the imagination, and is split up into two parts, how it’s “impaired” and how it’s “restored.” Throughout this passage, Wordsworth explains the things that pollute and abuse our creative minds, and the remedies to these ailments, at least for Wordsworth himself.
One of the things that Wordsworth claims is detrimental to the imagination is filling it up with negative attitudes and letting “human sufferings...and inaptitude of the mind” infiltrate it. The prime culprit he points to is being judgmental. When being judgmental in a contemplative way toward nature and one’s deeper, inner emotions, it is acceptable, but to harvest it within oneself in a critical manner is a “degradation” of the mind.
Another thing he says can affect your imagination is using it in ways other than for the appreciation of Nature. There is really no need to dream of things that are “more grand, more fair, (or) more exquisitely framed” than that of the sights and sounds of Nature, and when in the presence of Nature, one can ultimately become “a sensitive, and a creative soul.” Nature is the only thing that can truly arouse the imagination and help aid in its growth and development, and Wordsworth makes this point by stating in lines 143-145 that he “roamed from hill to hill, from rock to rock, still craving combinations of new forms, new pleasure, wider empire for the sight…”
In order to properly “restore” imagination to its respectable state of being, one must utilize all their senses to their utmost ability, and not neglect one in favor of the others. Wordsworth says in lines 144-145 that “all eye…and…all ear…ever with the heart” and in lines 270-273 that “we (humans) have had deepest feeling that the mind is lord and master, and that outward sense is but the obedient servant of her will.” Allowing ourselves to use our outer senses, which are connected to our inner being, to get absorbed in Nature’s presence gives us a rich cognitive experience and helps to strengthen us. The perfect example of what Wordsworth is trying to express exists between lines 199-222 in his story about the young maid he knew. He explains in this long excerpt that “she was Nature’s inmate.” She didn’t allow “intermeddling subtleties perplex her mind,” and by doing this, she achieved the “delight” of God and a blessed life.
As far as formal features within this passage, I particular enjoyed Wordsworth’s two analogies in lines 76 and 80 when he talked about the “war against himself.” The two examples he used were “like a monk who hath forsworn the world” and “…by simple waving of the wand, the wizard instantaneously dissolves palace or grove.” These sentences both provoke vivid images in my head and I think were intended to be used a little comically.
One of the things that Wordsworth claims is detrimental to the imagination is filling it up with negative attitudes and letting “human sufferings...and inaptitude of the mind” infiltrate it. The prime culprit he points to is being judgmental. When being judgmental in a contemplative way toward nature and one’s deeper, inner emotions, it is acceptable, but to harvest it within oneself in a critical manner is a “degradation” of the mind.
Another thing he says can affect your imagination is using it in ways other than for the appreciation of Nature. There is really no need to dream of things that are “more grand, more fair, (or) more exquisitely framed” than that of the sights and sounds of Nature, and when in the presence of Nature, one can ultimately become “a sensitive, and a creative soul.” Nature is the only thing that can truly arouse the imagination and help aid in its growth and development, and Wordsworth makes this point by stating in lines 143-145 that he “roamed from hill to hill, from rock to rock, still craving combinations of new forms, new pleasure, wider empire for the sight…”
In order to properly “restore” imagination to its respectable state of being, one must utilize all their senses to their utmost ability, and not neglect one in favor of the others. Wordsworth says in lines 144-145 that “all eye…and…all ear…ever with the heart” and in lines 270-273 that “we (humans) have had deepest feeling that the mind is lord and master, and that outward sense is but the obedient servant of her will.” Allowing ourselves to use our outer senses, which are connected to our inner being, to get absorbed in Nature’s presence gives us a rich cognitive experience and helps to strengthen us. The perfect example of what Wordsworth is trying to express exists between lines 199-222 in his story about the young maid he knew. He explains in this long excerpt that “she was Nature’s inmate.” She didn’t allow “intermeddling subtleties perplex her mind,” and by doing this, she achieved the “delight” of God and a blessed life.
