'Ode , On Intimations Of Immortality' by William Wordsworth
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I
There was a time when meadow, grove, and stream,
The earth, and every common sight,
To me did seem
Apparelled in celestial light,
The glory and the freshness of a dream.
It is not now as it hath been of yore;--
Turn wheresoe'er I may,
By night or day,
The things which I have seen I now can see no more.
II
The Rainbow comes and goes,
And lovely is the Rose,
The Moon doth with delight
Look round her when the heavens are bare,
Waters on a starry night
Are beautiful and fair;
The sunshine is a glorious birth;
But yet I know, where'er I go,
That there hath past away a glory from the earth.
III
Now, while the birds thus sing a joyous song,
And while the young lambs bound
As to the tabor's sound,
To me alone there came a thought of grief:
A timely utterance gave that thought relief,
And I again am strong:
The cataracts blow their trumpets from the steep;
No more shall grief of mine the season wrong;
I hear the Echoes through the mountains throng,
The Winds come to me from the fields of sleep,
And all the earth is gay;
Land and sea
Give themselves up to jollity,
And with the heart of May
Doth every Beast keep holiday;--
Thou Child of Joy,
Shout round me, let me hear thy shouts, thou happy
Shepherd-boy!
IV
Ye blessed Creatures, I have heard the call
Ye to each other make; I see
The heavens laugh with you in your jubilee;
My heart is at your festival,
My head hath its coronal,
The fulness of your bliss, I feel--I feel it all.
Oh evil day! if I were sullen
While Earth herself is adorning,
This sweet May-morning,
And the Children are culling
On every side,
In a thousand valleys far and wide,
Fresh flowers; while the sun shines warm,
And the Babe leaps up on his Mother's arm:--
I hear, I hear, with joy I hear!
--But there's a Tree, of many, one,
A single Field which I have looked upon,
Both of them speak of something that is gone:
The Pansy at my feet
Doth the same tale repeat:
Whither is fled the visionary gleam?
Where is it now, the glory and the dream?
V
Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:
The Soul that rises with us, our life's Star,
Hath had elsewhere its setting,
And cometh from afar:
Not in entire forgetfulness,
And not in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory do we come
From God, who is our home:
Heaven lies about us in our infancy!
Shades of the prison-house begin to close
Upon the growing Boy,
But He beholds the light, and whence it flows,
He sees it in his joy;
The Youth, who daily farther from the east
Must travel, still is Nature's Priest,
And by the vision splendid
Is on his way attended;
At length the Man perceives it die away,
And fade into the light of common day.
VI
Earth fills her lap with pleasures of her own;
Yearnings she hath in her own natural kind,
And, even with something of a Mother's mind,
And no unworthy aim,
The homely Nurse doth all she can
To make her Foster-child, her Inmate Man,
Forget the glories he hath known,
And that imperial palace whence he came.
VII
Behold the Child among his new-born blisses,
A six years' Darling of a pigmy size!
See, where 'mid work of his own hand he lies,
Fretted by sallies of his mother's kisses,
With light upon him from his father's eyes!
See, at his feet, some little plan or chart,
Some fragment from his dream of human life,
Shaped by himself with newly-learned art;
A wedding or a festival,
A mourning or a funeral;
And this hath now his heart,
And unto this he frames his song:
Then will he fit his tongue
To dialogues of business, love, or strife;
But it will not be long
Ere this be thrown aside,
And with new joy and pride
The little Actor cons another part;
Filling from time to time his "humorous stage"
With all the Persons, down to palsied Age,
That Life brings with her in her equipage;
As if his whole vocation
Were endless imitation.
VIII
Thou, whose exterior semblance doth belie
Thy Soul's immensity;
Thou best Philosopher, who yet dost keep
Thy heritage, thou Eye among the blind,
That, deaf and silent, read'st the eternal deep,
Haunted for ever by the eternal mind,--
Mighty Prophet! Seer blest!
On whom those truths do rest,
Which we are toiling all our lives to find,
In darkness lost, the darkness of the grave;
Thou, over whom thy Immortality
Broods like the Day, a Master o'er a Slave,
A Presence which is not to be put by;
Thou little Child, yet glorious in the might
Of heaven-born freedom on thy being's height,
Why with such earnest pains dost thou provoke
The years to bring the inevitable yoke,
Thus blindly with thy blessedness at strife?
Full soon thy Soul shall have her earthly freight,
And custom lie upon thee with a weight
Heavy as frost, and deep almost as life!
