Explore "Tintern Abbey by Wordsworth with Text, Analysis, Summary, Paraphrase, Notes, FAQs, etc along with brief biography of Wordsworth in this article.
Tintern Abbey by Wordsworth: Text
Five years have passed; five summers, with the length
Of five long winters! and again I hear
These waters, rolling from their mountain-springs
With a sweet inland murmur. – Once again
Do I behold these steep and lofty cliffs,
Which on a wild secluded scene impress
Thoughts of more deep seclusion; and connect
The landscape with the quiet of the sky.
The day is come when I again repose
Here, under this dark sycamore, and view
These plots of cottage-ground, these orchard-tufts,
Which at this season, with their unripe fruits,
Are clad in one green hue, and lose themselves
'Mid groves and copses. Once again I see
These hedge-rows, hardly hedge-rows, little lines
Of sportive wood run wild: these pastoral farms,
Green to the very door; and wreaths of smoke
Sent up, in silence, from among the trees!
With some uncertain notice, as might seem,
Of vagrant dwellers in the houseless woods,
Or of some Hermit's cave, where by his fire
The Hermit sits alone.
Though absent long,
These forms of beauty have not been to me,
As is a landscape to a blind man's eye:
But oft, in lonely rooms, and 'mid the din
Of towns and cities, I have owed to them
In hours of weariness, sensations sweet,
Felt in the blood, and felt along the heart;
And passing even into my purer mind,
With tranquil restoration: – feelings too
Of unremembered pleasure: such, perhaps,
As have no slight or trivial influence
On that best portion of a good man's life;
His little, nameless, unremembered, acts
Of kindness and of love. Nor less, I trust,
To them I may have owed another gift,
Of aspect more sublime; that blessed mood,
In which the burthen of the mystery,
In which the heavy and the weary weight
Of all this unintelligible world,
Is lightened: – that serene and blessed mood,
In which the affections gently lead us on, –
Until, the breath of this corporeal frame
And even the motion of our human blood
Almost suspended, we are laid asleep
In body, and become a living soul:
While with an eye made quiet by the power
Of harmony, and the deep power of joy,
We see into the life of things.
If this
Be but a vain belief, yet, oh! how oft –
In darkness and amid the many shapes
Of joyless daylight; when the fretful stir
Unprofitable, and the fever of the world,
Have hung upon the beatings of my heart –
How oft, in spirit, have I turned to thee,
O sylvan Wye! thou wanderer thro' the woods,
How often has my spirit turned to thee!
And now, with gleams of half-extinguished thought,
With many recognitions dim and faint,
And somewhat of a sad perplexity,
The picture of the mind revives again:
While here I stand, not only with the sense
Of present pleasure, but with pleasing thoughts
That in this moment there is life and food
For future years. And so I dare to hope,
Though changed, no doubt, from what I was when first
I came among these hills; when like a roe
I bounded o'er the mountains, by the sides
Of the deep rivers, and the lonely streams,
Wherever nature led: more like a man
Flying from something that he dreads, than one
Who sought the thing he loved. For nature then
(The coarser pleasures of my boyish days
And their glad animal movements all gone by)
To me was all in all. – I cannot paint
What then I was. The sounding cataract
Haunted me like a passion: the tall rock,
The mountain, and the deep and gloomy wood,
Their colours and their forms, were then to me
An appetite; a feeling and a love,
That had no need of a remoter charm,
By thought supplied, nor any interest
Unborrowed from the eye. – That time is past,
And all its aching joys are now no more,
And all its dizzy raptures. Not for this
Faint I, nor mourn nor murmur; other gifts
Have followed; for such loss, I would believe,
Abundant recompense. For I have learned
To look on nature, not as in the hour
Of thoughtless youth; but hearing oftentimes
The still, sad music of humanity,
Nor harsh nor grating, though of ample power
To chasten and subdue. And I have felt
A presence that disturbs me with the joy
Of elevated thoughts; a sense sublime
Of something far more deeply interfused,
Whose dwelling is the light of setting suns,
And the round ocean, and the living air,
And the blue sky, and in the mind of man:
A motion and a spirit, that impels
All thinking things, all objects of all thought,
And rolls through all things. Therefore am I still
A lover of the meadows and the woods,
And mountains; and of all that we behold
From this green earth; of all the mighty world
Of eye, and ear, – both what they half create,
And what perceive; well pleased to recognize
In nature and the language of the sense,
The anchor of my purest thoughts, the nurse,
The guide, the guardian of my heart, and soul
Of all my moral being.
