Too Much With Us Figurative Language

William Wordsworth reflects on the disturbing disconnection between humans and nature in the poem, “Too Much With Us”. Wordsworth uses figurative language and parallel structure to show his frustration regarding the fact that humans do not appreciate nature. In using figurative language like personification and allusion, Wordsworth compares nature to things worthy of respect and admiration, yet humans still ignore it. One example of this is when Wordsworth describes the sea: “This Sea that bares her bosom to the moon.” Through personification, Wordsworth makes the sea emanate vulnerability and openness, yet humans do not accept and turn their back on nature. By giving a virtuous trait to the sea, human’s refusal of nature seems cruel and unnecessary.
In addition to this, Wordsworth alludes nature to deities and how he sees them in nature: “Sight of Proteus rising from the sea; Or hear old Triton blow his wreathèd horn.” The allusion of the Gods as being a part of nature elevates nature to a rank above humans and shows that nature is something that humans should be worshipping and respecting. This comparison shows the absurdity in human’s disrespect for nature and Wordsworth’s cause of frustration.
Through parallel structure, Wordsworth brings attention to activities humans are attracted to in place of nature and why it is a problem.