William Wordsworth’s “Ode: Intimations of Immortality” is a beautiful poem that explores the evolution of the writer’s relationship with nature. With the poetry, Wordsworth seeks to explain his departure from the lap of nature, and his realization of the same. The text is complex and impactful as it encourages us to ponder our connection with nature.
Ode is often considered one of Wordsworth’s masterpieces for its detailed take on human-nature relationships. Turn on the reading lights, and get comfy, we’re about to dive into the true meaning of Ode. As usual, your thoughts are welcome in the comments below:
How did Wordsworth see nature during his childhood?
Wordsworth feels nature had a magical impact on him during his childhood. Every element of nature and ‘common sight’ seemed to be ‘appareled in celestial light’. The heavenly beauty of the natural features of the earth was like a dream to Wordsworth. However, the features that once spurred surreal feelings in the poet no longer seem to have the same effect.
The poet says things are still the same, but he doesn’t get the same feeling as he used to as a child. Expressing the same, Wordsworth writes, “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:”
What are Wordsworth’s thoughts on birth?
Of birth, Wordsworth writes, “Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting: The Soul that rises with us, our life’s Star // Not in entire forgetfulness, And not in utter nakedness, But trailing clouds of glory do we come From God, who is our home:”
According to the poet, human birth is pretty much like a sleep in which we forget where we have come from.
Our souls are compared to the creation of a star. As a newborn enters this world, he isn’t a blank slate. Instead, he brings along “trailing clouds of glory”. The heaven, though momentary, encompasses the life of a child. However, with every second of growth, he grows farther from the heaven of the origin. His experiences in life one day almost completely distance him from the sheer goodness of childhood.
What’s the poet’s connection with nature in adulthood?
The poet’s relationship with nature in adulthood has gone bland. The enticing spark is missing, and he can’t find inspiration from the natural sights anymore. However, he writes, “O joy! That in our embers Is something that doth live, That Nature yet remembers What was so fugitive!” Meaning: The shreds of the poet’s memories of his childhood keep him going.
He feels blessed to have shared such a magnificent bond with nature. The poet embraces childhood’s optimism and way of questioning things of every day.
What’s the solution to human’s failing relationship with nature?
Even though Wordsworth is aware nothing could bring back the glory days of childhood, he isn’t hopeless. He argues one can still go back in time to those happy times and catch a glimpse of one’s childhood by looking at kids playing around. Furthermore, there is no need to fret as one can always draw inspiration and strength from those golden memories.
Wordsworth feels strong and believes nature can still tap his soul like nothing else. He still finds the ‘might’ of nature around himself. He writes, “To me the meanest flower that blows can give thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears.” An ordinary flower has the potential to spur pure feelings.
What are your thoughts on this incredible poem? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below: