Summary of "Lines Written in Early Spring" by William Wordsworth
In this contemplative poem, Wordsworth describes a peaceful moment spent reclining in a grove, where he experiences a bittersweet mixture of joy and sorrow. While surrounded by the beauty of nature - hearing blended sounds, observing primroses, periwinkles, and birds at play - he finds himself deeply troubled by humanity's treatment of fellow human beings.
The speaker believes that nature operates according to a divine plan where every living thing, from flowers to birds, experiences genuine pleasure and harmony. He observes the birds hopping and playing with apparent joy, the flowers seeming to breathe with contentment, and the budding twigs reaching out to catch the breeze with what appears to be delight.
This natural harmony stands in stark contrast to human society, leading to the poem's central lament: "What man has made of man." The speaker suggests that if nature's peaceful, pleasurable existence reflects God's intended design, then humanity's departure from this harmony - through cruelty, conflict, and moral corruption - becomes all the more tragic and worthy of grief.
The poem embodies Wordsworth's Romantic philosophy that nature serves as both a moral teacher and a refuge from society's corrupting influences. Through simple, accessible language, he presents the natural world as a standard by which to measure human behavior, finding humanity sadly lacking in comparison to the innocent joy and harmony displayed by the rest of creation.
1. What does the expression 'I sate reclined' indicate about the poet's state of mind?
The expression "I sate reclined" indicates that the poet is in a relaxed, contemplative, and peaceful state of mind. He is physically at ease, lying back in nature, which allows his mind to wander freely and engage in deep reflection. This leisurely posture suggests he is open to receiving nature's influences and has the mental space for philosophical thought.
2. Why does the poet feel sad while reclining in the grove?
The poet feels sad because the beauty and harmony of nature make him acutely aware of humanity's failures. While experiencing the peaceful, joyful atmosphere of the natural world, he cannot help but contrast it with the cruelty, violence, and moral corruption that humans inflict upon each other. This stark comparison between nature's innocence and humanity's destructiveness fills him with grief.
3. How does the poet associate himself with nature?
The poet associates himself with nature through the line "The human soul that through me ran," suggesting that nature's essence flows through him, creating a spiritual connection. He feels linked to nature's "fair works" and believes he can understand and interpret the emotions and experiences of natural beings, positioning himself as both observer and participant in nature's harmony.
4. 'And much it grieved my heart to think What man has made of man.' What do these lines convey?
These lines convey the poet's deep sorrow and moral anguish about humanity's treatment of fellow humans. The phrase "what man has made of man" suggests that humans have corrupted, oppressed, and dehumanised each other, departing from their natural, innocent state. It implies that humanity has created systems of cruelty, injustice, and suffering that are unnatural and contrary to God's intended design.
5. What makes the poet think that every flower enjoys its existence?
The poet believes every flower enjoys its existence because he observes them seemingly breathing with contentment and pleasure ("every flower / Enjoys the air it breathes"). This is based on his faith and intuitive belief rather than scientific observation. He interprets their natural behaviour - their growth, their response to air and light - as expressions of joy and satisfaction with their existence.
6. What is nature's holy plan? How does man work against it?
Nature's holy plan, according to the poet, is a divine design where all living beings exist in harmony, experiencing pleasure and contentment in their natural state. Every creature, from flowers to birds, participates joyfully in this plan. Man works against it by creating conflict, cruelty, and moral corruption - by treating fellow humans with violence and injustice rather than maintaining the peaceful, harmonious relationships that characterise the natural world.