As far as formal features within this passage, I particular enjoyed Wordsworth’s two analogies in lines 76 and 80 when he talked about the “war against himself.” The two examples he used were “like a monk who hath forsworn the world” and “…by simple waving of the wand, the wizard instantaneously dissolves palace or grove.” These sentences both provoke vivid images in my head and I think were intended to be used a little comically.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Group Discussions for Prelude Book III
Questions:
1. What is Wordsworth’s relationship to his environment in this passage? Is he integrated within it, or does he have an antagonistic attitude toward it? How is this environment shaping (or not shaping) his mind?
2. How does the mature Wordsworth who is writing the poem value what he is writing about in this passage? Why is the experience important or not important? Why is he putting this passage in his poem in the first place?
3. If this passage were a piece of music, what would it be and why?
1. What is Wordsworth’s relationship to his environment in this passage? Is he integrated within it, or does he have an antagonistic attitude toward it? How is this environment shaping (or not shaping) his mind?
2. How does the mature Wordsworth who is writing the poem value what he is writing about in this passage? Why is the experience important or not important? Why is he putting this passage in his poem in the first place?
3. If this passage were a piece of music, what would it be and why?
| 1-43 Quinn Noah Andy Jon Poplin Elizabeth | 60-97 Rebecca Scott Danielle Victoria Jane | 121-167 Cierra Jamison Joshua Kimberly Nathan |
| 202-236 Mattisha Daniel Brent Jon Achorn Jonathan Young | 295-328 Emanuela Zoey Sarahbeth Kevin Kristina | 459-490 Jacinda Leslie Bethany Chris Sarah |
The Prelude, III Book [pg 108]
In the third book of the prelude lines 325-344 illustrate concrete ideas. Throughout the poem there is a wide range of concrete and abstract ideas that are dispersed between one another. In these specific lines, Woodsworth inserts a concrete idea without abstraction. This expert is completely comprehensible and does not use very complex language which makes it concrete. Although these line are comprehensible and concrete they can also be seen as an abstract idea as well.
In line 325 Woodsworth begins to express his feelings of “alienation” from pleasant things.
“The months passed on, remissly, not giving up
To willful alienation from the right,
Or walks of open scandal, but in vague
And loose indifference, easy likings, aims
Of a low pitch - duty zeal dismissed
This section of the poem (325-329) is where alienation is introduced. The abstraction can be seen in the “subject” that Woodsworth is being alienated from. Alienation is a word that is normally used to describe separation of a person from a place or other people; however, Woodsworth uses alienation to describe separation from a feeling. He is willfully isolating himself from all things “right”. He then expounds giving examples of what is conceived to be “right”.
Moreover, Woodsworth continues saying “Yet Nature, or a happy discourse of things not doing in their stead their needful work.” This line is implying that natural feelings that are conjured from “happy things” are no longer existent within him. This is also an example of abstraction through his concrete idea. The idea that certain happiness is assigned to certain “things” is an abstract idea. There is person place or thing that makes everyone happy, however; Woodsworth introduces the idea that this is possible. An example of this is later mentioned in line 344 which states “And pleasant flowers. The thirst of living praise,” This line is making the claim that flowers are pleasant which is not agreed upon by all.
As seen through the examples given, Woodsworth uses concrete language in order to convey his abstract ideas. These are successfully portrayed because the reader is able to understand the abstract idea. In the other previous books from the prelude, abstract ideas are conveyed in an almost incomprehensible manner. This change in tone and language helps the reader to understand his ideas.
In line 325 Woodsworth begins to express his feelings of “alienation” from pleasant things.
“The months passed on, remissly, not giving up
To willful alienation from the right,
Or walks of open scandal, but in vague
And loose indifference, easy likings, aims
Of a low pitch - duty zeal dismissed
This section of the poem (325-329) is where alienation is introduced. The abstraction can be seen in the “subject” that Woodsworth is being alienated from. Alienation is a word that is normally used to describe separation of a person from a place or other people; however, Woodsworth uses alienation to describe separation from a feeling. He is willfully isolating himself from all things “right”. He then expounds giving examples of what is conceived to be “right”.
