William Wordsworth’s ‘The Excursion’ Explained | What is the Significance of the Poem?

The Excursion is a thoughtful poem that juxtaposes the pace of development with the state of environmental degradation. The text provides an intelligent commentary on the state of humanity’s race for progress, which to Wordsworth, doesn’t make a lot of sense. 

Considered one of the initial poetic texts of modern history showing environmental concerns, The Excursion is a reminder to slow down, look around, and rethink our approach.

Without further ado, let’s explore the true meaning of The Excursion. As usual, you can drop your thoughts in the comments below:


What does Wordsworth say about development?

The poem starts with, “Meanwhile, at social Industry’s command How quick, how vast an increase. From the germ Of some poor hamlet, rapidly produced Here a huge town, continuous and compact”.

Wordsworth thinks the pace of industrialization and expansion of urban space have been impressive but the growth has rendered nature vulnerable. The poet argues if the earth was ever supposed to experience a development of this sort. According to him, the growth has done more harm than good.


Why does Wordsworth grieve?

Wordsworth is upset over the deteriorating state of nature. He fears the future of England is in danger. Expressing his grief, he writes, “I grieve, when on the darker side Of this great change I look; and there behold Such outrage done to nature.”


What is the interplay between development and environmental degradation?

Wordsworth writes of his observation, “He sees the barren wilderness erased, Or disappearing; triumph that proclaims How much the mild Directress of the plough Owes to alliance with these new-born arts!”

The cover of nature has been shrinking. Concrete is replacing the greenery. The progress, no doubt, has been magnificent, but is it worth it at the cost of the mother earth that gave birth to everything in the first place?


What is the significance of the poem?

The Excursion is more relevant today than ever before. The reckless development has jeopardised our present and put our future at existential risk. The average surface temperature of the earth has risen by 1.1°C since the start of the Industrial Revolution in 1850. Pollution and excessive burden on earth’s resources are also the result of mindless progress.

The fact that Wordsworth wrote of environmental degradation over 30 years before the Industrial Revolution speaks volumes of his understanding and connection with nature.


What do you think of The Excursion? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below:

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