Nor perchance,
If I were not thus taught, should I the more
Suffer my genial spirits to decay:
For thou art with me, here, upon the banks
Of this fair river; thou my dearest Friend,
My dear, dear Friend; and in thy voice I catch
The language of my former heart, and read
My former pleasures in the shooting lights
Of thy wild eyes. Oh! yet a little while
May I behold in thee what I was once,
My dear, dear Sister! and this prayer I make,
Knowing that Nature never did betray
The heart that loved her; 'tis her privilege,
Through all the years of this our life, to lead
From joy to joy: for she can so inform
The mind that is within us, so impress
With quietness and beauty, and so feed
With lofty thoughts, that neither evil tongues,
Rash judgments, nor the sneers of selfish men,
Nor greetings where no kindness is, nor all
The dreary intercourse of daily life,
Shall e'er prevail against us, or disturb
Our cheerful faith, that all which we behold
Is full of blessings. Therefore let the moon
Shine on thee in thy solitary walk;
And let the misty mountain-winds be free
To blow against thee: and, in after years,
When these wild ecstasies shall be matured
Into a sober pleasure; when thy mind
Shall be a mansion for all lovely forms,
Thy memory be as a dwelling-place
For all sweet sounds and harmonies; oh! then,
If solitude, or fear, or pain, or grief,
Should be thy portion, with what healing thoughts
Of tender joy wilt thou remember me,
And these my exhortations! Nor, perchance –
If I should be where I no more can hear
Thy voice, nor catch from thy wild eyes these gleams
Of past existence – wilt thou then forget
That on the banks of this delightful stream
We stood together; and that I, so long
A worshipper of Nature, hither came
Unwearied in that service: rather say
With warmer love – oh! with far deeper zeal
Of holier love. Nor wilt thou then forget,
That after many wanderings, many years
Of absence, these steep woods and lofty cliffs,
And this green pastoral landscape, were to me
More dear, both for themselves and for thy sake! 0 0 0.
Tintern Abbey by Wordsworth: An Analysis
Introduction:
"Tintern Abbey," formally titled "Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey, On Revisiting the Banks of the Wye During a Tour. July 13, 1798," is a seminal work by the English Romantic poet William Wordsworth. This poem, part of the collection "Lyrical Ballads" which he co-authored with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, captures Wordsworth's profound connection to nature and his philosophical reflections on memory, time, and spiritual growth. Written in blank verse, "Tintern Abbey" is both a personal recollection and a meditative exploration of how the natural world shapes human experience. Wordsworth revisits the banks of the River Wye after five years, reflecting on the changes within himself and the enduring, restorative power of nature. The poem not only highlights the poet's deep appreciation for the landscape but also delves into the transformative impact of nature on the mind and soul, making it a cornerstone of Romantic literature.
Thematic Analysis
Nature and Memory: One of the central themes of "Tintern Abbey" is the power of nature to shape and influence human thought and emotion. Wordsworth reflects on how his perception of nature has evolved from the unreflective enjoyment of his youth to a deeper, more contemplative appreciation in adulthood. He recalls the joy and solace nature provided him during his absence from the Wye River and describes how these memories sustained him during challenging times in urban settings.
The Passage of Time: The poem explores the effects of time on both the natural world and human experience. Wordsworth contrasts his youthful exuberance and the intense, immediate pleasures of nature with his more mature understanding of its enduring spiritual significance. This theme is underscored by his reflection on the five years that have passed since his last visit and the changes in himself during this period.
