In the Words of Wordsworth
In the Words of Wordsworth: Explain what Wordsworth means when he calls nature “The anchor of my purest thoughts, the nurse, / The guide, the guardian of my heart, and soul / Of all my moral being.” Compare your own responses to nature and the natural landscape. To what extent do you share the Romantic view of nature?
Chapter 27 Journal
Jeannine Orndorff
January 20, 2013
William Wordsworth had a great love for the natural world. His poem “Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey” was particularly inspired by the memories from childhood of visiting the Wye River. He is comparing his feelings as a youth with his adult emotions about the same beautiful area. Throughout this poem he references the spirit of nature as living. This makes me believe he feels close to God when he is revering a natural landscape. He then goes on to sum up his feelings by saying that nature is “The anchor of my purest thoughts, the nurse, the guide, the guardian of my heart, and soul, of all my moral being.” There is a suggestion that nature is his guardian angel, guiding him through his life. He feels nature keeps him moral and heals him. I hold a similar view of nature. When I am with my horses and other farm animal there is a strong connection with my God and a sense of freedom. Standing on top of a mountain covered with snow, enjoying the view of other mountains, there is always a feeling of euphoria. I agree with Wordsworth, nature is still the defining essence.
Word count
Chapter 27 Journal
Jeannine Orndorff
January 20, 2013
William Wordsworth had a great love for the natural world. His poem “Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey” was particularly inspired by the memories from childhood of visiting the Wye River. He is comparing his feelings as a youth with his adult emotions about the same beautiful area. Throughout this poem he references the spirit of nature as living. This makes me believe he feels close to God when he is revering a natural landscape. He then goes on to sum up his feelings by saying that nature is “The anchor of my purest thoughts, the nurse, the guide, the guardian of my heart, and soul, of all my moral being.” There is a suggestion that nature is his guardian angel, guiding him through his life. He feels nature keeps him moral and heals him. I hold a similar view of nature. When I am with my horses and other farm animal there is a strong connection with my God and a sense of freedom. Standing on top of a mountain covered with snow, enjoying the view of other mountains, there is always a feeling of euphoria. I agree with Wordsworth, nature is still the defining essence.
Word count