Line-by-Line Explanation of the Stanza from Wordsworth's "Ode: Intimations of

Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood":

1. "There was a time when meadow, grove, and stream,"

o Wordsworth is recalling a time in the past when he saw nature in a

different way. "Meadow, grove, and stream" represent parts of nature, like
fields, trees, and rivers.

2. "The earth, and every common sight,"

o Not just specific places, but everything he saw on earth, including

everyday sights, felt special to him.

3. "To me did seem"

o Wordsworth emphasizes that this experience was personal; it’s how he felt
at that time.

4. "Apparell'd in celestial light,"

o He felt that everything in nature was dressed or covered in a divine,

heavenly glow. The word "celestial" means something heavenly or
otherworldly.

5. "The glory and the freshness of a dream."

o Nature seemed like a beautiful dream to him, filled with wonder and
newness.

6. "It is not now as it hath been of yore;"

o Wordsworth acknowledges that this sense of wonder is no longer the

same. "Of yore" means "in the past."

7. "Turn wheresoe'er I may,"

o No matter where he looks or turns, he cannot find the same beauty or

feeling he once experienced.

8. "By night or day,"

o Whether it is night or day, the magical feeling is still missing.

9. "The things which I have seen I now can see no more."

o Although he can still see nature, he can no longer experience it in the

same magical way he did as a child. His perception has changed, and he
misses that feeling of wonder.
Combined Explanation of the Stanza:

In this stanza, Wordsworth reflects on his childhood perception of nature. He

remembers a time when he saw the world in a magical, almost heavenly way. Meadows,
trees, rivers, and all of nature seemed to be covered in a "celestial light," giving him a
sense of glory and wonder, like being in a beautiful dream. However, he now feels that
this magical perception has faded. No matter where he looks or when he looks—
whether day or night—he cannot see nature in the same awe-filled way he did as a
child. He feels a loss of innocence and wonders if he can ever recapture that sense of
wonder and purity.

Literary Devices Used in the Stanza:

1. Imagery: Wordsworth uses imagery to paint a vivid picture of nature, like

"meadow, grove, and stream" and "celestial light," which helps readers imagine
the beauty he once saw in the world.

2. Personification: Nature is given human qualities, appearing "apparell'd in

celestial light," as if it’s dressed in divine clothing.

3. Metaphor: The line "The glory and the freshness of a dream" compares his view
of nature to a beautiful dream, suggesting it was magical and new.

4. Contrast: Wordsworth contrasts his past view with the present by stating, "It is
not now as it hath been of yore," emphasizing how his perception has changed
over time.

5. Tone: The tone is nostalgic and somewhat sad, as Wordsworth expresses a

longing for his lost sense of wonder.

6. Alliteration: In "The things which I have seen I now can see no more," the
repetition of the "s" sound creates a soft, reflective tone.

Stanza#2
1. The rainbow comes and goes,"

o Wordsworth describes how the rainbow appears briefly and then

disappears, symbolizing something beautiful but temporary.

2. "And lovely is the rose;"

 o The rose is admired for its beauty. However, just like the rainbow, it
doesn’t last forever.

3. "The moon doth with delight"

o Wordsworth imagines that the moon finds joy as she shines and looks
around the night sky.

4. "Look round her when the heavens are bare;"

o When the sky is clear, the moon seems to look around with delight, as if
she’s proud to be the only one illuminating the empty sky.

5. "Waters on a starry night"

o He describes water reflecting the starlight at night, creating a beautiful,

serene image.

6. "Are beautiful and fair;"

o Wordsworth emphasizes how beautiful and pure these images of nature

are.

7. "The sunshine is a glorious birth;"

o Sunshine, bringing light and life, is described as a "glorious birth,"

signifying renewal and the beginning of a new day.

8. "But yet I know, where'er I go,"

o Despite all these beautiful sights in nature, Wordsworth feels a sense of

loss that follows him wherever he goes.

9. "That there hath pass'd away a glory from the earth."

o He feels that something special, a "glory," has faded from the earth,
possibly meaning the childlike wonder he once felt is now gone.

Combined Explanation of the Stanza:

In this stanza, Wordsworth lists beautiful elements of nature: the rainbow, the rose, the
moon in a clear sky, starry reflections on water, and the rising sun. Each of these
represents a special, fleeting beauty. Yet, even as he admires these wonders,
Wordsworth feels that something is missing. He believes that a "glory" has faded from
the earth—a sense of wonder or spiritual brightness he once felt in childhood. This
suggests that while nature is still beautiful, it no longer inspires him with the same
intense joy it once did.
Literary Devices Used in the Stanza:

1. Imagery: Wordsworth uses vivid imagery to paint beautiful pictures of natural

elements, like the rainbow, rose, moon, and sunlight, which helps readers
visualize the scenes he describes.

2. Personification: The moon is personified, as it seems to "look round her" and

find "delight" when the sky is clear, giving the moon human-like emotions.

3. Symbolism: Each natural image (rainbow, rose, moonlight, sunshine)

symbolizes beauty that is temporary, highlighting the fleeting nature of joy and
wonder.

