The Romanticism in Wordsworth
Romantic poetry has very distinct details which set it apart from
previous poetry. William Wordsworth’s poem, “I Wandered Lonely As A
Cloud,” is full of the Romantic characteristics which were so
different during that time.
The poem begins with the speaker “floating” along, as though he or she
were a cloud, when he or she spots a “crowd/ …, of golden daffodils”
(Wordsworth, 3,4).
The speaker goes on to describe the daffodils and the lake that is
beside them. The images of the daffodils return to mind during a
difficult time , and cheers him up. It is important to note that the
speaker is speaking in first person. As this is a commonly used
technique in romantic poetry, it is easy to assume that the speaker is
also the poet.
One key characteristic that is shown in this poem is optimism. The
poem begins on a melancholic note with the use of the word “Lonely,”
but takes an uplifting spirit soon after. There is an optimistic
feeling through the rest of the poem. By using the adjective “golden”
to describe the daffodils, one is caused to think that the daffodils
are shining or are bright. The speaker continues by describing them
as “Fluttering and dancing in the breeze” (6) and moving in a
“sprightly dance” (12). These adjectives allow one to see them as
joyous and happy. In the next stanza, the speaker states that
although the waves beside the daffodils are “dancing,” the daffodils
“out-did the sparkling waves in glee” (14). The poem ends happily,
with the speaker’s heart being uplifted by the remembrance of the
daffodils.
There is much personification used in this poem. The daffodils, on
several occasions, are referred to in a human sense. They are
described as...
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...oud” (1) he, “dances with
the daffodils” (24). His imagination allows him an escape from the
society and political strife that he is forced to live in. Although
he physically cannot escape the everyday contention in his life, no
element of society can cleave to his imagination.
This poem offers much in the way of Romantic elements. Through the
Romantic characteristics that are employed in this poem, one is able
to fully understand the time in which the speaker was living. One is
also able to truly feel and understand what the speaker is trying to
convey. The emotion, with which the poem was written, provides one
with a desire to pursue one’s own imagination. The ability to do so,
while including so many of the Romantic components, causes this poem
to be pleasant and enjoyable to read.
Works Cited
Wordsworth, William. “I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud.”
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