Immortality Ode by William Wordsworth | Immortality Ode | Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood |William Wordsworth | Explanation | Summary | Key Points | Word Meaning | Critical Appreciation | Questions Answers | Free PDF Download – Easy Literary Lessons
Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood
Immortality Ode by William Wordsworth
The child is father of the man;
And I could wish my days to be
Bound each to each by natural piety.
(Wordsworth, “My Heart Leaps Up”)
There was a time when meadow, grove, and stream,
The earth, and every common sight,
To me did seem
Apparelled in celestial light,
The glory and the freshness of a dream.
It is not now as it hath been of yore;—
Turn wheresoe’er I may,
By night or day.
The things which I have seen I now can see no more.
The Rainbow comes and goes,
And lovely is the Rose,
The Moon doth with delight
Look round her when the heavens are bare,
Waters on a starry night
Are beautiful and fair;
The sunshine is a glorious birth;
But yet I know, where’er I go,
That there hath past away a glory from the earth.
Now, while the birds thus sing a joyous song,
And while the young lambs bound
As to the tabor’s sound,
To me alone there came a thought of grief:
A timely utterance gave that thought relief,
And I again am strong:
The cataracts blow their trumpets from the steep;
No more shall grief of mine the season wrong;
I hear the Echoes through the mountains throng,
The Winds come to me from the fields of sleep,
And all the earth is gay;
Land and sea
Give themselves up to jollity,
And with the heart of May
Doth every Beast keep holiday;—
Thou Child of Joy,
Shout round me, let me hear thy shouts, thou happy Shepherd-boy.
Ye blessèd creatures, I have heard the call
Ye to each other make; I see
The heavens laugh with you in your jubilee;
My heart is at your festival,
My head hath its coronal,
The fulness of your bliss, I feel—I feel it all.
Oh evil day! if I were sullen
While Earth herself is adorning,
This sweet May-morning,
And the Children are culling
On every side,
In a thousand valleys far and wide,
Fresh flowers; while the sun shines warm,
And the Babe leaps up on his Mother’s arm:—
I hear, I hear, with joy I hear!
—But there’s a Tree, of many, one,
A single field which I have looked upon,
Both of them speak of something that is gone;
The Pansy at my feet
Doth the same tale repeat:
Whither is fled the visionary gleam?
Where is it now, the glory and the dream?
Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:
The Soul that rises with us, our life’s Star,
Hath had elsewhere its setting,
And cometh from afar:
Not in entire forgetfulness,
And not in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory do we come
From God, who is our home:
Heaven lies about us in our infancy!
Shades of the prison-house begin to close
Upon the growing Boy,
But he beholds the light, and whence it flows,
He sees it in his joy;
The Youth, who daily farther from the east
Must travel, still is Nature’s Priest,
And by the vision splendid
Is on his way attended;
At length the Man perceives it die away,
And fade into the light of common day.
Earth fills her lap with pleasures of her own;
Yearnings she hath in her own natural kind,
And, even with something of a Mother’s mind,
And no unworthy aim,
The homely Nurse doth all she can
To make her Foster-child, her Inmate Man,
Forget the glories he hath known,
And that imperial palace whence he came.
Behold the Child among his new-born blisses,
A six years’ Darling of a pigmy size!
See, where ‘mid work of his own hand he lies,
Fretted by sallies of his mother’s kisses,
With light upon him from his father’s eyes!
See, at his feet, some little plan or chart,
Some fragment from his dream of human life,
Shaped by himself with newly-learn{e}d art
A wedding or a festival,
A mourning or a funeral;
And this hath now his heart,
And unto this he frames his song:
Then will he fit his tongue
To dialogues of business, love, or strife;
But it will not be long
Ere this be thrown aside,
And with new joy and pride
The little Actor cons another part;
Filling from time to time his “humorous stage”
With all the Persons, down to palsied Age,
That Life brings with her in her equipage;
As if his whole vocation
Were endless imitation.
Thou, whose exterior semblance doth belie
Thy Soul’s immensity;
Thou best Philosopher, who yet dost keep
Thy heritage, thou Eye among the blind,
That, deaf and silent, read’st the eternal deep,
Haunted for ever by the eternal mind,—
Mighty Prophet! Seer blest!
On whom those truths do rest,
Which we are toiling all our lives to find,
In darkness lost, the darkness of the grave;
Thou, over whom thy Immortality
Broods like the Day, a Master o’er a Slave,
A Presence which is not to be put by;
Thou little Child, yet glorious in the might
Of heaven-born freedom on thy being’s height,
Why with such earnest pains dost thou provoke
The years to bring the inevitable yoke,
Thus blindly with thy blessedness at strife?
Full soon thy Soul shall have her earthly freight,
And custom lie upon thee with a weight,
Heavy as frost, and deep almost as life!
O joy! that in our embers
Is something that doth live,
That Nature yet remembers
What was so fugitive!
The thought of our past years in me doth breed
Perpetual benediction: not indeed
For that which is most worthy to be blest;
Delight and liberty, the simple creed
Of Childhood, whether busy or at rest,
With new-fledged hope still fluttering in his breast:—
Not for these I raise
The song of thanks and praise
But for those obstinate questionings
Of sense and outward things,
Fallings from us, vanishings;
Blank misgivings of a Creature
Moving about in worlds not realised,
High instincts before which our mortal Nature
Did tremble like a guilty thing surprised:
But for those first affections,
Those shadowy recollections,
Which, be they what they may
Are yet the fountain-light of all our day,
Are yet a master-light of all our seeing;
Uphold us, cherish, and have power to make
Our noisy years seem moments in the being
Of the eternal Silence: truths that wake,
To perish never;
Which neither listlessness, nor mad endeavour,
Nor Man nor Boy,
Nor all that is at enmity with joy,
Can utterly abolish or destroy!
Hence in a season of calm weather
Though inland far we be,
Our Souls have sight of that immortal sea
Which brought us hither,
Can in a moment travel thither,
And see the Children sport upon the shore,
And hear the mighty waters rolling evermore.
Then sing, ye Birds, sing, sing a joyous song!
And let the young Lambs bound
As to the tabor’s sound!
We in thought will join your throng,
Ye that pipe and ye that play,
Ye that through your hearts to-day
Feel the gladness of the May!
What though the radiance which was once so bright
Be now for ever taken from my sight,
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower;
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind;
In the primal sympathy
Which having been must ever be;
In the soothing thoughts that spring
Out of human suffering;
In the faith that looks through death,
In years that bring the philosophic mind.
And O, ye Fountains, Meadows, Hills, and Groves,
Forebode not any severing of our loves!
Yet in my heart of hearts I feel your might;
I only have relinquished one delight
To live beneath your more habitual sway.
I love the Brooks which down their channels fret,
Even more than when I tripped lightly as they;
The innocent brightness of a new-born Day
Is lovely yet;
The Clouds that gather round the setting sun
Do take a sober colouring from an eye
That hath kept watch o’er man’s mortality;
Another race hath been, and other palms are won.
Thanks to the human heart by which we live,
Thanks to its tenderness, its joys, and fears,
To me the meanest flower that blows can give
Thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears.
line-by-line explanation of the poem Immortality Ode by William Wordsworth
The child is father of the man;
And I could wish my days to be
Bound each to each by natural piety.
(Wordsworth, “My Heart Leaps Up”)
Explanation: The lines come from William Wordsworth’s short poem “My Heart Leaps Up.” In the lines, Wordsworth reflects on the idea that the qualities and experiences of childhood fundamentally shape who we become as adults. He suggests that the innocence, wonder, and spiritual insight we possess as children are crucial to our development and should be preserved throughout life. By expressing a desire for his days to be “bound each to each by natural piety,” Wordsworth conveys his wish to maintain a deep, continuous connection to nature and the simple, profound truths of childhood, believing that this connection brings richness and meaning to life.