Moreover, Woodsworth continues saying “Yet Nature, or a happy discourse of things not doing in their stead their needful work.” This line is implying that natural feelings that are conjured from “happy things” are no longer existent within him. This is also an example of abstraction through his concrete idea. The idea that certain happiness is assigned to certain “things” is an abstract idea. There is person place or thing that makes everyone happy, however; Woodsworth introduces the idea that this is possible. An example of this is later mentioned in line 344 which states “And pleasant flowers. The thirst of living praise,” This line is making the claim that flowers are pleasant which is not agreed upon by all.
As seen through the examples given, Woodsworth uses concrete language in order to convey his abstract ideas. These are successfully portrayed because the reader is able to understand the abstract idea. In the other previous books from the prelude, abstract ideas are conveyed in an almost incomprehensible manner. This change in tone and language helps the reader to understand his ideas.
The Prelude - 1805 Book Third (Post by Chris Kotecki)
In “Book Third” of William Wordsworth’s The Prelude, he discusses the years in his life in which he lived in Cambridge and attended school. This poem has a much different topic area than the first two books. While the first two books focused on nature and the many ways in which he interacted with it throughout his entire life, this section of the book focuses on his life in a city. While in the city, his main goal is to describe his interaction with the many different people living and studying in the city, and the relationships that he develops with them.
Although this part of the poem is about a very different subject matter than the first two books, it does have some similarities. Most importantly is the tone that Wordsworth maintains in the poem. Just like in Book Second, the poem begins with much more concrete language as he describes the physical attributes of the city and the people that he meets. As the poem progresses, Wordsworth’s philosophical side begins to reveal itself as he becomes more comfortable within the city. He begins to deeply analyze his relationships with others and his time at school in the same way that he analyzed nature.
Yet, no matter how comfortable he may seem while in the city, it is still apparent that he is most comfortable with Nature. It is almost as if he never becomes a true resident of Cambridge. Instead, he is simply staying there for an extended visit, counting down until the day that he will return to nature. Although he is excited to eventually be back home, though, he still made sure to enjoy his stay. This is most seen in the final four lines of the poem in which he says, “Thus in submissive idleness, my friend, the laboring time of autumn, winter, spring – nine months – rolled pleasingly away, the tenth returned to my native hills again.” He considers his stay a time for work, yet he was able to get the best out of his time, and acknowledges how much quicker time can fly in the busy life of the city, as opposed to the quiet life in nature. In a way, the ending almost seems bittersweet. One feels as if Wordsworth is really going to miss Cambridge, despite the fact that he is going to thoroughly enjoy being back in his “native hills.”
Although this part of the poem is about a very different subject matter than the first two books, it does have some similarities. Most importantly is the tone that Wordsworth maintains in the poem. Just like in Book Second, the poem begins with much more concrete language as he describes the physical attributes of the city and the people that he meets. As the poem progresses, Wordsworth’s philosophical side begins to reveal itself as he becomes more comfortable within the city. He begins to deeply analyze his relationships with others and his time at school in the same way that he analyzed nature.
Yet, no matter how comfortable he may seem while in the city, it is still apparent that he is most comfortable with Nature. It is almost as if he never becomes a true resident of Cambridge. Instead, he is simply staying there for an extended visit, counting down until the day that he will return to nature. Although he is excited to eventually be back home, though, he still made sure to enjoy his stay. This is most seen in the final four lines of the poem in which he says, “Thus in submissive idleness, my friend, the laboring time of autumn, winter, spring – nine months – rolled pleasingly away, the tenth returned to my native hills again.” He considers his stay a time for work, yet he was able to get the best out of his time, and acknowledges how much quicker time can fly in the busy life of the city, as opposed to the quiet life in nature. In a way, the ending almost seems bittersweet. One feels as if Wordsworth is really going to miss Cambridge, despite the fact that he is going to thoroughly enjoy being back in his “native hills.”
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