The area described by William Wordsworth in “Lines Composed
a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey” was a very significant place to him. The poem
describes the nature and scenery of Woodworth’s special place. This poem also
encompasses the emphasis on nature in literary works from the Romantic Period
as we discussed in class.
The first few lines of “Lines Composed a Few Miles Above
Tintern Abbey” explain that the narrator has returned to a place that he was at
five years earlier. Even though he has been away so long, he still remembers
the beauty and nature of this spot. Lines 22-23 on page 132 read, “These
beauteous forms, through a long absence, have not been to me.” In these lines,
Wordsworth is saying that he still remembers this scenery and the view impacted
his life. On page 132 lines 25-28 the poem reads, “But oft, in lonely rooms,
and ‘mid the din of towns and cities, I have owed to them in hours of
weariness…” These lines tell us that this spot above Tintern Abbey was
Woodworth’s “happy place.” When he was feeling sad or depressed in the city,
Wordsworth thought of his quiet place in the country that brought him so much
joy. This place was clearly in a
peaceful rural area where time passed more slowly. In lines 25-28, Wordsworth
compares his life in the city to this tranquil area and reminisces on the
beauty of it.
Do you think Wordsworth prefers this quiet area to the city?
Who is Wordsworth referring to when addressing his “friend”
and “sister” in the poem?
I think that he doesnt necessarily prefer it, but is reflecting on how much different he sees nature now that he is older. He used to be around nature all the time and now that he is finally back he appreciates it so much more, because it means something different to him now that he is older. I think wordsworth is referring to his sister.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Kate. I agree with Emily that there is a conflict between his previous innocent enjoyment of nature, and his new sober meditation on nature. Wordsworth has changed, and even though he finds solace in nature, there is a tinge of isolation and loss that permeates the piece. Absolutely Wordsworth still prefers nature to the city though. And Dorothy is his real life sister who is characterized as standing next to him in the poem. What do you think her significance is?
ReplyDelete