Stanza 1
There was a time when meadow, grove, and stream,
The earth, and every common sight,
To me did seem
Apparelled in celestial light,
The glory and the freshness of a dream.
It is not now as it hath been of yore;—
Turn wheresoe’er I may,
By night or day.
The things which I have seen I now can see no more.
Explanation: In this stanza, the poet reflects on a time in his childhood when the natural world—meadows, groves, streams, and everyday sights—seemed to him to be infused with a divine, almost magical light. He describes this feeling as “the glory and the freshness of a dream,” indicating that nature once appeared to him in a way that was both glorious and full of youthful wonder. However, as he has grown older, this sense of wonder has faded, and he laments that he can no longer see the world with the same awe and purity that he once did as a child. The phrase “The things which I have seen I now can see no more” captures this sense of loss, expressing his sorrow that the magical perception of the world he had in his youth is no longer accessible to him.
Poetic Device
Imagery: Wordsworth uses vivid and descriptive language to create visual images of nature, such as “meadow, grove, and stream,” “the earth, and every common sight,” and “apparelled in celestial light.”
These images evoke a sense of the natural world being bathed in a divine or heavenly light, highlighting the poet’s earlier perception of nature’s beauty.
Contrast: The poet contrasts his past experiences with his present feelings. The stanza reflects a shift from a time when everything seemed filled with a “glory and the freshness of a dream” to a time when “the things which I have seen I now can see no more.”
This contrast emphasizes the theme of loss and the fading of childhood wonder.
Metaphor: The phrase “apparelled in celestial light” is a metaphor comparing the natural world to something clothed or dressed in divine or otherworldly light, enhancing the sense of awe and reverence the poet once felt.
Stanza 2
The Rainbow comes and goes,
And lovely is the Rose,
The Moon doth with delight
Look round her when the heavens are bare,
Waters on a starry night
Are beautiful and fair;
The sunshine is a glorious birth;
But yet I know, where’er I go,
That there hath past away a glory from the earth.
Explanation: In this stanza, the poet reflects on the beauty of the natural world, describing the fleeting yet captivating presence of the rainbow, the loveliness of the rose, the moon’s delight in the clear night sky, and the serene beauty of starry waters. He acknowledges that the sunshine itself is a glorious, life-giving force. However, despite recognizing and appreciating this beauty, Wordsworth expresses a deep sense of loss, stating that “there hath past away a glory from the earth.” This suggests that, although nature remains beautiful, the sense of divine wonder and spiritual connection he once felt as a child has diminished. The glory he refers to is the almost mystical perception of the world that came naturally in youth, which now feels distant and unattainable as he grows older.
Poetic Device
Symbolism: The rainbow, rose, moon, waters, and sunshine are symbolic representations of the beauty and transience of nature. Each element symbolizes the fleeting, yet profound, moments of beauty and wonder that the poet once perceived as filled with a deeper, spiritual significance.
The stanza uses these natural symbols to illustrate the theme of lost innocence and the fading of the “glory” that the poet once saw in the world.
Contrast: Wordsworth contrasts the enduring beauty of these natural elements with the sense of loss he feels, noting that despite their continued existence, “there hath past away a glory from the earth.” This contrast highlights the difference between his youthful perception of the world and his current experience.
Imagery: The stanza is rich with visual imagery, such as the “Rainbow,” “Rose,” “Moon,” “starry night,” and “sunshine,” which paint a vivid picture of the natural world and evoke the sensory experiences associated with these elements. This imagery enhances the emotional impact of the stanza by making the reader feel the beauty that the poet sees, even as he laments its loss.
Stanza 3
Now, while the birds thus sing a joyous song,
And while the young lambs bound
As to the tabor’s sound,
To me alone there came a thought of grief:
A timely utterance gave that thought relief,
And I again am strong:
The cataracts blow their trumpets from the steep;
No more shall grief of mine the season wrong;
I hear the Echoes through the mountains throng,
The Winds come to me from the fields of sleep,
And all the earth is gay;
Land and sea
Give themselves up to jollity,
And with the heart of May
Doth every Beast keep holiday;—
Thou Child of Joy,
Shout round me, let me hear thy shouts, thou happy Shepherd-boy.
Explanation: In this stanza, the poet observes the vibrant life around him—the joyous song of birds, the playful bounding of young lambs, and the overall sense of celebration in nature. Despite the lively and cheerful atmosphere, he experiences a sudden thought of grief, a reminder of the loss he feels over the fading of his youthful sense of wonder. However, he finds solace in expressing this grief, which brings him relief and strength. As he listens to the powerful sounds of nature, like the trumpeting cataracts and the echoes through the mountains, he decides that his grief will no longer overshadow the beauty of the season. Embracing the joy around him, he acknowledges the earth’s celebration—where land and sea, animals, and even the wind seem to join in a collective holiday. The poet calls out to the “Child of Joy,” asking to hear the happy shouts of the shepherd-boy, symbolizing a desire to reconnect with the pure, untainted joy of childhood.
Poetic Device
Personification: Wordsworth personifies various elements of nature, attributing human characteristics to them. For example, “The cataracts blow their trumpets,” “Echoes through the mountains throng,” and “The Winds come to me from the fields of sleep” all give nature a sense of lively, active participation in the joy of the season.
The personification of nature enhances the idea that the entire natural world is alive, vibrant, and in celebration, reflecting the joyful spirit of spring.
Contrast: The stanza contrasts the joyful, celebratory scene of nature with the poet’s initial feeling of grief. Despite the grief, a “timely utterance” gives him relief, allowing him to reconnect with the strength and joy that nature offers.
Imagery: The stanza is rich in imagery, painting a vivid picture of a world filled with singing birds, bounding lambs, and festive celebrations. This imagery helps the reader visualize and feel the joy that surrounds the poet, despite his internal struggle.
Stanza 4
Ye blessèd creatures, I have heard the call
Ye to each other make; I see
The heavens laugh with you in your jubilee;
My heart is at your festival,
My head hath its coronal,
The fulness of your bliss, I feel—I feel it all.
Oh evil day! if I were sullen
While Earth herself is adorning,
This sweet May-morning,
And the Children are culling
On every side,
In a thousand valleys far and wide,
Fresh flowers; while the sun shines warm,
And the Babe leaps up on his Mother’s arm:—
I hear, I hear, with joy I hear!
—But there’s a Tree, of many, one,
A single field which I have looked upon,
Both of them speak of something that is gone;
The Pansy at my feet
Doth the same tale repeat:
Whither is fled the visionary gleam?
Where is it now, the glory and the dream?
Explanation: In this stanza, the poet reflects on the joyful and harmonious connection among the creatures of nature. He feels a deep sense of unity with them, as if the heavens themselves are laughing and celebrating with the animals and the earth. Wordsworth’s heart is fully immersed in this natural festival, and he feels the fullness of their bliss as if it were his own. He contemplates how wrong it would be to feel sorrow on such a beautiful May morning when the earth is so vibrant and alive, with children gathering fresh flowers and babies joyfully leaping in their mothers’ arms.
However, despite the joy he witnesses, Wordsworth is still haunted by a lingering sense of loss. He notices a tree and a field, each reminding him of something that has passed away—something precious from his childhood that he can no longer fully grasp. The sight of a pansy at his feet also echoes this feeling, prompting him to question where the “visionary gleam” has gone. He wonders what happened to the “glory and the dream” that once filled his life with such wonder and spiritual insight. The lines capture his deep yearning for the lost sense of wonder that characterized his childhood, which now seems distant and elusive despite the beauty of the world around him.