IX
O joy! that in our embers
Is something that doth live,
That nature yet remembers
What was so fugitive!
The thought of our past years in me doth breed
Perpetual benediction: not indeed
For that which is most worthy to be blest--
Delight and liberty, the simple creed
Of Childhood, whether busy or at rest,
With new-fledged hope still fluttering in his breast:--
Not for these I raise
The song of thanks and praise;
But for those obstinate questionings
Of sense and outward things,
Fallings from us, vanishings;
Blank misgivings of a Creature
Moving about in worlds not realised,
High instincts before which our mortal Nature
Did tremble like a guilty Thing surprised:
But for those first affections,
Those shadowy recollections,
Which, be they what they may,
Are yet the fountain light of all our day,
Are yet a master light of all our seeing;
Uphold us, cherish, and have power to make
Our noisy years seem moments in the being
Of the eternal Silence: truths that wake,
To perish never;
Which neither listlessness, nor mad endeavour,
Nor Man nor Boy,
Nor all that is at enmity with joy,
Can utterly abolish or destroy!
Hence in a season of calm weather
Though inland far we be,
Our Souls have sight of that immortal sea
Which brought us hither,
Can in a moment travel thither,
And see the Children sport upon the shore,
And hear the mighty waters rolling evermore.
X
Then sing, ye Birds, sing, sing a joyous song!
And let the young Lambs bound
As to the tabor's sound!
We in thought will join your throng,
Ye that pipe and ye that play,
Ye that through your hearts to-day
Feel the gladness of the May!
What though the radiance which was once so bright
Be now for ever taken from my sight,
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower;
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind;
In the primal sympathy
Which having been must ever be;
In the soothing thoughts that spring
Out of human suffering;
In the faith that looks through death,
In years that bring the philosophic mind.
XI
And O, ye Fountains, Meadows, Hills, and Groves,
Forebode not any severing of our loves!
Yet in my heart of hearts I feel your might;
I only have relinquished one delight
To live beneath your more habitual sway.
I love the Brooks which down their channels fret,
Even more than when I tripped lightly as they;
The innocent brightness of a new-born Day
Is lovely yet;
The Clouds that gather round the setting sun
Do take a sober colouring from an eye
That hath kept watch o'er man's mortality;
Another race hath been, and other palms are won.
Thanks to the human heart by which we live,
Thanks to its tenderness, its joys, and fears,
To me the meanest flower that blows can give
Thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Ode: Intimations of Immortality
In the world of literature, few poems have captured the essence of the human experience like William Wordsworth's "Ode: Intimations of Immortality". This masterpiece of Romantic poetry is a celebration of the soul and spirit, an ode to the journey of life, with all its joys, sorrows, and fleeting moments. At its core, this poem is an exploration of the power of memory and the human quest for meaning and purpose. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the themes, imagery, and language of "Ode: Intimations of Immortality" to uncover its hidden meanings and explore its significance in the world of literature.
Context and Background
Before we dive into the poem itself, it is important to understand the context and background in which it was written. William Wordsworth was a prominent English poet of the Romantic era, which lasted from the late 18th to the mid-19th century. The Romantic movement was characterized by a renewed interest in nature, emotion, individualism, and imagination, and Wordsworth was one of its most prominent figures.
"Ode: Intimations of Immortality" was written in 1802-1804, a time of great political, social, and cultural upheaval in Europe. The French Revolution had ended a few years earlier, and the Napoleonic Wars were raging across the continent. Wordsworth, like many of his contemporaries, was deeply affected by these events, and his poetry reflects his concerns about the state of humanity, nature, and society.
The poem was originally part of a larger work called "The Prelude", an autobiographical epic which Wordsworth worked on for most of his life. "Ode: Intimations of Immortality" was added to this work in 1805, and it has since become one of Wordsworth's most famous and enduring poems.
Themes and Imagery
At its heart, "Ode: Intimations of Immortality" is a meditation on memory, mortality, and the search for spiritual meaning in the face of the impermanence of life. The poem is divided into eleven stanzas, each exploring a different aspect of these themes.
The opening stanza sets the tone for the entire poem, with its famous lines "There was a time when meadow, grove, and stream, / The earth, and every common sight, / To me did seem / Appareled in celestial light". Here, Wordsworth describes a time in his childhood when the world around him seemed to glow with a divine radiance, a time when he felt a deep connection to nature and to the spiritual realm.
