Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Ariana Azoulai
Prof. Batty
20 September 2017
Poems are often disregarded at a first glance as a result of confusion. While this has
become an expectation, William Wordsworth (a well-known lyrical poet) does the opposite of
whats expected. I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud are one of his more popular pieces, which
actually focuses on a simpler message. Some students believe Wordsworths poem to hold an
underlying meaning of solitude, however, his poems main idea is simply an appreciation of
nature by the use of: imagery, personification, meter, and inspiration from his life.
The use of imagery and personification in: I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud is clearly
present throughout each stanza and adds to Wordsworths admiration of nature. Having a clear
image in ones mind sets up a sense of reality, which in turn, allows the reader to feel a
connection to the poem. Imagery is created by Wordsworth when he speaks of the daffodils and
constructs a focal point for the poem: A host, of golden daffodils;/ Beside the lake, beneath the
trees,/ Fluttering and dancing in the breeze (4-6). This use of imagery, mixed with
personification, creates a detailed visual within the readers mind. One can imagine the daffodils
being framed by surrounding nature. Wordsworth also describes the daffodils in a happy way,
which gives the reader a positive feeling towards the flowers. Personification is another tool that
can be seen within the poem; breathing life into the words and invoking a familiarity of the
senses that the reader can join along with: And then my heart with pleasure fills,/ And dances
with the daffodils (23-24). Obviously, a heart cant dance, but it does cause the reader to form
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an idea of enjoyment within their mind. The reader also associates happiness, with not only the
daffodils, but with nature in general. Using such formalist tools like imagery and personification,
gives Wordsworths poem an exaggerated undertone. The main idea-enjoying lifes simple
pleasures through nature-is consequentially given more importance by the usage of imagery and
personification, and fosters the reader to have a greater appreciation of the poets message.
Another tool Wordsworth uses is meter. Meter has a lot to do with the way someone is
affected by a poem and is what allows words to flow seamlessly (or not). In this case, meter is
used to enhance the flow of the poem by using a specific pattern of ...four six-line stanzas of
iambic tetrameter, rhyming ababcc(Thomas, "I Wandered Lonely"). By using this form, the
poem is able to transition from one thought into another smoothly. The reader is also
subconsciously obtaining a hypnotic state in response to the meters repetitiveness. This not only
creates an urge to keep reading the poem, but it also shows another facet of simplicity conveyed.
The poems theme of simplicity-found in enjoying nature-is enhanced by the easy rhythm of
meter as well.
Wordsworths applies a historical lens to affect how this poem is read and interpreted.
During Wordsworths life, he was close with another famous poet, Coleridge. His friendship
with Coleridge is what pushed Wordsworth to write lyrical poetry and eventually break barriers.
He began to write about the simple things in life, such as ...ordinary events in the lives of
ordinary people: simple country folk and children mainly, but also social outcasts and misfits.
Not only did this break all the neoclassical rules about the proper subject matter of poetry,
but..Wordsworth also challenged the conventional wisdom regarding poetic diction (Bryan,
"William Wordsworth").Writing about simple events at the time was not common, so when
Wordsworth did so, it set a new bar for poets and their poetry. This straightforward approach
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allows the reader to connect on a much easier level, since its something they can relate to. To
create relatable work, Wordsworth would often use real life examples. The poet was actually
surrounded by inspiration from a young age, being Born on the borders of the Lake District in
northwest England...Wordsworth loved the Lakeland countryside, where he was free to roam for
inspiration, lets the reader know that the events which influenced his poems, were everyday
experiences. Which means, it could happen to anyone; thus destroying a common barrier that
separates reader from poem. Using everyday experiences allows the reader to feel as if they are
able to tell the story as the narrator and as if they are the ones dancing with the daffodils.
Reading poetry is not an easy thing to do, but given the right context, it can be a pleasant
experience. William Wordsworth proves that reading poetry doesnt have to be an unbearable
simplistic poem that uses formalist tools, such as: imagery, personification, and meter. In
addition, the poem uses historicist tools, such as inspiration from real events. Poets like William
Wordsworth are incredibly important to people all across the world. His work pushes people to
take notice of the smaller things in life, whether that be experiences, people, or (in this case)
nature. Recognizing the simpler things in life, and appreciating them, is what allows people to
lead fulfilled lives. If poets like William Wordsworth didnt exist, everyone would constantly be
filled with an insatiable need to have more things, versus, appreciating the life that surrounds
them.
Works Cited
EBSCOhost,
library.lavc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ers&
AN=88807542&site=eds-live.
Steele, Thomas J. "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud by William Wordsworth." Salem Press
library.lavc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ers&
AN=119624283&site=eds-live.
www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45521/i-wandered-lonely-as-a-cloud.