Poetic Device
Contrast: Wordsworth contrasts the joy and celebration of nature with his own internal sense of loss and nostalgia. He describes how nature—the “blessèd creatures,” the “heavens,” and the “sweet May-morning”—is full of life and happiness, while he is haunted by the realization that something precious has faded. This contrast highlights the tension between the external world of nature, which remains joyful and unchanged, and the poet’s internal world, where the “visionary gleam” and “glory and the dream” have disappeared.
Personification: The poet personifies elements of nature, such as the heavens “laughing” in jubilee, and Earth “adorning” herself on this May morning. This personification emphasizes the liveliness and joy present in the natural world, contrasting with the poet’s reflective mood.
Imagery: Vivid imagery is used to describe the joyous scene in nature, with children culling flowers, the sun shining warmly, and a babe leaping in his mother’s arms. These images create a lively, celebratory atmosphere that contrasts with the poet’s sense of something lost.
Symbolism: The Tree, the single field, and the pansy are symbolic of the poet’s lost connection to the intense, almost mystical experience of nature he had as a child. These symbols represent the fading of that “visionary gleam,” the special way of seeing the world that is lost with the passage of time.
Stanza 5
Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:
The Soul that rises with us, our life’s Star,
Hath had elsewhere its setting,
And cometh from afar:
Not in entire forgetfulness,
And not in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory do we come
From God, who is our home:
Heaven lies about us in our infancy!
Shades of the prison-house begin to close
Upon the growing Boy,
But he beholds the light, and whence it flows,
He sees it in his joy;
The Youth, who daily farther from the east
Must travel, still is Nature’s Priest,
And by the vision splendid
Is on his way attended;
At length the Man perceives it die away,
And fade into the light of common day.
Explanation: In this stanza, the poet explores the idea that human life begins with a connection to a divine source. He suggests that our birth is not a completely fresh start but rather a “sleep and a forgetting,” implying that the soul has existed before and comes into this life with memories of a heavenly existence. The soul, which is described as “our life’s Star,” comes from a distant place, carrying with it “trailing clouds of glory” from God, our true home. In our infancy, we are closest to this divine origin, and the world of heaven surrounds us.
However, as we grow older, the “Shades of the prison-house” begin to close in, symbolizing the limitations and burdens of earthly life that start to obscure our spiritual vision. The growing child, though still able to see the light and feel joy, begins to lose the clear perception of this divine glory. The young person, still connected to nature, continues to hold onto some of this vision, being “Nature’s Priest” and guided by the “vision splendid.” But as time passes and adulthood approaches, this divine vision begins to fade, eventually becoming just a faint memory, overshadowed by the “light of common day”—the ordinary, everyday reality that replaces the spiritual wonder of childhood.
Poetic Device
Metaphor: Wordsworth uses metaphor to describe human life and the soul’s journey. He compares our birth to “a sleep and a forgetting,” suggesting that our soul comes from a divine realm but forgets its origins as we are born into the world. The soul is metaphorically described as “trailing clouds of glory” from God, our true home, as it enters the world, indicating the spiritual and divine essence that accompanies us in infancy.
The “Shades of the prison-house” closing upon the growing boy is another metaphor that represents the gradual loss of spiritual awareness and the encroachment of the material world as we age.
Symbolism: The imagery of “trailing clouds of glory” symbolizes the divine origin and spiritual purity of the soul at birth. The “prison-house” symbolizes the constraints and limitations imposed by the material world as one grows older.
Contrast: The stanza contrasts the spiritual clarity and divine connection experienced in infancy with the gradual loss of this vision as one moves from childhood to adulthood. The “light” that the child perceives symbolizes spiritual insight, which fades as the “Man perceives it die away.”
Personification: Wordsworth personifies the “Shades of the prison-house,” giving them an active role in closing in on the growing boy, thereby illustrating the diminishing spiritual vision as one becomes more entrenched in the physical world.
Imagery: The stanza is rich with vivid imagery, such as “clouds of glory,” “light of common day,” and “Shades of the prison-house,” all of which create a powerful visual representation of the soul’s journey from spiritual awareness in infancy to the mundane reality of adulthood.
Stanza 6
Earth fills her lap with pleasures of her own;
Yearnings she hath in her own natural kind,
And, even with something of a Mother’s mind,
And no unworthy aim,
The homely Nurse doth all she can
To make her Foster-child, her Inmate Man,
Forget the glories he hath known,
And that imperial palace whence he came.
Explanation: In this stanza, the poet personifies Earth as a nurturing, motherly figure who provides her own pleasures and satisfactions to humanity. Earth, with a motherly care and purpose, seeks to comfort and nurture “her Foster-child, her Inmate Man”—referring to humans, who are depicted as being raised and sustained by Earth. However, this nurturing also has the effect of causing humans to forget the divine “glories” they knew before birth, when their souls resided in an “imperial palace,” symbolizing their heavenly origin.
Wordsworth suggests that as we become more immersed in the earthly pleasures and experiences that surround us, we gradually lose touch with the spiritual and divine memories that were once so vivid in our infancy. The “homely Nurse”—a metaphor for Earth—does not have a malicious intent but rather a natural aim to help us adapt to and find contentment in the physical world. However, in doing so, she also leads us to forget the greater, more glorious realm from which our souls originally came, emphasizing the theme of loss that runs throughout the poem.
Poetic Device
Personification: Wordsworth personifies Earth as a nurturing, motherly figure who “fills her lap with pleasures of her own” and cares for humanity as a “homely Nurse” and “Foster-child.” By giving Earth human qualities, the poet emphasizes the idea that nature, like a mother, provides for and nurtures humans. Earth does this with a “Mother’s mind” and “no unworthy aim,” seeking to comfort and satisfy her children.
Metaphor: The stanza also uses metaphor by comparing Earth to a mother or nurse who provides care and tries to make humans, her “Foster-child,” forget the “glories” and “imperial palace” from which their souls originated. This metaphor suggests that while nature provides for our physical needs, it also distracts us from our spiritual origins.
Stanza 7
Behold the Child among his new-born blisses,
A six years’ Darling of a pigmy size!
See, where ‘mid work of his own hand he lies,
Fretted by sallies of his mother’s kisses,
With light upon him from his father’s eyes!
See, at his feet, some little plan or chart,
Some fragment from his dream of human life,
Shaped by himself with newly-learn{e}d art
A wedding or a festival,
A mourning or a funeral;
And this hath now his heart,
And unto this he frames his song:
Then will he fit his tongue
To dialogues of business, love, or strife;
But it will not be long
Ere this be thrown aside,
And with new joy and pride
The little Actor cons another part;
Filling from time to time his “humorous stage”
With all the Persons, down to palsied Age,
That Life brings with her in her equipage;
As if his whole vocation
Were endless imitation.
Explanation: In this stanza, the poet vividly describes a young child, around six years old, fully immersed in his innocent joys and imaginative play. The child, though small in stature (“a pigmy size”), is deeply engaged in his own little world, surrounded by the love of his parents—his mother showering him with kisses and his father looking upon him with pride and affection.
The child is depicted as creating and playing out scenes from life, such as a wedding, a festival, or a funeral, using his newly acquired skills and imagination. These activities capture his heart and become the focus of his world, as he joyfully sings and plays. As he engages in these activities, he begins to practice the roles he will one day take on in the adult world, such as business, love, or conflict.
However, Wordsworth notes that the child quickly moves on from one role to another, like a little actor on a stage, constantly shifting and adapting to new parts. This “humorous stage” is filled with all the characters and experiences that life will eventually bring, from youth to old age. The poet suggests that the child’s early life is a continuous process of imitation, where he learns and rehearses the many roles he will play throughout his life. This passage emphasizes the idea that life is a series of stages and roles that we take on, often beginning in childhood as we mimic and practice the behaviors we see around us.