This sense of connection is a recurring theme in the poem, and Wordsworth returns to it again and again. In stanza three, he writes: "Though nothing can bring back the hour / Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower; / We will grieve not, rather find / Strength in what remains behind". Here, he acknowledges that the past cannot be recaptured, but suggests that there is value in remembering and cherishing the moments of beauty and transcendence that we have experienced.
As the poem progresses, Wordsworth explores the idea of the soul's immortality and the human urge to transcend the limitations of the physical world. In stanza five, he writes: "Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting: / The Soul that rises with us, our life's Star, / Hath had elsewhere its setting, / And cometh from afar". Here, he suggests that the soul is eternal and that our physical existence is only a temporary manifestation of our true spiritual nature.
Throughout the poem, Wordsworth also makes use of vivid nature imagery to convey his ideas. In stanza six, for example, he describes the "mighty waters rolling evermore" as a symbol of the unchanging power of the soul. In stanza seven, he compares the "mighty heart" of a child to "Nature's sweet restorer, balmy Sleep", suggesting that the innocence and purity of childhood are a source of spiritual renewal and healing.
Language and Style
One of the distinctive features of "Ode: Intimations of Immortality" is its language and style. Wordsworth's poetry is known for its simplicity and clarity, and this poem is no exception. He uses simple, everyday language to convey complex ideas and feelings, and his style is marked by a rhythmic, almost musical quality.
At the same time, however, there is a grandeur and a majesty to the poem that is unmistakable. Wordsworth's use of repetition, for example, creates a sense of solemnity and reverence, as in the repeated phrase "But yet I know, where'er I go". Similarly, his use of rhetorical questions, such as "Whither is fled the visionary gleam?" and "Though nothing can bring back the hour", invites the reader to reflect on the deeper meanings of the poem and to consider their own experiences of memory, mortality, and spirituality.
Finally, it is worth noting the influence of the Bible on Wordsworth's poetry, and particularly on "Ode: Intimations of Immortality". The poem is infused with biblical language and imagery, from the references to "the God who is our home" in stanza eight to the depiction of the soul as a "star" that "cometh from afar". This biblical influence adds to the sense of grandeur and spirituality in the poem and suggests that Wordsworth saw his own poetry as a way of exploring the mysteries of the divine.
Interpretation
So, what does "Ode: Intimations of Immortality" mean? What is Wordsworth trying to say in this complex and multifaceted poem?
At its simplest, the poem is a celebration of the human spirit and its capacity for memory, imagination, and transcendence. Wordsworth suggests that, even in the face of mortality and impermanence, we can find meaning and purpose in our memories and our connections to nature, to each other, and to the divine. He encourages us to remember the moments of beauty and transcendence that we have experienced and to find strength and renewal in them.
At the same time, however, Wordsworth is also grappling with deeper questions about the nature of the soul and the meaning of life. He suggests that the soul is eternal and that our physical existence is only a temporary manifestation of our true spiritual nature. He uses nature imagery to convey the power and majesty of the soul, and he invites us to consider our own experiences of spiritual transcendence.
Ultimately, the poem is a celebration of the human experience, with all its joys, sorrows, and fleeting moments. It is a reminder that we are all part of a greater whole, connected to each other and to the natural world around us. It is a call to remember the moments of transcendence that we have experienced and to find meaning and purpose in our lives, even in the face of mortality and impermanence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Ode: Intimations of Immortality" is a masterpiece of Romantic poetry, a celebration of the human spirit and its capacity for memory, imagination, and transcendence. Through its vivid nature imagery, its biblical language, and its rhythmic, almost musical style, the poem invites us to consider the deeper meanings of life and to find meaning and purpose in our own experiences. It is a reminder that, even in the face of mortality and impermanence, there is beauty and transcendence to be found in the world around us, and that the human spirit is capable of great things.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
On Intimations of Immortality: A Poetic Journey into the Depths of the Human Soul
William Wordsworth's "Ode: Intimations of Immortality" is a masterpiece of Romantic poetry that explores the themes of mortality, memory, and the loss of innocence. Written in 1802-1804, the poem is a meditation on the nature of human existence and the relationship between the individual and the universe. It is a deeply personal and philosophical work that reflects Wordsworth's own spiritual and intellectual journey.
The poem is divided into eleven stanzas, each with a different rhyme scheme and meter. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Wordsworth reflects on his childhood memories and the sense of wonder and awe he felt at the world around him. He describes how he once saw the world "apparelled in celestial light" and how he felt "a glory in the grass, a splendor in the flower." This sense of wonder and beauty is contrasted with the present, where he feels that "the things which I have seen I now can see no more."
The second stanza introduces the theme of mortality, as Wordsworth reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of death. He describes how "the rainbow comes and goes, / And lovely is the rose," but how "we are laid asleep / In body, and become a living soul." This idea of the body as a temporary vessel for the soul is a central theme of the poem, as Wordsworth explores the relationship between the physical and spiritual aspects of human existence.
The third stanza introduces the concept of "intimations of immortality," as Wordsworth reflects on the idea that there is something eternal and unchanging within the human soul. He describes how "our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting," and how "trailing clouds of glory do we come / From God, who is our home." This idea of the soul as a divine spark that is temporarily housed within the body is a central theme of the poem, as Wordsworth explores the relationship between the individual and the universe.
The fourth stanza introduces the theme of memory, as Wordsworth reflects on the power of memory to transport us back to our childhood and the sense of wonder and innocence we once felt. He describes how "though nothing can bring back the hour / Of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower," memory has the power to "flash upon that inward eye / Which is the bliss of solitude." This idea of memory as a source of comfort and solace is a central theme of the poem, as Wordsworth explores the relationship between the past and the present.
The fifth stanza introduces the theme of loss, as Wordsworth reflects on the fact that as we grow older, we lose the sense of wonder and innocence we once felt. He describes how "the shades of the prison-house begin to close / Upon the growing boy," and how "the youth, who daily farther from the east / Must travel, still is nature's priest." This idea of the loss of innocence and the sense of wonder that comes with it is a central theme of the poem, as Wordsworth explores the relationship between the individual and the universe.
The sixth stanza introduces the theme of nature, as Wordsworth reflects on the power of nature to inspire and uplift the human spirit. He describes how "the mighty waters rolling evermore / To the sea, and the round earth's shore," and how "the winds that will be howling at all hours, / And are up-gathered now like sleeping flowers," are all part of the natural world that can inspire us to greatness. This idea of nature as a source of inspiration and wonder is a central theme of the poem, as Wordsworth explores the relationship between the individual and the universe.
The seventh stanza introduces the theme of the imagination, as Wordsworth reflects on the power of the human imagination to create beauty and meaning in the world. He describes how "the rainbow comes and goes, / And lovely is the rose," but how "we in ourselves rejoice!" This idea of the human imagination as a source of creativity and joy is a central theme of the poem, as Wordsworth explores the relationship between the individual and the universe.
The eighth stanza introduces the theme of the divine, as Wordsworth reflects on the idea that there is something divine and eternal within the human soul. He describes how "though inland far we be, / Our souls have sight of that immortal sea / Which brought us hither." This idea of the divine within the human soul is a central theme of the poem, as Wordsworth explores the relationship between the individual and the universe.
The ninth stanza introduces the theme of the afterlife, as Wordsworth reflects on the idea that there is something beyond this life that is eternal and unchanging. He describes how "the thought of our past years in me doth breed / Perpetual benediction," and how "though nothing can bring back the hour / Of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower," there is something eternal and unchanging within the human soul. This idea of the afterlife as a source of comfort and solace is a central theme of the poem, as Wordsworth explores the relationship between the individual and the universe.
The tenth stanza introduces the theme of the present, as Wordsworth reflects on the fact that the present moment is all we have. He describes how "our noisy years seem moments in the being / Of the eternal silence," and how "the youth, who daily farther from the east / Must travel, still is nature's priest." This idea of the present moment as a source of beauty and meaning is a central theme of the poem, as Wordsworth explores the relationship between the individual and the universe.
The eleventh and final stanza brings the poem full circle, as Wordsworth reflects on the idea that the sense of wonder and innocence we felt as children is still within us, waiting to be rediscovered. He describes how "though nothing can bring back the hour / Of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower," there is still something within us that is eternal and unchanging. This idea of the eternal within the human soul is a central theme of the poem, as Wordsworth explores the relationship between the individual and the universe.
In conclusion, "Ode: Intimations of Immortality" is a masterpiece of Romantic poetry that explores the themes of mortality, memory, and the loss of innocence. It is a deeply personal and philosophical work that reflects Wordsworth's own spiritual and intellectual journey. Through his exploration of the relationship between the individual and the universe, Wordsworth invites us to reflect on our own place in the world and the eternal nature of the human soul.
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