Poetry Comparison, Essay Example

English Romantic poet William Wordsworth observes the theme of nature in the poems “The World Is Too Much With Us” and “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud.” By taking a look at these two poems, it is clear how the approach can be contrasted in the author’s styles. Additionally, the subject matter varies a bit, as well as the primary meaning involved in the poems. These two popular poems certainly shed light on the subject matter of nature, as is typical in Romanticism.

Meaning of “The World Is Too Much With Us”

In “The World Is Too Much With Us,” Williams Wordsworth takes on nature with the subject of material wealth and man. Drawing a very clear separation between man and nature, Wordsworth powerfully places the reader into underlying themes of life. Nearly giving the reader a choice – between material preoccupation and a relationship with nature – the meaning of the poem is quite apparent.

Materialism

The first portion of the poem deals with that of material wealth. The second line, “Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers (Wordsworth),” is a clearly directed criticism of “current society.” Of course, this is a universal application, even over 200 years later, due to the greed that permeates society.

Wordsworth connects this line with the inability to see nature. Asserting that “[in] Nature that is ours,” Wordsworth plants a seed by granting the reader a sense – or of course, a reality – of possession. Finally, in connecting it to the next line, in these three total lines, Wordsworth states we in society “have given our hearts away” by “getting and spending” and neglecting nature.

Nature

From the fifth line, Wordsworth continues his concentration on nature through the end of the poem. Plenty of metaphors and similes help describe the beauty and purity that is seen within nature, from the writer’s point of view. Wordsworth also adds first-person opinion into it as well. In this section of the poem, Wordsworth attaches significant meaning in the world – in nature – directly contrasting it to the negative presence of “getting and spending.”

Meaning of “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud”

In this popular work, Wordsworth once again approaches the common theme of nature. Very sentimental and romantic, this poem eloquently takes the reader on a journey as a cloud, due to the device of personification that is used. Inspired by a true event, it is simpler than the previous poem in that it does not comment on society or take a critical look at something, for instance.

Using many natural elements in the poem, Wordsworth uses the first person to describe his interactions “as a cloud.” From the “milky way” to “the waves,” the romantic journey is taken in the poem. In the final stanza, the phrase “when on my couch I lie” switches to a new tense, and gives the reader knowledge that this is a memory – which is another theme in itself, when analyzed deeply.

Approaches of the Two Poems

There are some noticeable similarities in how the poems express their meaning. One of the most obvious is with the first person, as the writer has a very active role in the poems. Each poem also actively uses various devices to describe the beauty that is present in the natural world, according to the author. Imagery is certainly a powerful device in the noted poems by Wordsworth.

In “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud,” the daffodils are an important metaphor for the world’s beauty. The powerful representation is a crucial aspect of the poem, which is a slightly different take – in this simple, elemental poem – than the other poem, the sonnet ““The World Is Too Much With Us.” In the latter case, the criticism of society is certainly seen in contrast to the world’s beauty, which is a much different take than the other.

One interesting similarity between the two poems is the interaction of man in nature. Each in the first person, the sonnet and the 24-line poem alike take an active approach to man in nature – the former “standing on this pleasant lea” and the latter dancing with the daffodils, for example. This device is a very powerful one, as each poem can be described as rather persuasive, in terms of speaking to the beauty of nature and letting the reader in on this important aspect.

Conclusion

These two poems from William Wordsworth have a great deal of relevance with nature. Taking on this primary end, there are also notable devices and subject matter, such as imagery and metaphors to go along with material possessions, memory, and other items. With plenty of in-depth ideas present, each poem is interesting for its ability to be valued and enjoyed on a surface level – with plenty of room for further analysis.

Works Cited

Wordsworth, William. “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud.” Poetry Foundation, n.d. Web. 18 July 2012.

Wordsworth, William. “The World Is Too Much With Us.” Poetry Foundation, n.d. Web. 18 July 2012.