The Sublime and the Beautiful: Wordsworth delves into the concept of the sublime in nature, which elicits a sense of awe and wonder that transcends ordinary experience. This theme is evident in his descriptions of the landscape and his feelings of being part of something greater than himself. He experiences moments of sublime insight where he feels a profound connection with the natural world and its spiritual essence.
Solitude and Companionship: The poem juxtaposes the solitary communion with nature and the companionship of loved ones. Wordsworth addresses his sister Dorothy in the latter part of the poem, expressing hope that she will derive the same restorative power from nature that he has. This duality emphasizes the balance between solitary reflection and shared experiences.
The Power of Imagination: Wordsworth emphasizes the role of imagination in perceiving and connecting with nature. He suggests that nature's beauty and power are not just external realities but are also shaped by the mind's ability to perceive and interpret them. This imaginative engagement with nature enriches his spiritual and emotional life.
Stylistic Analysis
Blank Verse: The poem is written in unrhymed iambic pentameter, also known as blank verse. This form gives the poem a natural, flowing rhythm that mirrors conversational speech while maintaining a formal structure. The lack of rhyme allows Wordsworth greater flexibility in expression and helps convey the meditative, reflective tone of the poem.
Imagery: Wordsworth's use of vivid imagery brings the landscape of the Wye River valley to life. He describes the "steep and lofty cliffs," "plots of cottage-ground," and "orchard-tufts," creating a detailed and immersive depiction of the natural scene. This imagery serves to evoke the beauty and tranquility of the setting, enhancing the reader's sense of the sublime.
Personification: Nature is often personified in the poem, depicted as a nurturing and guiding force. Wordsworth speaks of nature leading him from "joy to joy" and describes it as a "guardian of my heart, and soul / Of all my moral being." This personification underscores the deep, almost spiritual relationship he has with the natural world.
Tone and Mood: The tone of the poem is contemplative and serene, reflecting Wordsworth's introspective engagement with his memories and the present moment. There is a sense of tranquility and reverence as he describes his surroundings and reflects on their impact on his life. The mood shifts from nostalgic to hopeful as he envisions the future benefits of nature for himself and his sister.
Symbolism: Nature serves as a powerful symbol throughout the poem. The river, cliffs, and woods symbolize the constancy and renewal of the natural world, contrasted with the transience of human experience. Wordsworth's journey back to Tintern Abbey symbolizes a return to a source of inner strength and inspiration.
Juxtaposition: Wordsworth frequently juxtaposes his past and present selves, highlighting the changes in his perception and understanding of nature. This contrast illustrates the theme of growth and maturation, showing how his experiences and reflections have deepened his appreciation for the natural world.
In summary, "Tintern Abbey" is a rich and layered poem that explores the transformative power of nature, the passage of time, and the deep connection between human experience and the natural world. Wordsworth's stylistic choices, including his use of blank verse, vivid imagery, and personification, effectively convey the poem's themes and create a meditative, reflective tone. 0 0 0.
Tintern Abbey by Wordsworth: Paraphrase
It's been five years since I last visited this place—five long years have passed, with their summers and winters. Now, I hear the waters again, flowing from the mountains with a gentle sound. I see these high cliffs once more, which add a sense of solitude and peace to the scene, connecting the landscape to the calm sky. Today, I rest under this sycamore tree, looking at the cottage gardens and the orchards with their green, unripe fruits, blending with the groves and woods. I see the wild hedges, overgrown and full of playful, untamed trees. The pastoral farms are green right up to their doors, and smoke rises silently from the trees, hinting at people living in the woods or a hermit sitting by his fire.
Though I've been away for a long time, these beautiful scenes haven't been forgotten. In lonely rooms or noisy cities, memories of this place have brought me sweet sensations, felt deep within my heart, offering calm and joy. These feelings have also given me a sense of unremembered pleasures, influencing my best moments of kindness and love. I've also gained a sense of a higher, sublime mood, where the burdens of life are lightened, and I feel connected to the spirit of all things. In these moments, my mind is at peace, and I see deeply into the essence of life.