4. Tone: The tone is bittersweet, mixing appreciation of nature’s beauty with a

sense of loss.

5. Contrast: Wordsworth contrasts the beauty of nature with a feeling of lost "glory,"
showing that while nature remains beautiful, something deeper is missing for
him.

6. Alliteration: In "beautiful and fair," the repeated "f" sound emphasizes the beauty
of the water on a starry night.

These devices help Wordsworth convey his nostalgic longing for the intense joy he once
felt in childhood when he experienced nature’s beauty.

Stanza # 3
1. "Now, while the birds thus sing a joyous song,"

o Birds are singing happily, creating a joyful atmosphere in nature.

2. "And while the young lambs bound"

o The young lambs are leaping and playing energetically, full of life.
3. "As to the tabor's sound,"

o Wordsworth compares the lambs’ playful movement to dancing in time to a

tabor (a small drum), emphasizing the lively mood.
4. "To me alone there came a thought of grief:"

o Amidst this joy, Wordsworth feels a moment of sadness that seems to

affect only him.

5. "A timely utterance gave that thought relief,"

 o Expressing his feelings ("utterance") helps him release the sadness he
felt.

6. "And I again am strong:"

o After sharing his feelings, he feels strength return to him, like he’s uplifted
and refreshed.

7. "The cataracts blow their trumpets from the steep;"

o The waterfalls ("cataracts") are compared to trumpets, roaring powerfully

as they cascade down steep rocks, adding to the lively scene.

8. "No more shall grief of mine the season wrong;"

o Wordsworth decides that his sadness won’t ruin this joyful time of year. He
chooses to let go of grief.

9. "I hear the echoes through the mountains throng,"

o He hears echoes of nature’s sounds filling the mountains, making the

scene feel alive.

10. "The winds come to me from the fields of sleep,"

o The gentle winds blowing towards him feel peaceful, as if they’ve come
from a restful place.

11. "And all the earth is gay;"

o The earth feels joyful, alive with celebration.

12. "Land and sea"

o Both the land and sea are part of this happy scene, all joining in the
feeling of joy.

13. "Give themselves up to jollity,"

o Nature itself seems to give in to a mood of fun and happiness.

14. "And with the heart of May"

o May is associated with spring and new life, representing a time of youth
and joy.

15. "Doth every beast keep holiday;"

o Every creature is celebrating as if it’s a holiday, fully embracing the

happiness of the season.
 16. "Thou Child of Joy,"

o Wordsworth addresses a young child, whom he sees as full of happiness

and innocence.

17. "Shout round me, let me hear thy shouts, thou happy"

o He asks the joyful child to play and shout, wanting to be surrounded by the
child’s energy and happiness.

18. "Shepherd-boy!"

o Wordsworth specifically imagines a happy young shepherd, symbolizing

innocence, joy, and a carefree spirit.

Combined Explanation of the Stanza:

In this stanza, Wordsworth describes the joyful sounds and sights of nature around him.
Birds sing, lambs leap as if they’re dancing to music, and waterfalls roar like trumpets
from high cliffs. Initially, Wordsworth feels a hint of grief, but after expressing his
sadness, he feels strong again and decides not to let grief spoil the season’s joy. He
observes nature filled with life and celebration, with even the winds and echoes adding
to the atmosphere. All of nature—land, sea, and creatures—seems to be in a cheerful
mood, like they’re on holiday. He calls out to a happy shepherd-boy, inviting him to play
and shout, wanting to feel surrounded by the energy of youth and innocence.

Literary Devices Used in the Stanza:

1. Imagery: Wordsworth uses imagery like "birds sing a joyous song," "young
lambs bound," and "cataracts blow their trumpets" to paint a lively, joyful picture
of nature.

2. Simile and Metaphor: The lambs are compared to dancers ("as to the tabor's
sound"), and the waterfalls are compared to trumpets, showing their powerful,
joyful sounds.

3. Personification: Nature elements like waterfalls, winds, and even the earth itself
are personified with feelings of joy, making them feel alive and connected to
human emotions.

4. Contrast: Wordsworth contrasts his own momentary sadness with the joy around
him, showing how the happiness of nature eventually uplifts him.
5. Tone: The tone is celebratory and uplifting, focusing on the joyous harmony of
nature.

6. Alliteration: The use of repeated consonant sounds, like in "give themselves up

to jollity" and "shepherd-boy," adds a musical quality to the lines.

Stanza #4

1. Ye blessèd creatures, I have heard the call"

o Wordsworth addresses nature’s creatures, calling them blessed, and says

he has heard their joyful calls to each other.

2. "Ye to each other make; I see"

o He observes how these creatures communicate with each other,

expressing their happiness.

3. "The heavens laugh with you in your jubilee;"

o The sky (or heavens) seems to "laugh" in celebration, as if joining in the

happiness of the creatures.

4. "My heart is at your festival,"

o Wordsworth feels connected to this joyful scene, as if his heart is also

celebrating with nature.