Poetic Device
Imagery: Wordsworth uses vivid imagery to depict the child’s early experiences and activities. Descriptions such as “A six years’ Darling of a pigmy size” and “Fretted by sallies of his mother’s kisses” create a clear and detailed visual picture of the child’s world. The “little plan or chart” and “fragment from his dream of human life” evoke the child’s imaginative play, highlighting the innocence and creativity of youth.
Metaphor: The stanza uses metaphor by referring to the child as an “Actor” on a “humorous stage,” suggesting that the child’s life is like a play in which he takes on different roles. This metaphor emphasizes the child’s role-playing and his imitation of various aspects of adult life.
Personification: The phrase “endless imitation” personifies the child’s play as if it were a lifelong profession or vocation. This highlights the idea that childhood is a time of constant mimicry and learning through imitation.
Stanza 8
Thou, whose exterior semblance doth belie
Thy Soul’s immensity;
Thou best Philosopher, who yet dost keep
Thy heritage, thou Eye among the blind,
That, deaf and silent, read’st the eternal deep,
Haunted for ever by the eternal mind,—
Mighty Prophet! Seer blest!
On whom those truths do rest,
Which we are toiling all our lives to find,
In darkness lost, the darkness of the grave;
Thou, over whom thy Immortality
Broods like the Day, a Master o’er a Slave,
A Presence which is not to be put by;
Thou little Child, yet glorious in the might
Of heaven-born freedom on thy being’s height,
Why with such earnest pains dost thou provoke
The years to bring the inevitable yoke,
Thus blindly with thy blessedness at strife?
Full soon thy Soul shall have her earthly freight,
And custom lie upon thee with a weight,
Heavy as frost, and deep almost as life!
Explanation: In this stanza, the poet addresses the child, recognizing the profound spiritual wisdom that lies within the seemingly simple and innocent exterior. Wordsworth sees the child as possessing an “immensity” of soul, one that belies the child’s small and unassuming appearance. He calls the child the “best Philosopher,” who, unlike adults, still retains a connection to the divine truths and eternal knowledge that we lose as we grow older. The child is described as an “Eye among the blind,” someone who, despite being “deaf and silent,” can perceive the deep, eternal truths that others cannot.
Wordsworth sees the child as a “Mighty Prophet” and a “Seer blest,” holding onto the truths that adults spend their entire lives searching for, often in vain, lost in the darkness of the grave. The child, still close to the divine, is watched over by immortality like a master watch over a slave. This divine presence is something that cannot be dismissed or ignored. The child, though small, is “glorious in the might” of the spiritual freedom that comes from being close to heaven.
The poet then questions why the child, with all this blessedness, seems eager to grow up and take on the burdens of adulthood—what Wordsworth calls the “inevitable yoke.” He wonders why the child, in his innocence and freedom, is so eager to provoke the years that will bring the weight of earthly responsibilities and customs, which will eventually burden the soul “heavy as frost” and as deep as life itself. The passage reflects Wordsworth’s lament that the purity and spiritual insight of childhood are inevitably lost as we grow older and are weighed down by the realities of adult life.
Poetic Device
Apostrophe: The stanza directly addresses the child with phrases like “Thou, whose exterior semblance doth belie” and “Thou best Philosopher.” This rhetorical device is used to speak to the child as if the child were capable of understanding and responding to the speaker’s thoughts. It emphasizes the speaker’s admiration and contemplation of the child’s profound wisdom and spiritual essence.
Metaphor: The child is described with various metaphors such as “Thou Eye among the blind” and “Mighty Prophet! Seer blest!” These metaphors convey the idea that the child possesses an extraordinary spiritual insight and wisdom that surpasses the common human experience. The metaphors compare the child’s perceived purity and innate knowledge to the wisdom of a philosopher and prophet.
Personification: The stanza personifies concepts such as Immortality and Custom, giving them human attributes. For instance, Immortality is described as brooding “like the Day, a Master o’er a Slave,” suggesting a dominant and controlling force over the child’s life, while Custom is portrayed as a weight that will come to burden the child.
Stanza 9
O joy! that in our embers
Is something that doth live,
That Nature yet remembers
What was so fugitive!
The thought of our past years in me doth breed
Perpetual benediction: not indeed
For that which is most worthy to be blest;
Delight and liberty, the simple creed
Of Childhood, whether busy or at rest,
With new-fledged hope still fluttering in his breast:—
Not for these I raise
The song of thanks and praise
But for those obstinate questionings
Of sense and outward things,
Fallings from us, vanishings;
Blank misgivings of a Creature
Moving about in worlds not realised,
High instincts before which our mortal Nature
Did tremble like a guilty thing surprised:
But for those first affections,
Those shadowy recollections,
Which, be they what they may
Are yet the fountain-light of all our day,
Are yet a master-light of all our seeing;
Uphold us, cherish, and have power to make
Our noisy years seem moments in the being
Of the eternal Silence: truths that wake,
To perish never;
Which neither listlessness, nor mad endeavour,
Nor Man nor Boy,
Nor all that is at enmity with joy,
Can utterly abolish or destroy!
Hence in a season of calm weather
Though inland far we be,
Our Souls have sight of that immortal sea
Which brought us hither,
Can in a moment travel thither,
And see the Children sport upon the shore,
And hear the mighty waters rolling evermore.
Explanation: In this stanza, the poet expresses a deep sense of joy and gratitude for the lingering spiritual presence that remains within us, even as we grow older and the vivid experiences of childhood fade. He celebrates the idea that something essential from our early years continues to live on in the “embers” of our adult lives—something that nature itself remembers, even though it may seem fleeting and distant.
Wordsworth acknowledges that while childhood is filled with delight, freedom, and hope, these are not the primary reasons for his gratitude. Instead, he gives thanks for the “obstinate questionings” and “shadowy recollections” that persist throughout life. These are the remnants of a deeper, spiritual understanding that we carry from our earliest days, even as we lose sight of it over time. These instincts and memories, though vague and elusive, serve as a guiding “fountain-light” that illuminates our lives, helping us to find meaning and connection to something greater.
These “first affections” and “shadowy recollections” have the power to transform our perception of time, making the “noisy years” of life seem like mere moments within the vastness of eternal silence. They represent eternal truths that remain with us, unshaken by the struggles and distractions of life. Wordsworth believes that these truths, rooted in our early experiences, cannot be destroyed by the passage of time, indifference, or any opposition to joy.
In a moment of calm reflection, even when far removed from the innocence of childhood, our souls can still connect with that “immortal sea” from which we came—symbolizing the divine origin of our existence. In these moments, we can once again feel the presence of the eternal, hear the “mighty waters” of the past, and remember the joy and purity of our earliest days, which continue to influence and uplift us throughout our lives.
Poetic Device
Apostrophe: The speaker addresses abstract concepts directly, such as “O joy!” and “But for those obstinate questionings.” This device personifies abstract ideas, making them more tangible and engaging for the reader.
Metaphor: The “fountain-light” and “master-light” are metaphors for the deep, guiding insights and emotions that come from childhood memories and experiences. These metaphors suggest that these recollections illuminate and guide our lives, providing profound understanding and meaning.
Imagery: The stanza employs vivid imagery to evoke the sense of timelessness and eternal beauty. For example, phrases like “immortal sea” and “mighty waters rolling evermore” create powerful visual and sensory images that reflect the continuity and majesty of the natural world and our connection to it.
Symbolism: The “immortal sea” symbolizes the eternal and unchanging aspects of existence that transcend individual lifetimes. It represents the eternal truths and memories that persist beyond our immediate experiences and the passage of time.
Stanza 10
Then sing, ye Birds, sing, sing a joyous song!