Even if this is just a comforting belief, how often, in dark times or amid the worries of life, have I turned to you, O Wye River, in my thoughts! How often has my spirit returned to you!
Now, with dim and fading memories and a bit of sad confusion, my mind revives the picture of this place. I stand here not only enjoying the present but also with hopeful thoughts for the future. Although I am changed from when I first came here, full of youthful energy, running freely over the mountains and along the rivers, now, I am more thoughtful. Nature was everything to me then, a source of wild pleasure and passion. The sights and sounds of nature were like an appetite, a feeling that needed no extra charm or deeper thought.
That time has passed, and those intense joys are gone. But I don't mourn the loss. Other gifts have come instead. I've learned to look at nature not with the thoughtlessness of youth, but with a deeper understanding of humanity's sad music. I feel a sublime presence that brings elevated thoughts, a sense of something deeply infused in the world—the light of sunsets, the ocean, the air, the sky, and the human mind. This spirit moves through all things, giving me a love for the meadows, woods, and mountains, and all that we see around us. Nature and the senses anchor my purest thoughts, guiding and nurturing my moral being.
Even if I had not learned these lessons, I would still feel joy because you are with me, my dear friend and sister. In your voice, I hear my former self, and in your wild eyes, I see my past pleasures. I hope to see in you what I once was. Dear sister, I pray that nature, which never betrays a loving heart, will lead you from joy to joy, nurturing your mind with beauty and lofty thoughts. In solitude, fear, or grief, may you remember me and these words with healing thoughts of joy. And if I am no longer here to hear your voice or see your eyes, may you not forget that we stood together on the banks of this delightful stream, and that I came here often, filled with a deep love for nature and you. 0 0 0.
Tintern Abbey by Wordsworth: Summary
In "Tintern Abbey," Wordsworth reflects on his return to the banks of the River Wye after a five-year absence. The poem begins with Wordsworth describing the natural beauty of the landscape—steep cliffs, murmuring waters, and verdant woods—that remains unchanged since his last visit. These elements evoke memories of his youthful experiences in nature, where he found joy and solace in the tranquil surroundings.
Wordsworth contrasts his current experience with his past, emphasizing how his perception of nature has evolved. In his youth, he experienced nature as a source of immediate pleasure and physical delight, akin to an "appetite" that required no deeper reflection. Now, in his more mature state, he sees nature not just as a source of sensory pleasure, but as a profound spiritual and moral force. Nature, he believes, has the power to nurture the mind and soul, offering moments of sublime insight and connecting him to something greater than himself.
Throughout the poem, Wordsworth explores the theme of memory and its role in shaping human experience. He reflects on how memories of this place have sustained him during times of solitude and urban life, providing him with moments of calm and joy. These memories serve as a link to his past self and a source of continuity in a changing world.
Addressing his sister Dorothy in the latter part of the poem, Wordsworth expresses his hope that she too will find solace and inspiration in the beauty of nature. He believes that nature's enduring presence and its ability to evoke deep emotional and spiritual responses are universal, offering healing and renewal to all who seek it.
In summary, "Tintern Abbey" is a profound meditation on the transformative power of nature, the passage of time, and the enduring connection between humanity and the natural world. Wordsworth's reflective and lyrical exploration of these themes makes the poem a quintessential work of English Romanticism, influencing generations of poets and readers alike with its celebration of the sublime in everyday experience.
Tintern Abbey by Wordsworth: Word Notes
Lines 1-22: Introduction and Setting
"Five years have passed": Passage of time since last visit.
"Waters, rolling from their mountain-springs": River Wye's flow, symbolizing continuity.
"Steep and lofty cliffs": The impressive natural landscape.
"Sweet inland murmur": Gentle, calming sounds of the river.
"Seclusion": Isolation and peace found in nature.
"Cottage-ground": Rural, pastoral settings.
"Orchard-tufts": Small clusters of fruit trees.
"Unripe fruits": Early stage of growth, metaphor for potential.