5. "My head hath its coronal,"

o He imagines himself wearing a crown (coronal), symbolizing a special

connection to the beauty and joy of nature.

6. "The fulness of your bliss, I feel—I feel it all."

o He feels all the happiness and bliss around him, fully absorbing the joyful
atmosphere.

7. "O evil day! if I were sullen"

o He thinks it would be a sad day if he were gloomy or unhappy in the

middle of such beauty.

8. "While Earth herself is adorning,"

o Earth is "adorning" herself, meaning nature is blooming and showing her

beauty, especially in spring.
9. "This sweet May-morning,"

o It is a beautiful morning in May, adding to the scene of renewal and

happiness.

10. "And the children are culling"

o Children are gathering flowers, enjoying the season’s gifts.

11. "On every side,"

o The joyful scene surrounds him; it is everywhere he looks.

12. "In a thousand valleys far and wide,"

o The beauty and joy are spread across many valleys, far and wide.

13. "Fresh flowers; while the sun shines warm,"

o Fresh flowers are in bloom, and the sun shines warmly, creating a sense
of comfort and vitality.

14. "And the babe leaps up on his mother's arm:"

o A baby joyfully jumps in its mother’s arms, showing innocence and pure
happiness.

15. "I hear, I hear, with joy I hear!"

o Wordsworth hears all the joyful sounds around him and feels uplifted by
them.

16. "—But there's a tree, of many, one,"

o Among the many trees he sees, one stands out to him.

17. "A single field which I have look'd upon,"

o Similarly, he notices a particular field that seems to evoke a deeper

thought or memory.

18. "Both of them speak of something that is gone:"

o The tree and field remind him of something he has lost or that has
disappeared over time.
19. "The pansy at my feet"

o He notices a pansy flower at his feet, a delicate reminder of the past.

20. "Doth the same tale repeat:"

 o The flower seems to tell him the same story of something missing or past.

21. "Whither is fled the visionary gleam?"

o He wonders where the "visionary gleam"—the childlike wonder he once

felt—has gone.

22. "Where is it now, the glory and the dream?"

o Wordsworth questions where the sense of beauty and dreamlike wonder

has vanished, missing the intense joy he once felt in childhood.

Combined Explanation of the Stanza:

In this stanza, Wordsworth feels surrounded by nature’s joyful celebration. He observes

the cheerful calls of animals, the warm sunshine, children picking flowers, and babies
laughing in their mothers’ arms. He is touched by this vibrant spring morning and feels
connected to the joy around him, as though he is part of nature’s festival. However, this
happiness brings a hint of sadness. He notices a tree, a field, and a small flower, all of
which remind him of something lost. They evoke memories of his younger days when
he experienced a "visionary gleam" and saw the world with a unique sense of wonder
and awe. Now, he feels that this "glory and the dream" has faded, leaving him to
question where that intense joy has gone.

Literary Devices Used in the Stanza:

1. Personification: Wordsworth personifies nature, describing the heavens as if

they can "laugh" and Earth as if she can "adorn" herself, giving life to nature.

2. Imagery: He uses vivid imagery to create a lively picture of the scene, with
children gathering flowers, animals rejoicing, and warm sunlight filling the valleys.

3. Symbolism: The tree, field, and pansy flower symbolize the memories and
sense of wonder that he feels he has lost over time.

4. Contrast: Wordsworth contrasts the joy of the present with a sense of personal
loss, highlighting the difference between his past and present feelings.

5. Rhetorical Questions: He asks, "Whither is fled the visionary gleam?" and

"Where is it now, the glory and the dream?" to emphasize his longing for the
wonder and innocence of childhood.

6. Tone: The tone is a blend of joy and nostalgia, as Wordsworth celebrates the
beauty of nature while feeling a sense of longing for the lost magic of childhood.
 Stanza #5
1. Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:"

o Wordsworth suggests that when we are born, we are in a kind of "sleep,"

having forgotten a divine state or existence before life on Earth.

2. "The Soul that rises with us, our life's Star,"

o The soul, like a guiding star, comes with us into life, giving us purpose and
direction.

3. "Hath had elsewhere its setting,"

o This soul has existed and "set" or come from a different place before we
are born.

4. "And cometh from afar:"

o The soul originates from a distant, perhaps spiritual or divine, realm.

5. "Not in entire forgetfulness,"

o Although we forget much of this past existence, some memory of it

remains.

6. "And not in utter nakedness,"

o We don’t arrive in the world completely empty or lacking; we bring

something from that previous existence.

7. "But trailing clouds of glory do we come"

o We are born with traces of divine beauty, like "clouds of glory," suggesting
a connection to a heavenly source.

8. "From God, who is our home:"

o Wordsworth views God as our origin and true home, from which we all
come.
9. "Heaven lies about us in our infancy!"

o In infancy, we are closest to heaven, retaining a special innocence and

purity.
10. "Shades of the prison-house begin to close"

o As we grow, we start to lose that divine connection, feeling confined by the

responsibilities and realities of life.
 11. "Upon the growing Boy,"

o These limitations and earthly concerns start to affect us more as we grow

into boyhood.

