Lines Written in Early Spring

Table of Contents

I heard a thousand blended notes,
While in a grove I sate reclined,
In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts
Bring sad thoughts to the mind.

To her fair works did Nature link
The human soul that through me ran;
And much it grieved my heart to think
What man has made of man.

Through primrose tufts, in that green bower,
The periwinkle trailed its wreaths;
And 'tis my faith that every flower
Enjoys the air it breathes.

The birds around me hopped and played,
Their thoughts I cannot measure:-
But the least motion which they made
It seemed a thrill of pleasure.

The budding twigs spread out their fan,
To catch the breezy air;
And I must think, do all I can,
That there was pleasure there.

If this belief from heaven be sent,
If such be Nature's holy plan,
Have I not reason to lament
What man has made of man?

 

Analysis

"Lines Written in Early Spring" has a rather simple form: it is composed of only six four-line stanzas, and is written in iambs with an abab rhyme scheme for each stanza. The simplicity of the poem is representative of the bulk of the rest of Wordsworth's works (and of most Romantic poetry). The simple words and style of the Romantic Movement came from a complete rejection of the flowery, lofty style that was popular in previous years.

The connection with nature in this poem is very apparent. Wordsworth strengthens the bond by placing the speaker in the middle of nature, all alone except for the plants and animals around him. He also personifies nature, giving her the ability to make decisions, link herself to his soul, and experience pleasure. Nature, in this poem, does everything right; it is a man who has failed by rejecting nature.

Another interesting aspect of this poem is the fact that the perfection of nature saddens the speaker. Melancholy sets in almost immediately because of the striking contrast between nature and humanity. The speaker seems to feel that it is his responsibility to ponder the mistakes of humanity. This is especially evident in the question posed in the last stanza.

The speaker suggests that man can simultaneously be a part of nature and rational, in control of himself, and in control of his surroundings. The speaker is a thoughtful being, a philosopher of sorts, and is certainly reasonable, and yet he is at peace with nature in a way that would likely strike many of his contemporaries as odd.

FAQs

1. What is the main idea of lines written in early spring?

Wordsworth's themes in 'Lines Written in Early Spring' are nature, spirituality, and peace. Throughout this poem, the poet, who is very likely the speaker, observes the natural world around him. he discusses how impactful the images of nature are on his state of mind.

2. Are lines written in early spring an example of Romantic poetry?

The theme of “Lines Written in Early Spring,” is of universal appeal and it sticks to the idea and theme of Romanticism. The composition of the poem is to be considered an attempt at a vivid description of nature. This poem is written in a thoughtful mood about the future of humanity.

3. How does Wordsworth describe nature in his poem Lines Written in Early Spring Why does he feel sad even in the midst of happiness in nature?

Nature is linked to all the souls of human beings. The poet feels sad thoughts while enjoying the beauty of nature. Nature is a beautiful Holy plan of God. But men have separated themselves from Nature.

4. When were Lines written in early spring?

Lines Written in Early Spring' was written in April 1798, the year that William Wordsworth and his friend Samuel Taylor Coleridge signalled their arrival on the literary scene with their ground-breaking collection of Romantic poems, Lyrical Ballads.

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