"Green hue": Lushness of the landscape.
"Groves and copses": Small wooded areas.
"Hedge-rows": Natural borders, symbolic of nature's boundary.
Lines 23-57: Memory and Reflection
"Forms of beauty": The landscape's aesthetic.
"Lonely rooms": Solitary urban settings.
"Sensations sweet": Emotional response to nature's memory.
"Unremembered pleasure": Subconscious joy from nature.
"Best portion of a good man's life": Core values of kindness and love.
"Blessed mood": Elevated state of mind through nature.
"Burthen of the mystery": The weight of life's uncertainties.
"Living soul": Spiritual awakening.
"Eye made quiet": Inner peace through contemplation.
"Life of things": Deeper understanding of existence.
Lines 58-111: Evolution of Perception
"Sylvan Wye": Forested river, symbolizing nature's constancy.
"Gleams of half-extinguished thought": Fading yet persistent memories.
"Sad perplexity": Mixed emotions of nostalgia and confusion.
"Moment there is life": Present joy and future hope.
"More like a man / Flying from something": Youthful restlessness.
"Glad animal movements": Simple, unthinking pleasures of youth.
"Sounding cataract": Waterfall, representing passionate engagement with nature.
"Haunted me like a passion": Intense, almost obsessive connection.
"Appetite": Innate, instinctual love for nature.
Lines 112-159: Mature Understanding and Spiritual Connection
"Aching joys": Intense yet transient pleasures of youth.
"Dizzy raptures": Overwhelming, ecstatic experiences.
"Still, sad music of humanity": Reflective, deeper awareness of life's complexities.
"Presence that disturbs me": Awe-inspiring sense of the sublime.
"Sublime": Elevated, transcendent experiences.
"Light of setting suns": Nature's beauty and constancy.
"Blue sky": Universal, encompassing presence.
"Motion and a spirit": Dynamic, life-giving force in nature.
"Both what they half create, / And what perceive": Interplay between perception and reality.
Lines 160-162: Companionship and Continuity
"Genial spirits": Warm, pleasant disposition.
"Dearest Friend": Address to his sister, emphasizing emotional bond.
"Language of my former heart": Connection to past self through his sister.
Lines 163-179: Nature's Influence and Hope for the Future
"Dear, dear Sister": Repeated for emphasis on affection.
"Nature never did betray": Faith in nature's constancy.
"Mind that is within us": Inner world shaped by nature.
"Genial spirits to decay": Hope to maintain joy and vitality.
"Healing thoughts of tender joy": Comfort and solace from memories.
"Delightful stream": River Wye, central to his reflections.
"Worshipper of Nature": Deep, almost religious reverence for nature.
"Holier love": Elevated, sacred connection.
These notes provide a brief explanation of key words and phrases to help understand the deeper meanings and themes within the poem. 0 0 0.
Tintern Abbey by Wordsworth: FAQs
Q1: What is the full title of the poem?
The full title of the poem is "Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey, On Revisiting the Banks of the Wye During a Tour. July 13, 1798."
Q2: When was "Tintern Abbey" written and published?
The poem was written on July 13, 1798, and published later that year as part of the collection "Lyrical Ballads," which Wordsworth co-authored with Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
Q3: What is the main theme of "Tintern Abbey"?
The main theme of "Tintern Abbey" is the transformative and restorative power of nature. The poem explores how nature influences the poet's thoughts, emotions, and spiritual well-being.
Q4: What is the structure of the poem?
"Tintern Abbey" is written in blank verse, which is unrhymed iambic pentameter. This structure gives the poem a natural, flowing rhythm that resembles conversational speech.
Q5: How does Wordsworth's perception of nature change in the poem?
- A: Wordsworth's perception of nature evolves from the unreflective joy and intense physical pleasure of his youth to a more contemplative and spiritual appreciation in adulthood. He reflects on how nature has become a source of deep emotional and spiritual sustenance.
Q6: Who is the "dear, dear Sister" mentioned in the poem?
The "dear, dear Sister" is Dorothy Wordsworth, the poet's beloved sibling. Wordsworth addresses her in the latter part of the poem, expressing his hope that she will also find solace and inspiration in nature.
Q7: What role does memory play in the poem?
Memory plays a crucial role in "Tintern Abbey." Wordsworth recalls his previous visit to the Wye River and reflects on how the memories of nature have provided him with comfort and joy during difficult times in urban settings.
Q8: What does Wordsworth mean by "the still, sad music of humanity"?
"The still, sad music of humanity" refers to Wordsworth's deeper, more mature understanding of life's complexities and sorrows, which he perceives through his contemplation of nature.
Q9: How does Wordsworth describe his connection to nature in the poem?
Wordsworth describes his connection to nature as profound and spiritual. He feels a sense of unity with the natural world, experiencing moments of sublime insight where he perceives a deeper, interconnected essence in all things.
Q10: What is the significance of the River Wye in the poem?
The River Wye is central to the poem's setting and symbolism. It represents the continuity and constancy of nature, serving as a physical and emotional anchor for Wordsworth's reflections on time, memory, and spiritual growth.
Q11: How does the poem reflect Romantic ideals?
"Tintern Abbey" embodies Romantic ideals through its emphasis on the beauty and power of nature, the importance of individual perception and imagination, and the exploration of deep emotional and spiritual experiences.
Q12: What is the overall tone of "Tintern Abbey"?
The tone of the poem is contemplative and serene, with moments of nostalgia, reverence, and hope. Wordsworth reflects on his past, appreciates the present, and expresses optimism for the future.
Q13: Why is "Tintern Abbey" considered an important work in English literature?
"Tintern Abbey" is considered a cornerstone of Romantic literature for its eloquent exploration of nature, memory, and the human spirit. It showcases Wordsworth's poetic philosophy and his deep connection to the natural world, influencing subsequent generations of poets and readers.
These FAQs provide a comprehensive overview of the key aspects of "Tintern Abbey," helping readers understand its themes, structure, and significance. 0 0 0.
William Wordsworth: Brief Biography
William Wordsworth (1770-1850) was a major English Romantic poet who, along with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, helped to launch the Romantic Age in English literature with their joint publication of "Lyrical Ballads" in 1798. Wordsworth was born on April 7, 1770, in Cockermouth, Cumberland, in the Lake District of England, a region that profoundly influenced his poetry.
Wordsworth's early life was marked by the death of his mother when he was eight and his father's passing when he was thirteen. He attended Cambridge University and developed a deep appreciation for nature during his formative years. The natural beauty of the Lake District, with its lakes, mountains, and forests, became a central theme in his poetry.
In 1791, Wordsworth traveled to France, where he became an ardent supporter of the French Revolution's ideals of liberty and equality. However, disillusionment with the violence and chaos of the revolution led him to reassess his political beliefs. This experience influenced his later poetry, which often reflected a more introspective and personal outlook.
Wordsworth's poetic career can be divided into different phases. In his early work, he celebrated the beauty and spiritual renewal found in nature, as seen in poems like "Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey." His poetry emphasized the importance of individual perception and imagination, rejecting the formalism and artificiality of 18th-century poetry in favor of a more natural and spontaneous style.
During his middle years, Wordsworth focused on themes of loss, mortality, and the passage of time, grappling with personal and societal changes. He also held various governmental positions, including serving as the Distributor of Stamps for Westmorland, which provided him with financial stability.
Later in life, William Wordsworth published his autobiographical poem, "The Prelude," which explores the development of his poetic mind and philosophical outlook. He continued to write poetry and revise earlier works until his death on April 23, 1850, in Rydal Mount, near Ambleside, in the Lake District.
Wordsworth's legacy lies in his profound influence on English Romanticism and his pioneering use of everyday language and themes drawn from ordinary life. His poetry celebrates the spiritual and moral significance of nature, the power of memory and imagination, and the complexities of human experience, making him one of the most important poets in English literature. 0 0 0.
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