williams wordsworth i wandered lonely as a cloud

Immediately after this connection, the speaker describes the natural scene that he observes in detail, almost as if he were physically there at the moment. It also demonstrates the speaker’s connection to the mental scene since the speaker compares himself to a cloud, he is a subject in the perceived environment. In this poem, the separation between the mind and body of the speaker is established in the first line, “I wandered lonely as a cloud” (1). Another common component of imagery especially in the Romantic period, according to Scott Hess, is the “separation of the mind from the body and the perceiving subject form the object perceived” (28). Because of this decision, the reader can identify the nature scene as the primary environment of the poem. By choosing to present the images in this order, Wordsworth puts the emphasis on the mental nature scene opposed to the physical environment of the speaker. Wordsworth does not even mention the location or actual physical environment of the speaker until the last stanza (19). Throughout the poem, the majority of the imagery describes a scene in nature that the speaker recalls. Wordsworth uses images of daffodils to convey the speaker’s connection to nature. Through the use of imagery and personification of daffodils, Wordsworth expresses a strong emotional connection to a beautiful scene in nature. William Wordsworth’s adoration of nature shines through in one of his most famous poems, “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud.” He was well-known for his appreciation of nature and also his declaration of his own emotions through prose.

That floats on high o’er vales and hills, In the following poem, the speaker lies on a couch and recounts a wonderful scene in nature. His poetic prowess was honored with a stone in the revered Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey. Some years later, in 1850, Wordsworth died of natural causes.

In 1843, he was granted the title of poet laureate. Soon after, Wordsworth and his family then moved to Rydal Mount where he worked as a stamp distributor, and he was able to support his family again.

Wordsworth fell on hard times, and spent a few months receiving financial aid from Lord Lonsdale, a friend of his. He continued to write, producing what is said to be some of his most mature works, including: “The Solitary Reaper” and “Ode: Intimations of Immortality” (Poetry Foundation). Only a couple years after he released those works, Wordsworth came into some money and married a former classmate, Mary Hutchinson. This belief inspired the Lyrical Ballads, which were released around 1800. However, Wordsworth felt that the recollection of one’s emotions were the true language of poetry (Poetry Foundation). Critics of that time were skeptical of Wordsworth’s work because of his focus on his own emotions in his poetry (British and Irish Poets). In the year 1799, they settled in Grasmere in a cottage near a lake earning the group the title the “Lake Poets.” At this time, Wordsworth’s works were inward reflections of himself and an exploration of his outlook on life. Wordsworth, Dorothy (his sister), and Coleridge began to spend time traveling together (Poetry Foundation). Wordsworth soon found a companion in a similarly politically-charged young poet named Samuel Taylor Coleridge. These developments can be seen in his works “Letter to the Bishop of Llandaff” (“Apology for the French Revolution”) and Two Addresses to the Freeholders of Westmoreland, which were both written in France. During this period, he became more socially and poetically well-versed through his experiences. Both these ideas influenced his poetic works later in life.Īfter graduating, Wordsworth began to travel more extensively. During a trip to France, Wordsworth formed a strong interest in nature and politics (Poetry Foundation). Throughout his time in university, Wordsworth’s academic achievements were rather unremarkable, however, he continued to develop his passion for poetry and prose. Wordsworth began his education at a grammar school in Hawkshead and attended Cambridge University. Wordsworth had close relationships with his siblings, especially his sister Dorothy (British and Irish Poets). His father was a lawyer who served under a Baronet. He was the second oldest of five children. William Wordsworth was born on Apin Cockermouth, Cumberland. By Lauren White, Harper Minor, Jordan Mason

Williams wordsworth i wandered lonely as a cloud