12. "But he beholds the light, and whence it flows,"

o Yet, the young boy still has glimpses of that heavenly light and
understands its source, seeing the world with wonder and joy.

13. "He sees it in his joy;"

o The boy’s joy reflects the purity and divine beauty that he still senses from
his origins.

14. "The Youth, who daily farther from the east"

o As he grows older, the youth moves farther from the "east" (symbolizing
dawn or beginning), implying he is further from the innocence of infancy.

15. "Must travel, still is Nature's priest,"

o Despite growing older, the youth remains connected to nature, almost like
a priest, revering it and finding meaning in it.

16. "And by the vision splendid"

o He is accompanied by a "splendid vision," or a sense of wonder and

beauty in life, as he moves through life.

17. "Is on his way attended;"

o This vision guides and comforts him as he travels through life.

18. "At length the Man perceives it die away,"

o Eventually, as he becomes an adult, he starts to lose this vision and sense

of wonder.

19. "And fade into the light of common day."

o The divine beauty and joy of his earlier years fades, replaced by the
ordinary, everyday life of adulthood.

Combined Explanation of the Stanza:

In this stanza, Wordsworth reflects on the journey of the soul from birth to adulthood. He
suggests that birth is like a "sleep" where we forget our divine origins. Our soul, which
comes from God, brings traces of a heavenly world, symbolized by "clouds of glory." In
infancy, we feel closest to heaven, seeing the world with wonder. But as we grow, life
begins to weigh on us, and we start to lose this divine connection. A young boy still
senses that spiritual light and joy, while a youth holds onto it as he grows, almost like a
priest who reveres nature. However, by adulthood, this sense of wonder fades, replaced
by the ordinary experiences of everyday life.

Literary Devices Used in the Stanza:

1. Metaphor: The soul is compared to a "life's Star," suggesting it guides us

through life, like a star would guide travelers.

2. Symbolism: "Clouds of glory" symbolize traces of our divine origin, and "the light
of common day" represents the everyday reality that replaces childhood wonder.

3. Personification: Wordsworth personifies the soul, childhood, and innocence as

if they are tangible beings, with phrases like "Heaven lies about us."

4. Imagery: Wordsworth uses powerful imagery to paint the journey of life, from
"clouds of glory" to "the prison-house," helping readers visualize the transition
from childhood innocence to adult reality.

5. Tone: The tone shifts from celebratory, as he recalls the glory and purity of
childhood, to melancholic as he observes the loss of that wonder over time.

Stanza #6
1. "Earth fills her lap with pleasures of her own;"

o The Earth offers its own kinds of joys and pleasures, such as the beauty of
nature, to distract us and bring us happiness.

2. "Yearnings she hath in her own natural kind,"

o Earth has its own desires or natural impulses, symbolized through the way
it nurtures and provides for living beings.

3. "And, even with something of a mother's mind,"

o Earth is portrayed with the caring qualities of a mother, who wants to look
after and comfort us.

4. "And no unworthy aim,"

o Earth’s intentions are pure and noble, seeking to take care of humanity
and provide comfort.
 5. "The homely nurse doth all she can"

o Earth is like a humble nurse, doing everything possible to care for her
“children.”

6. "To make her foster-child, her Inmate Man,"

o Humans, seen as Earth’s foster children, are under her care and bound to
her for survival and comfort.

7. "Forget the glories he hath known,"

o Earth distracts us from memories of a divine or heavenly state we might

have experienced before birth.

8. "And that imperial palace whence he came"

o The “imperial palace” symbolizes heaven or a divine origin. Earth’s

nurturing role helps us forget our spiritual beginnings.

Combined Explanation of the Stanza:

In this stanza, Wordsworth describes Earth as a caring, nurturing force that fills her "lap"
with beauty and joys to comfort humans. Like a mother, Earth takes care of us and
distracts us from any memories of a higher, heavenly existence. Earth, as a “homely
nurse,” provides us with natural wonders and pleasures to keep us content and to help
us forget our divine origin, referred to as an “imperial palace.” Through this imagery,
Wordsworth suggests that Earth’s nurturing qualities serve to immerse us in the physical
world, veiling our awareness of a spiritual past.

Literary Devices Used in the Stanza:

1. Personification: Earth is given human qualities, such as a "mother's mind" and

acting as a "homely nurse," which creates a nurturing, protective image.

2. Metaphor: Earth is metaphorically referred to as a "nurse" and humans as her

“foster-children,” symbolizing the natural care and dependency relationship
between humans and nature.

3. Imagery: Phrases like "fills her lap" and "imperial palace" create vivid images
that convey Earth's nurturing role and the grandeur of a divine origin.
4. Symbolism: The “imperial palace” symbolizes heaven or a divine realm from
which humans have come. This represents the idea that humans have a higher,
spiritual origin.

Stanza # 7
1. Behold the Child among his new-born blisses,"

o The poet asks us to look at the child, who is surrounded by innocent, fresh
joys and happiness.
2. "A six years' darling of a pigmy size!"

o This young child, only six years old and small in size, is cherished and
loved.
3. "See, where 'mid work of his own hand he lies,"

o The child is busy in his own little world, perhaps surrounded by things he’s
created during play.

4. "Fretted by sallies of his mother's kisses,"

o The child is slightly annoyed or tickled by the playful, affectionate kisses of

his mother.

5. "With light upon him from his father's eyes!"

o The father looks at the child with pride and happiness, filling him with a
warm and loving gaze.

6. "See, at his feet, some little plan or chart,"

o Nearby, the child has laid out a small drawing or plan, reflecting his
innocent imagination.

7. "Some fragment from his dream of human life,"

o This plan represents his early ideas and dreams about life, like playing out
different events he imagines.

8. "Shaped by himself with newly-learnt art;"

o With his limited but developing skills, the child creates his own world of
play.

9. "A wedding or a festival,"

 o The child might be pretending or imagining a joyful event like a wedding or
festival.

10. "A mourning or a funeral;"

o Alternatively, he might be imagining a sad event like a funeral, showing

how children explore all parts of life in their play.

11. "And this hath now his heart,"

o Whatever he is pretending right now captures all of his interest and

attention.

12. "And unto this he frames his song:"

o He even creates little songs or stories about these events, expressing his
creativity.

13. "Then will he fit his tongue"

o The child will soon change his focus, starting to act out or speak in new
ways.

14. "To dialogues of business, love, or strife;"

o He will act out various parts of adult life, such as work, love, or arguments,
imitating what he observes.

15. "But it will not be long"

o However, this focus won’t last long, as children quickly move on to new
ideas.

16. "Ere this be thrown aside,"

o Soon, he will leave these current interests behind.

17. "And with new joy and pride"

o With excitement and happiness, he will start something new.

18. "The little actor cons another part;"

o The child, like an actor, will take on a new role in his pretend play.

19. "Filling from time to time his 'humorous stage'"

o He continues to fill his playful, imaginary stage with different roles.

20. "With all the Persons, down to palsied Age,"

 o He imitates people of all ages, even elderly people.

21. "That Life brings with her in her equipage;"

o Life brings a wide range of characters and experiences, which the child
imitates.

22. "As if his whole vocation"

o It seems as if the child’s whole purpose, or vocation, is...

23. "Were endless imitation."

o ...to endlessly imitate the world around him, copying life’s different
experiences and characters.

Combined Explanation of the Stanza:

In this stanza, Wordsworth describes the child’s innocent playfulness and curiosity. At
six years old, the child is small but deeply absorbed in the little worlds he creates. Under
the affectionate gaze of his parents, he imagines life events like weddings, festivals, and
even funerals, which captivate him fully. He acts out different scenes, using simple
songs and dialogues, imitating adult life through play. Like an actor on a stage, he takes
on new roles with excitement, shifting from one character to the next as his interests
change. To Wordsworth, the child’s "vocation" seems to be imitation itself—he embodies
different aspects of life in a playful exploration, reflecting the endless potential and
adaptability of childhood.

Literary Devices Used in the Stanza:

1. Imagery: Wordsworth creates vivid images of a child immersed in imaginative

play, like "a wedding or a festival," and a “little plan or chart.”

2. Metaphor: The child is likened to a "little actor," comparing his imaginative play
to the roles of an actor on a stage.

3. Personification: Life is personified, as if it brings various “Persons” in its

"equipage" (or company) for the child to imitate.

4. Alliteration: Words such as “humorous stage” and “six years' darling” use
repeated sounds to enhance the rhythm.

5. Symbolism: The “humorous stage” symbolizes the playful, imaginative space of

childhood, where the child explores different roles.
 Stanza #8
1. Thou, whose exterior semblance doth belie"

o Here, Wordsworth addresses the child, saying that although the child
appears small and innocent on the outside, this appearance is deceptive
("doth belie").
2. "Thy soul's immensity;"

o The child’s soul is vast and powerful, much larger than his outward
appearance suggests.

3. "Thou best philosopher, who yet dost keep"

o The poet calls the child a "philosopher," meaning the child has a natural
wisdom or understanding of life.

4. "Thy heritage, thou eye among the blind,"

o The child retains a pure, insightful vision that adults have lost, symbolizing
an "eye among the blind."

5. "That, deaf and silent, read'st the eternal deep,"

o The child, without needing to hear or speak, can sense or understand

deep, eternal truths.

6. "Haunted for ever by the eternal mind,—"

o The child is in touch with an eternal, spiritual presence or wisdom, which

Wordsworth refers to as the "eternal mind."

7. "Mighty prophet! Seer blest!"

o The poet describes the child as a prophet or blessed visionary, one who
sees and understands spiritual truths.

8. "On whom those truths do rest,"

o The poet believes that certain universal truths are innately understood by
the child.

9. "Which we are toiling all our lives to find,"

o Adults spend their whole lives trying to understand these truths that the
child seems to know naturally.

10. "In darkness lost, the darkness of the grave;"

 o Adults are often in darkness or confusion, sometimes all the way to death,
symbolized here by the "grave."

11. "Thou, over whom thy Immortality"

o The poet tells the child that immortality is present in him, as if it watches
over him.

12. "Broods like the Day, a master o'er a slave,"

o Immortality has a strong presence over the child, like a master watching
over a servant.

13. "A presence which is not to be put by;"

o This presence of immortality is constant and cannot be ignored.

14. "To whom the grave"

o For the child, the grave (death) is...

15. "Is but a lonely bed without the sense or sight"

o ...just a quiet place to rest, not something frightening.

16. "Of day or the warm light,"

o In death, there is no light or warmth.

17. "A place of thought where we in waiting lie;"

o The grave is a place where one simply waits, perhaps for a next phase of
life or spirit.

18. "Thou little Child, yet glorious in the might"

o The poet calls the child "glorious" because of the powerful, natural
freedom of spirit within him.

19. "Of heaven-born freedom on thy being's height,"

o The child has a divine freedom and innocence that elevate him spiritually.
20. "Why with such earnest pains dost thou provoke"

o The poet asks why the child, in his innocence, would be so eager to grow
up and face the burdens of adulthood.

21. "The years to bring the inevitable yoke,"

 o Growing up brings an “inevitable yoke” or burden, which is unavoidable in
life.

22. "Thus blindly with thy blessedness at strife?"

o The child, in his eagerness to grow, unknowingly fights against his natural
innocence and joy.

23. "Full soon thy soul shall have her earthly freight,"

o The child’s soul will soon gain the weight of adult concerns and
responsibilities.

24. "And custom lie upon thee with a weight,"

o Life’s routines and expectations will eventually weigh heavily on him.

25. "Heavy as frost, and deep almost as life!"

o This burden will be as heavy as frost and as deep as the very essence of
life itself.

Combined Explanation of the Stanza:

In this stanza, Wordsworth praises the wisdom and spiritual insight of a child, who
naturally understands deep truths that adults spend their lives trying to grasp. The child,
who appears small and innocent on the outside, possesses an immense soul and a
connection to eternal truths. The poet sees the child as a philosopher, a visionary who
perceives things adults can’t easily see. This wisdom comes from a divine freedom that
surrounds the child, yet Wordsworth expresses sadness because he knows that as the
child grows, he will eventually lose some of this insight. The poet compares growing up
to taking on a heavy "yoke," a burden of responsibilities and expectations that weigh
down the soul, similar to how frost covers the earth deeply and heavily. In this way,
Wordsworth mourns the inevitable loss of the child’s purity and natural wisdom as he
grows into adulthood.

Literary Devices Used in the Stanza:

1. Metaphor: The child is compared to a "best philosopher" and a "mighty prophet,"

suggesting his natural wisdom.

2. Personification: Words like "broods like the Day" give human characteristics to
abstract concepts like Immortality.
3. Imagery: Phrases like "heavy as frost" create vivid images of the burdens of life.

4. Symbolism: "Yoke" symbolizes the weight of adult responsibilities, and "grave"

represents darkness and the unknown.

5. Contrast: The poet contrasts the child’s divine innocence with the weight and
struggles of adulthood.

Stanza #9
1. "O joy! that in our embers"

o The poet expresses happiness that within the remnants of our past (the
"embers"), there is still something alive and meaningful.

2. "Is something that doth live,"

o This living thing refers to memories or feelings from childhood that

continue to exist within us.

3. "That nature yet remembers"

o Nature still recalls the innocence and joy of childhood experiences.

4. "What was so fugitive!"

o The poet notes that childhood joys were fleeting and temporary, yet they
are still remembered.

5. "The thought of our past years in me doth breed"

o Thinking about past years creates something meaningful within the poet.
6. "Perpetual benediction: not indeed"

o This memory brings a continuous blessing, but not just for the joyful times.

7. "For that which is most worthy to be blest—"

o The poet is not thanking for only the most obvious blessings.

8. "Delight and liberty, the simple creed"

o He refers to the joy and freedom of childhood, which are basic beliefs of
that time.

9. "Of childhood, whether busy or at rest,"

o These feelings exist during active play or peaceful moments.

10. "With new-fledged hope still fluttering in his breast:"

 o The child has a sense of hope that is fresh and vibrant.

11. "Not for these I raise"

o The poet is not expressing gratitude solely for these joyful memories.

12. "The song of thanks and praise;"

o He is singing a song of gratitude.

13. "But for those obstinate questionings"

o He thanks for the stubborn questions that arise in life.

14. "Of sense and outward things,"

o These questions concern reality and the world around us.

15. "Fallings from us, vanishings;"

o He reflects on how things fall away or disappear from our lives.

16. "Blank misgivings of a Creature"

o There are feelings of uncertainty or doubt that we experience as beings.

17. "Moving about in worlds not realized,"

o We live in a world that we don’t fully understand or grasp.

18. "High instincts before which our mortal Nature"

o There are powerful feelings or instincts that make us feel small or guilty.

19. "Did tremble like a guilty thing surprised:"

o These instincts cause a reaction like that of someone who feels caught off
guard or guilty.

20. "But for those first affections,"

o The poet is grateful for those early feelings and connections we have.

21. "Those shadowy recollections,"

o He refers to vague memories that still impact us.

22. "Which, be they what they may,"

o Regardless of what these memories are.

23. "Are yet the fountain-light of all our day,"

 o These memories serve as a source of light and inspiration in our lives.

24. "Are yet a master-light of all our seeing;"

o They guide our understanding and perception of the world.

25. "Uphold us, cherish, and have power to make"

o These memories support and nurture us, giving us strength.

26. "Our noisy years seem moments in the being"

o They help make our busy, chaotic lives feel like just brief moments.

27. "Of the eternal Silence: truths that wake,"

o These memories connect us to deeper truths that exist beyond noise.

28. "To perish never:"

o These truths will never fade away or die.

29. "Which neither listlessness, nor mad endeavour,"

o No amount of boredom or frantic effort can erase them.

30. "Nor Man nor Boy,"

o Neither adults nor children can destroy these truths.

31. "Nor all that is at enmity with joy,"

o Not even things that oppose happiness can take them away.

32. "Can utterly abolish or destroy!"

o These memories and truths are indestructible.

33. "Hence in a season of calm weather"

o In peaceful times, the poet reflects on what he sees.

34. "Though inland far we be,"

o Even if we are far from the sea.

35. "Our souls have sight of that immortal sea"

o Our spirits can still see the eternal sea of life and memories.

36. "Which brought us hither,"

o This sea is the source that brought us to this place in life.
 37. "Can in a moment travel thither,"

o In an instant, we can connect to those memories.

38. "And see the children sport upon the shore,"

o We can visualize children playing happily at the shore.

39. "And hear the mighty waters rolling evermore."

o We can also hear the endless sound of the waves.

Combined Explanation of the Stanza:

In this stanza, Wordsworth expresses joy in recognizing that within our memories lies
something truly alive and meaningful. He reflects on how nature remembers the fleeting
joys of childhood, which fill him with a sense of continuous blessing. Rather than only
celebrating happiness and freedom, he is thankful for the deeper questions and
uncertainties of life that remind us of our existence and connection to something
greater. These early feelings and vague memories illuminate our lives, offering guidance
and strength. They help us see the significance in the chaos of life, making noisy years
feel like mere moments. Wordsworth emphasizes that these truths are indestructible; no
amount of suffering or distraction can erase them. He concludes by describing how,
even far inland, our souls can connect with an eternal sea of memories, allowing us to
visualize children playing and hear the endless waves, symbolizing the joy and
innocence of childhood that remains alive within us.

Literary Devices Used in the Stanza:

1. Exclamation: Wordsworth begins with "O joy!" to convey strong emotion.

2. Imagery: Vivid images of children playing and the "immortal sea" create a sense
of nostalgia and connection to nature.

3. Metaphor: "Fountain-light" symbolizes the source of inspiration and guidance

from memories.

4. Personification: "Nature yet remembers" gives nature human-like qualities.

5. Repetition: The use of "not" emphasizes what the poet is not thankful for,
creating contrast with what he truly values.

6. Contrast: The stanza contrasts joyful memories with the burdens and struggles
of life, highlighting the complexity of human experience.
 Stanza #10
1. "Then sing, ye birds, sing, sing a joyous song!"

o The poet invites the birds to sing a happy song, emphasizing joy and
celebration.

2. "And let the young lambs bound"

o He encourages young lambs to leap and play, symbolizing innocence and

vitality.

3. "As to the tabor's sound!"

o The lambs are compared to dancing to the sound of a small drum (tabor),
suggesting a festive atmosphere.

4. "We in thought will join your throng,"

o The poet expresses a desire to mentally join the joyful gathering of birds
and lambs.

5. "Ye that pipe and ye that play,"

o He addresses the birds (those who “pipe”) and musicians (those who
“play”), highlighting their joyous activity.

6. "Ye that through your hearts to-day"

o He acknowledges that these creatures feel happiness deeply today.

7. "Feel the gladness of the May!"

o The birds and lambs experience the joy that comes with the month of May,
a time of renewal.

8. "What though the radiance which was once so bright"

o The poet reflects on a past brightness or joy that is no longer present.

9. "Be now for ever taken from my sight,"

o He acknowledges that this joy will never return to him.

10. "Though nothing can bring back the hour"

o He recognizes that no one can reclaim those happy moments from the
past.

11. "Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower;"

 o The poet recalls beautiful memories associated with nature, such as the
beauty of grass and flowers.

12. "We will grieve not, rather find"

o Instead of mourning this loss, he chooses to seek something positive.

13. "Strength in what remains behind;"

o He looks for strength in the memories and feelings that still exist.

14. "In the primal sympathy"

o He refers to a fundamental connection to nature and others.

15. "Which having been must ever be;"

o This connection is everlasting; once it exists, it continues to exist.

16. "In the soothing thoughts that spring"

o He finds comfort in thoughts that arise from human experiences.

17. "Out of human suffering;"

o These soothing thoughts come from the shared pain and struggles of life.
18. "In the faith that looks through death,"

o He mentions having faith that transcends the fear of death, suggesting

hope beyond life.

19. "In years that bring the philosophic mind."

o With age comes wisdom and a deeper understanding of life’s

complexities.

Combined Explanation of the Stanza:

In this stanza, Wordsworth calls on birds to sing joyful songs and encourages playful
lambs, celebrating the happiness associated with May. He expresses a desire to
mentally join their joyful experience, recognizing the joy they feel in nature. The poet
reflects on a past brightness and beauty that he can no longer see or reclaim, such as
the splendor of grass and flowers. Instead of mourning these losses, he chooses to find
strength in what remains—memories and connections that endure. He speaks of a
fundamental sympathy with nature and humanity that exists forever, as well as
comforting thoughts that arise from shared suffering. The poet emphasizes the
importance of having faith that goes beyond death and acknowledges that growing older
brings wisdom and understanding of life.

Literary Devices Used in the Stanza:

1. Exclamation: The poet’s passionate call to the birds creates a lively and uplifting
tone.

2. Imagery: Vivid descriptions of birds singing and lambs bounding evoke feelings
of joy and innocence.

3. Personification: Birds and lambs are given human-like qualities, allowing

readers to connect emotionally.

4. Metaphor: "Splendour in the grass" and "glory in the flower" symbolize the
beauty of life and past happiness.

5. Contrast: The poet contrasts past joys with present sadness, highlighting the
passage of time.

6. Repetition: The word "sing" is repeated to emphasize the theme of joy and
celebration.

7. Alliteration: Phrases like "primal sympathy" create a musical quality and

enhance the poem's rhythm.

Stanza #11
1. "And O ye Fountains, Meadows, Hills, and Groves,"

o The poet addresses nature, calling out to various natural features like
fountains, meadows, hills, and groves.
2. "Forebode not any severing of our loves!"

o He pleads with nature not to signal any separation from the love and joy
he feels for it.

3. "Yet in my heart of hearts I feel your might;"

o He acknowledges the powerful influence that nature has on him, despite

his fears.

4. "I only have relinquish'd one delight"

o The poet admits that he has given up one source of joy in life.
5. "To live beneath your more habitual sway."

o He chooses to live under the influence of nature, which he finds more

constant and comforting.

6. "I love the brooks which down their channels fret,"

o He expresses his love for the streams that rush and flow energetically
through their paths.

7. "Even more than when I tripp'd lightly as they;"

o He feels an even deeper love for these brooks now than when he was
carefree and lighthearted.

8. "The innocent brightness of a new-born Day"

o He appreciates the pure and bright beauty of a new day, filled with hope
and innocence.

9. "Is lovely yet;"

o He emphasizes that this beauty still exists and is still lovely.

10. "The clouds that gather round the setting sun"

o He observes the clouds that form around the sunset, which signifies the
end of the day.

11. "Do take a sober colouring from an eye"

o The clouds take on a more serious and thoughtful hue, influenced by his
awareness of mortality.

12. "That hath kept watch o'er man's mortality;"

o He has been aware of human life and death, having witnessed the fleeting
nature of existence.

13. "Another race hath been, and other palms are won."

o He reflects on how another generation has come and gone, achieving

their own successes.

14. "Thanks to the human heart by which we live,"

o He expresses gratitude for the human heart, which gives life its meaning.

15. "Thanks to its tenderness, its joys, and fears,"

 o He appreciates the emotions of love, joy, and fear that the heart
experiences.

16. "To me the meanest flower that blows can give"

o He finds significance in even the smallest and simplest flower.

17. "Thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears."

o These flowers inspire deep thoughts and feelings that are so profound
they often cannot be expressed through tears.

Combined Explanation of the Stanza:

In this stanza, Wordsworth addresses various aspects of nature, pleading with them not
to suggest any separation from the love he feels for them. He acknowledges the power
that nature holds over him, admitting that he has given up one source of joy to live
under its constant influence. He expresses a deep love for the rushing brooks, feeling
this love even more now than in his carefree youth. The poet appreciates the brightness
of a new day and acknowledges that this beauty still exists. He reflects on the clouds
around the sunset, which remind him of human mortality and the passage of time. He
recognizes that past generations have come and gone, and he expresses gratitude for
the human heart, which brings life to our experiences. He finds meaning even in the
simplest flower, which evokes deep thoughts and emotions that are often beyond words.

Literary Devices Used in the Stanza:

1. Apostrophe: The poet addresses nature directly, creating a personal connection.

2. Imagery: Vivid descriptions of nature (fountains, brooks, flowers) evoke sensory

experiences and emotions.

3. Personification: Nature is given human-like qualities, emphasizing its role in the

poet's feelings.

4. Contrast: The poet contrasts past joys with present awareness of mortality,
highlighting the changes in his perspective.

5. Symbolism: Flowers symbolize beauty and deep emotions, representing life’s

simple yet profound moments.

6. Alliteration: Phrases like "meanest flower" create a rhythmic quality, enhancing

the poem's musicality.