And let the young Lambs bound
As to the tabor’s sound!
We in thought will join your throng,
Ye that pipe and ye that play,
Ye that through your hearts to-day
Feel the gladness of the May!
What though the radiance which was once so bright
Be now for ever taken from my sight,
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower;
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind;
In the primal sympathy
Which having been must ever be;
In the soothing thoughts that spring
Out of human suffering;
In the faith that looks through death,
In years that bring the philosophic mind.
Explanation: In this stanza, the poet invites the birds to sing joyfully and the young lambs to leap as if dancing to the sound of a tabor, a small drum. He expresses a desire to join them in spirit, sharing in their celebration of the vibrant energy of May. Despite the joy around him, Wordsworth acknowledges the profound loss of the radiant beauty and spiritual splendor he once experienced in his youth—the “splendour in the grass” and “glory in the flower” that he can no longer see or feel as he once did.
However, rather than dwelling on this loss, Wordsworth resolves not to grieve but to find strength in what remains. He finds solace in the “primal sympathy,” the deep, enduring connection to nature and the human experience that persists throughout life. He also takes comfort in the “soothing thoughts” that arise from human suffering and in the “faith that looks through death,” suggesting a belief in something greater that transcends our mortal existence.
As he reflects on the passage of time, Wordsworth finds wisdom in the years that bring “the philosophic mind,” which allows him to understand and accept the changes that come with age. The poet ultimately embraces a mature perspective, finding peace in the enduring truths and connections that remain, even as the bright radiance of childhood fades.
Poetic Device
Apostrophe: The speaker directly addresses the birds and lambs, as in “Then sing, ye Birds, sing, sing a joyous song!” This device engages the reader and emphasizes the contrast between the natural joy of these creatures and the speaker’s own feelings of loss.
Contrast: The stanza contrasts the past “radiance” and “splendour” with the present state of loss and diminished vision. This contrast highlights the shift from the idealized past to the more somber present, yet it also reflects a sense of acceptance and adaptation.
Symbolism: “Splendour in the grass” and “glory in the flower” symbolize the vibrant, ephemeral beauty of youth and nature, which the speaker acknowledges as having passed. These symbols represent the ideal and the reality of human experience.
Stanza 11
And O, ye Fountains, Meadows, Hills, and Groves,
Forebode not any severing of our loves!
Yet in my heart of hearts I feel your might;
I only have relinquished one delight
To live beneath your more habitual sway.
I love the Brooks which down their channels fret,
Even more than when I tripped lightly as they;
The innocent brightness of a new-born Day
Is lovely yet;
The Clouds that gather round the setting sun
Do take a sober colouring from an eye
That hath kept watch o’er man’s mortality;
Another race hath been, and other palms are won.
Thanks to the human heart by which we live,
Thanks to its tenderness, its joys, and fears,
To me the meanest flower that blows can give
Thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears.
Explanation: In this concluding stanza, the poet addresses the natural world—fountains, meadows, hills, and groves—urging them not to fear that his love for them will fade. Despite feeling the profound power of nature within his heart, he acknowledges that he has had to relinquish some of the intense, childlike delight he once felt in order to live under the “more habitual sway” of the natural world as an adult.
Wordsworth expresses a deepening love for nature, appreciating the brooks, the brightness of a new day, and the beauty of the setting sun even more than he did in his youth. The clouds that gather around the setting sun are now seen through eyes that have experienced the realities of life and mortality, giving them a more sober, reflective beauty.
He recognizes that life is cyclical, with new generations (“another race”) coming forth and achieving their own victories (“other palms are won”). Yet, he finds profound gratitude in the simple, enduring aspects of life—the human heart, with its capacity for tenderness, joy, and fear. Even the smallest flower can evoke thoughts and emotions that are so deep they transcend words, often bringing feelings that lie “too deep for tears.” This passage reflects Wordsworth’s mature acceptance of the passage of time and the wisdom and emotional depth that come with age, finding solace in the enduring beauty and significance of the natural world and human experience.
Poetic Device
Apostrophe: The speaker directly addresses the natural elements, such as “O, ye Fountains, Meadows, Hills, and Groves,” as if they can understand and respond to his sentiments. This device emphasizes the speaker’s deep connection to nature and its enduring impact on him.
Personification: Nature is personified through expressions like “the innocent brightness of a new-born Day” and “the Clouds that gather round the setting sun.” This personification attributes human-like qualities to natural elements, enhancing their emotional significance and the speaker’s sense of loss and appreciation.
Contrast: The stanza contrasts past and present experiences. The speaker reflects on how his perception and enjoyment of nature have changed over time. He finds a deeper, more meaningful connection with nature now, despite having lost some of the youthful delight.
Immortality Ode Summary
“Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood” by William Wordsworth was first published in its entirety in 1807 as part of Wordsworth’s collection titled “Poems, in Two Volumes.” The poem, often simply referred to as the “Immortality Ode,” was written over a period of several years, with the first four stanzas completed in 1802 and the rest added by 1806. The poem reflects Wordsworth’s mature philosophical thoughts and is one of his most famous and revered works, capturing his exploration of memory, childhood, and the sense of the divine in nature.
“Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood” by William Wordsworth is a reflective poem where the poet looks back on the intense sense of wonder he experienced as a child. He remembers a time when the world seemed filled with a magical light, as if everything in nature was touched by something divine. However, as he has grown older, this sense of magic and glory has faded, leaving him feeling a deep sense of loss.
The poem explores the idea that, as children, we are closer to a spiritual source, almost like we carry memories of a heavenly place we came from before birth. In childhood, this connection to the divine is strong, and we can still sense the “glory and the dream” of that otherworldly realm. But as we grow up, everyday life starts to overshadow these feelings, and the sense of wonder we once had begins to disappear.
Despite this loss, Wordsworth finds comfort in the fact that some traces of this early wonder still remain with us as we age. These lingering memories and instincts, though faint, can still inspire and guide us. He suggests that even though we can’t fully return to the innocence of childhood, these memories can help us find meaning and strength in our lives.
In the final part of the poem, Wordsworth expresses gratitude for the ability to still appreciate nature and find joy in its beauty, even if it no longer feels as magical as it once did. He accepts that growing up involves losing some of that early wonder, but he finds peace in the idea that life continues, and we can still fin d deep meaning and emotional connection through our experiences and memories. The poem ends on a note of quiet acceptance, recognizing that while change is inevitable, the human heart and its ability to feel deeply remain powerful and enduring.
Immortality Ode Key Points
Author
William Wordsworth: An influential English Romantic poet, Wordsworth is known for his emphasis on nature, childhood, and the power of human emotion. This poem is a key work in his exploration of these themes.
Structure & Rhyme Scheme
The poem is structured into eleven stanzas. Here’s how the poem is organized:
First Four Stanzas: These stanzas talk about the loss of youth and innocence, and how death affects our sense of wonder.
Second Four Stanzas: These stanzas describe how growing older makes us lose touch with our earlier sense of the divine.
Final Three Stanzas: These stanzas offer hope that remembering the divine can help us empathize with each other and find joy.
The poem is written in eleven variable ode stanzas with variable rhyme schemes. The lines are iambic and can have two to five stressed syllables. The rhymes can alternate lines, fall in couplets, or occur within a single line.
Speaker
The speaker is a reflective and contemplative individual, likely Wordsworth himself, expressing his personal feelings and philosophical thoughts. The speaker reflects on the transition from childhood to adulthood and the impact of nature on human emotions.
Setting
The poem is set in a natural landscape, including meadows, hills, groves, and streams. The setting also involves abstract reflections on childhood and the process of growing up, blending physical nature with philosophical contemplation.
Theme
Transience of Joy: The poem explores how the vividness of childhood joy fades with time, replaced by a more reflective understanding of life.
Connection to Nature: The enduring relationship between humans and the natural world is a central theme, emphasizing nature’s role in sustaining human emotions and memories.
Immortality and Childhood: Wordsworth delves into the idea that childhood holds a divine or immortal quality that gets lost as one grows older.
Plot
Opening: The poem begins with a reflection on how nature and childhood once seemed full of divine beauty.
Transition: The speaker acknowledges that this sense of wonder diminishes with age.
Resolution: Despite the loss, the speaker finds solace in the enduring beauty of nature and the memories of childhood.
Tone
Reflective: The speaker is introspective, contemplating the changes in their perception of the world.
Nostalgic: There’s a sense of longing for the past and the innocent joy of childhood.
Hopeful: The poem ends on a hopeful note, finding consolation in nature and the lasting impact of childhood experiences.
Style
Lyrical: The poem is lyrical, characterized by its emotional depth and musical quality.
Philosophical: Wordsworth’s style involves deep philosophical reflection on the nature of existence and the human condition.
Imagery: The poem is rich in imagery related to nature and childhood, enhancing the emotional and visual impact of the themes.
Message
Enduring Influence of Childhood: Childhood experiences and emotions have a lasting influence on the individual, even as they evolve with age.
Nature’s Role: Nature continues to provide a sense of joy and connection, helping to bridge the gap between the idealized past and the present reality.
Philosophical Reflection: The poem encourages readers to reflect on the transient nature of human experiences and the enduring beauty found in the natural world and childhood memories.
Pindaric Ode
William Wordsworth’s “Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Early Childhood” is often discussed in the context of the Pindaric ode form. Here’s how it relates to this classical structure:
What is a Pindaric Ode?
A Pindaric ode, named after the ancient Greek poet Pindar, traditionally features a three-part structure:
Strophe: The first part, where the poet sets up the theme.
Antistrophe: The second part, which often responds or contrasts with the strophe.
Epode: The concluding section that reflects on or resolves the theme presented in the strophe and antistrophe.
Structure of Wordsworth’s Ode
1. First Four Stanzas: Discuss Death and Loss of Youth
In these stanzas, Wordsworth reflects on the fading sense of wonder and the loss of youthful innocence as one grows older. This section can be seen as the Strophe, where the poet introduces the primary theme of the poem—the loss of divine insight with age.
2. Second Four Stanzas: Describe the Impact of Age on Divine Vision
Here, Wordsworth delves into how growing older causes people to lose their spiritual vision and connection with the divine. This part mirrors the Antistrophe, offering a response and further development of the ideas introduced in the first section.
3. Final Three Stanzas: Express Hope and Memory of the Divine
In the concluding stanzas, Wordsworth expresses hope that memories of the divine experience can still provide comfort and empathy. This section acts as the Epode, bringing resolution to the themes of loss and memory, and reflecting on the potential for finding joy and connection despite the fading divine vision.
Rhyme Scheme and Form
Wordsworth’s ode follows a more flexible and less rigid form compared to classical Pindaric odes. The rhyme scheme varies across the poem, with some stanzas featuring alternating rhymes, couplets, or internal rhymes. The lines are iambic, but their syllabic patterns can range from two to five stressed syllables. This flexibility allows Wordsworth to adapt the traditional Pindaric form to his own thematic and emotional needs.
Conclusion
While Wordsworth’s “Ode: Intimations of Immortality” does not strictly adhere to the classical Pindaric ode form, it draws on its principles by organizing the poem into sections that explore and reflect on a central theme. The structure of strophe, antistrophe, and epode can be seen in the way the poem discusses, contrasts, and resolves the themes of divine insight, loss, and memory.
William Wordsworth Biography
Early Life
Birth: William Wordsworth was born on April 7, 1770, in Cockermouth, Cumberland, England.
Family Background: He was the second of five children in a middle-class family. His father, John Wordsworth, was a legal representative, and his mother, Ann Cookson Wordsworth, died when he was eight years old, deeply affecting him.
Education: Wordsworth attended Hawkshead Grammar School, where he developed a love for poetry and nature. He later studied at St John’s College, Cambridge, but he was not particularly committed to academic studies, preferring outdoor activities and reading.
Literary Career
Early Influences: Wordsworth was influenced by the natural beauty of the Lake District, where he spent much of his childhood. His love for nature and the rural landscape would later become central themes in his poetry.
First Published Work: His first published work was An Evening Walk and Descriptive Sketches in 1793, which began to establish his reputation as a poet.
Friendship with Coleridge: In 1795, Wordsworth met Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and they developed a close friendship. This collaboration led to the publication of Lyrical Ballads in 1798, a groundbreaking work that marked the beginning of the English Romantic movement.
Lyrical Ballads: Lyrical Ballads contained poems by both Wordsworth and Coleridge, including Wordsworth’s famous “Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey.” The preface to the second edition, written by Wordsworth, outlined the principles of Romantic poetry, emphasizing the importance of emotion, imagination, and the beauty of nature.
Major Works
The Prelude: Wordsworth’s most significant work is The Prelude, an autobiographical poem that he worked on throughout his life. It was published posthumously in 1850. The poem traces Wordsworth’s development as a poet and his spiritual growth.
Ode: Intimations of Immortality: Another major work, this poem reflects on the loss of the innocence and wonder of childhood and the enduring connection between humans and nature.
Other Notable Works: His other important works include The Excursion (1814), The Lucy Poems, and I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud (also known as Daffodils).
Themes and Style
Nature: Wordsworth is best known for his deep love of nature and his belief in its restorative and spiritual power. He saw nature as a living force that could teach humans about themselves and the world.
Emotion and Imagination: Wordsworth’s poetry often emphasizes the importance of emotion and imagination. He believed that poetry should be the “spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.”
Common Life: Wordsworth sought to capture the beauty and significance of ordinary life and common people in his poetry, often using simple language to convey profound ideas.
Pantheism: His work reflects a pantheistic view, where God is present in all aspects of nature, and humans can find divine meaning through their connection with the natural world.
Personal Life
Marriage and Family: In 1802, Wordsworth married Mary Hutchinson, a childhood friend. They had five children, though two of them, Thomas and Catherine, died in childhood, which had a profound effect on Wordsworth and his poetry.
Poet Laureate: Wordsworth was appointed Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom in 1843, a position he held until his death. He accepted the role reluctantly and wrote very little in his official capacity.
Legacy and Influence
Pioneer of Romanticism: Wordsworth is often regarded as one of the founders of the Romantic movement in English literature, which emphasized emotion, nature, and individualism.
Influence on Literature: His work influenced a wide range of poets and writers, including the next generation of Romantic poets like John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley.
Enduring Popularity: Wordsworth’s poetry remains widely read and admired for its beauty, emotional depth, and insight into the human condition.
Later Life and Death
Final Years: In his later years, Wordsworth continued to write but became more conservative in his views. He remained deeply connected to the Lake District, where he lived for most of his life.
Death: William Wordsworth died on April 23, 1850, at the age of 80, in Rydal Mount, his home in the Lake District. He was buried in St Oswald’s Church, Grasmere.
Recognition
Memorials: Wordsworth’s legacy is celebrated through various memorials, including the Wordsworth Museum and Dove Cottage in Grasmere, where he lived for many years.
Cultural Impact: His works continue to be studied and appreciated for their contributions to English literature and their exploration of the relationship between humans and nature.
Immortality Ode: Word Meaning
| Tough Word | Meaning in English | Meaning in Hindi |
| Piety | Religious devotion | धार्मिकता |
| Leaps up | Jumps upward | ऊपर कूदना |
| Stanza 1 | ||
| Meadow | Grassland | चरागाह |
| Grove | Small group of trees | उपवन |
| Apparelled | Clothed | वस्त्र पहनाया हुआ |
| Celestial | Heavenly | स्वर्गीय |
| Hath | Has (archaic) | है (पुराना रूप) |
| Yore | Long ago | अतीत |
| Stanza 2 | ||
| Doth | Does (archaic) | करता है (पुराना रूप) |
| Bare | Naked, uncovered | नग्न, खुला |
| Starry night | Night filled with stars | तारों से भरी रात |
| Glorious birth | Magnificent birth | शानदार जन्म |
| Stanza 3 | ||
| Joyous | Full of joy | हर्षित |
| Tabor’s sound | Sound of a small drum | डफली की आवाज |
| Grief | Deep sorrow | शोक |
| Utterance | Expression in words | उच्चारण |
| Cataracts | Large waterfalls | विशाल जलप्रपात |
| Trumpets | Musical instruments | तुरही |
| Steep | Rising or falling sharply | खड़ी ढलान |
| Throng | A large crowd | भीड़ |
| Earth is gay | Earth is cheerful | पृथ्वी आनंदित है |
| Jollity | Cheerfulness | हर्षोल्लास |
| Thou | You (archaic) | तुम (पुराना रूप) |
| Shout | Loud cry | चिल्लाना |
| Thy | Your (archaic) | तुम्हारा (पुराना रूप) |
| Shepherd-boy | A boy who herds sheep | गड़रिये का लड़का |
| Stanza 4 | ||
| Ye | You (archaic) | आप (पुराना रूप) |
| Jubilee | Celebration | उत्सव |
| Hath | Has (archaic) | है (पुराना रूप) |
| Coronal | A crown or wreath | मुकुट |
| Bliss | Perfect happiness | परम आनंद |
| Sullen | Gloomy, morose | उदासीन, चिड़चिड़ा |
| Adorning | Decorating | सजाना |
| Culling | Selecting from a group | छांटना |
| Babe leaps up | Baby jumps up | बच्चा ऊपर कूदता है |
| Pansy | A type of flower | एक प्रकार का फूल |
| Whither | To where | कहाँ |
| Fled | Ran away | भाग जाना |
| Visionary gleam | Imagined brightness | कल्पित चमक |
| Stanza 5 | ||
| Utter | Complete | पूर्ण |
| Beholds | Sees | देखता है |
| Whence | From where | कहां से |
| Nature’s priest | A person who serves nature | प्रकृति का पुजारी |
| Splendid | Magnificent | शानदार |
| Perceives | Recognizes | महसूस करता है |
| Stanza 6 | ||
| Yearnings | Longings | लालसा |
| Homely Nurse | Earth | पृथ्वी |
| Foster-child | A child cared for by someone else | गोद लिया हुआ बच्चा |
| Inmate man | A man living in confinement | कैदी व्यक्ति |
| Imperial | Majestic | शाही |
| Whence | (from) where | जहाँ (से) |
| Stanza 7 | ||
| Darling | Beloved | प्रिय |
| Pigmy | Very small person | बौना |
| Fretted | Worried | चिंतित |
| Sallies | Sudden rushes forward | अचानक आगे बढ़ना |
| Mourning | Expressing grief | शोक करना |
| Strife | Conflict | संघर्ष |
| Ere | Before (archaic) | पहले (पुराना रूप) |
| Cons | Examines | जांचता है |
| Palsied | Paralyzed | लकवाग्रस्त |
| Equipage | Equipment | साज-सामान |
| Vocation | Occupation | पेशा |
| Imitation | Copying | नकल |
| Stanza 8 | ||
| Semblance | Resemblance | समानता |
| Belie | Contradict | गलत साबित करना |
| Immensity | Vastness | विशालता |
| Dost | Do (archaic) | करता है (पुराना रूप) |
| Mighty prophet | Great predictor | महान भविष्यवक्ता |
| Seer blest | Blessed visionary | धन्य दृष्टा |
| Toiling | Working hard | कड़ी मेहनत करना |
| Broods | Worries | चिंता करता है |
| Earnest pains | Sincere efforts | गंभीर प्रयास |
| Inevitable yoke | Unavoidable burden | अपरिहार्य बोझ |
| Strife | Conflict | संघर्ष |
| Earthly freight | Burden of the earth | पृथ्वी का बोझ |
| Frost | Ice | पाला |
| Stanza 9 | ||
| Fugitive | Escaping | भगोड़ा |
| Breed | Produce offspring | संतति पैदा करना |
| Perpetual benediction | Eternal blessing | शाश्वत आशीर्वाद |
| Blest | Blessed | धन्य |
| Creed | Belief system | विश्वास प्रणाली |
| Fledged | Fully developed | पूर्ण विकसित |
| Fluttering | Moving with quick movements | फड़फड़ाना |
| Obstinate | Stubborn | जिद्दी |
| Vanishings | Disappearances | गायब हो जाना |
| Misgivings | Doubts | शंकाएँ |
| Instincts | Natural tendencies | सहज प्रवृत्तियाँ |
| Tremble | Shake | कांपना |
| Shadowy | Shady | छायादार |
| Uphold | Support | समर्थन करना |
| Perish | Die | नष्ट होना |
| Listlessness | Lack of energy | उदासीनता |
| Endeavour | Attempt | प्रयास |
| Enmity | Hostility | दुश्मनी |
| Inland | Away from the coast | आंतरिक |
| Hither | To here | यहाँ |
| Thither | To there | वहाँ |
| Shore | Land bordering water | तट |
| Stanza 10 | ||
| Joyous | Full of joy | हर्षित |
| Tabor | Small drum | डफली |
| Throng | A large crowd | भीड़ |
| Radiance | Brightness | चमक |
| Splendour | Magnificence | भव्यता |
| Grieve | Feel sorrow | दुखी होना |
| Primal | Original | मूल |
| Soothing | Comforting | आरामदायक |
| Spring Out of | To arise or emerge from | से उत्पन्न होना |
| Stanza 11 | ||
| Forebode | Predict | पूर्वसूचना देना |
| Severing | Cutting off | अलग करना |
| Relinquished | Given up | त्याग दिया |
| Sway | Influence | प्रभाव |
| Brooks | Streams | नदियाँ |
| Fret | Irritate | चिड़चिड़ाना |
| Sober | Calm | शांत |
| Tenderness | Gentleness, kindness | कोमलता, दया |
| Meanest | Lowest, most inferior | सबसे निम्न, सबसे घटिया |
Immortality Ode: Questions and Answers
Very Short Answer Questions
Q: Who is the author of the poem?
A: William Wordsworth.
Q: What type of poem is “Ode: Intimations of Immortality”?
A: It is an ode.
Q: What is the primary theme of the poem?
A: The loss of childhood joy and its enduring impact.
Q: Which natural elements are frequently mentioned in the poem?
A: Meadows, hills, streams, and brooks.
Q: What does the speaker reflect on in the poem?
A: The loss of childhood wonder and the comfort found in nature.
Q: How does the speaker describe childhood experiences?
A: As filled with celestial light and glory.
Q: What does the poem suggest about the continuity of childhood joy?
A: It suggests that childhood joy continues to influence us throughout life.
Q: How does Wordsworth describe the effect of age on perception?
A: Age dims the sense of wonder and beauty once felt.
Q: What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?
A: It varies.
Q: What does the speaker find solace in despite the loss?
A: In the enduring beauty of nature and childhood memories.
Q: What metaphor does the poem use to describe childhood joy?
A: Trailing clouds of glory.
Q: How does the poem depict the role of nature?
A: As a keeper of childhood memories and a source of comfort.
Q: What does the speaker compare the fading childhood joy to?
A: A glory that has passed away from the earth.
Q: How does Wordsworth describe the landscape in the poem?
A: Vibrant and full of natural beauty.
Q: What emotion predominates in the speaker’s reflection?
A: Nostalgia.
Q: How does the poem address the passage of time?
A: It acknowledges that time changes our perception of joy and wonder.
Q: What does the speaker believe about childhood and nature?
A: Childhood and nature are interconnected and spiritually significant.
Q: What role does “philosophic mind” play in the poem?
A: It represents the deeper understanding gained with age.
Q: What imagery is used to evoke childhood experiences?
A: Imagery of bright days, blooming flowers, and joyous play.
Q: How does the poem describe the effect of nature on the speaker?
A: It provides comfort and a connection to the past.
Q: What does the poem suggest about human suffering?
A: It suggests that soothing thoughts can emerge from human suffering.
Q: How is the concept of immortality addressed in the poem?
A: It is linked to the enduring essence of childhood experiences.
Q: What does the poem say about the role of the human heart?
A: It is crucial for experiencing and remembering joy.
Q: How does Wordsworth feel about the “meanest flower”?
A: He finds deep significance and joy in even the simplest aspects of nature.
Q: What is the tone of the poem?
A: Reflective, nostalgic, and hopeful.
Q: How does the poem describe the transition from childhood to adulthood?
A: It is seen as a loss of visionary and joyful experiences.
Q: What does the speaker feel has been lost over time?
A: The immediate and intense joy of childhood.
Q: How does Wordsworth view the role of childhood in later life?
A: As a source of inspiration and enduring spiritual insight.
Q: What is the speaker’s attitude towards the fading of childhood wonder?
A: He accepts it with a sense of melancholy but finds solace in nature.
Q: How does the poem end?
A: It ends on a hopeful note, finding beauty and joy in nature despite the passage of time.
Short Answer Questions
What is the central theme of the poem?
The central theme of the poem is the idea of immortality and the transient nature of human experience. Wordsworth reflects on how the sense of divine or spiritual glory, which is vivid in childhood, fades as one grows older. The poem explores how memories of this childhood bliss continue to offer solace and insight throughout life.
How does Wordsworth describe the process of growing up in the poem?
Wordsworth describes growing up as a process of losing the direct connection with the divine and eternal. He illustrates how the spiritual and joyful experiences of childhood diminish as one matures, replaced by a more mundane and practical outlook on life.
What role do nature and natural imagery play in the poem?
Nature and natural imagery play a significant role in the poem, serving as symbols of the divine and eternal. Wordsworth uses images of meadows, hills, and streams to evoke the beauty and spiritual essence that he feels are diminished with age. Nature reflects the purity and glory that he associates with childhood.
Explain the use of contrast between childhood and adulthood in the poem.
The poem contrasts childhood with adulthood to highlight the loss of spiritual insight and joy as one ages. Childhood is portrayed as a time of natural connection with divine glory, while adulthood is depicted as a period where this connection fades, replaced by the burdens and limitations of practical life.
What does Wordsworth mean by “trailing clouds of glory” in the poem?
“Trailing clouds of glory” refers to the idea that children come into the world with a residual sense of divine light and spiritual presence. Wordsworth suggests that this innate spiritual awareness is a remnant of a pre-birth existence in a heavenly realm, which gradually fades as the child grows older.
How does the poet view the concept of memory in relation to childhood experiences?
Wordsworth views memory as a vital connection to the spiritual experiences of childhood. He believes that memories of childhood joy and wonder continue to provide comfort and insight throughout life, helping to sustain a sense of spiritual fulfilment despite the loss of direct connection with that glory.
What is the significance of the imagery of “splendour in the grass” and “glory in the flower”?
The imagery of “splendour in the grass” and “glory in the flower” signifies the beauty and divinity that Wordsworth associates with childhood. These images evoke the sense of natural and spiritual wonder that he feels is lost as one grows older, symbolizing the fleeting nature of pure, untainted joy.
Discuss the poet’s attitude toward aging and the passage of time.
Wordsworth’s attitude toward aging and the passage of time is reflective and somewhat melancholic. He acknowledges that aging brings a loss of the direct spiritual experiences of childhood but also recognizes that the memories of these experiences provide enduring solace and insight.
How does Wordsworth use the motif of “light” throughout the poem?
Wordsworth uses the motif of “light” to symbolize spiritual illumination and divine presence. In childhood, light represents the innate sense of glory and spiritual insight. As one ages, the light fades, but memories of that light continue to offer guidance and comfort.
What message does Wordsworth convey about the relationship between childhood and adulthood?
Wordsworth conveys that while childhood offers a direct connection to divine and spiritual experiences, adulthood brings a more practical and mundane perspective. However, the memories of childhood’s spiritual clarity and joy continue to influence and uplift individuals, providing a sense of continuity and hope amid the challenges of adult life.
Essay Type Questions
Write the critical appreciation of the poem.
Introduction
William Wordsworth’s “Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Early Childhood” is a famous poem that explores the relationship between childhood, memory, and spirituality. Wordsworth reflects on how our understanding of the divine changes as we grow older and how we can still find comfort in our memories.
Central Idea
The poem’s central idea is that children have a natural sense of the divine and spiritual, but as they grow up, they lose this awareness. Wordsworth discusses how this spiritual insight fades with age but suggests that remembering it can still provide comfort and understanding.
Structure & Rhyme Scheme
The poem is structured into eleven stanzas. Here’s how the poem is organized:
First Four Stanzas: These stanzas talk about the loss of youth and innocence, and how death affects our sense of wonder.
Second Four Stanzas: These stanzas describe how growing older makes us lose touch with our earlier sense of the divine.
Final Three Stanzas: These stanzas offer hope that remembering the divine can help us empathize with each other and find joy.
The poem uses a flexible rhyme scheme, meaning the pattern of rhymes can vary. The lines have a rhythmic pattern called iambic meter, which means they typically follow an unstressed-stressed syllable pattern. The rhymes can alternate, come in pairs, or be scattered within lines.
Theme
The main theme of the poem is the contrast between the spiritual awareness of childhood and the loss of this insight as we age. Wordsworth suggests that even though we lose this divine vision with time, memories of it can still bring us solace and understanding.
Style
Wordsworth’s style is reflective and philosophical. He uses clear language to express deep ideas about human experience and spirituality. His writing is emotional and thoughtful, aiming to connect with the reader’s own experiences and feelings.
Poetic Devices
Imagery: Wordsworth uses vivid images, like “celestial light,” to evoke the divine experience of childhood.
Personification: Nature is given human qualities, such as emotions and actions, to highlight its importance in human life.
Symbolism: Childhood represents a time of divine insight, while adulthood represents the loss of this insight.
Metaphor: Wordsworth compares the fading sense of the divine to “trailing clouds of glory.”
Critical Commentary
Critics have praised the poem for its deep insights and beautiful language. Samuel Taylor Coleridge admired Wordsworth’s ability to blend personal feelings with universal themes. Modern critics appreciate how the poem addresses complex spiritual ideas in a relatable way, highlighting its significance in Romantic literature.
Message
The poem’s message is that while the direct experience of the divine may fade with age, the memories of this experience can still provide comfort and insight. Wordsworth encourages us to cherish and reflect on our childhood experiences, as they help us understand and connect with others.
Conclusion
“Ode: Intimations of Immortality” is a meaningful exploration of how our sense of the divine changes from childhood to adulthood. Wordsworth’s flexible structure and rich use of poetic devices help convey these complex ideas in an accessible and emotional way. The poem remains an important work for its insights into human experience and spirituality.
Long note on themes used in the poem “Ode: Intimations of Immortality”
William Wordsworth’s poem “Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Early Childhood” explores several important themes related to human experience, childhood, and nature. Here’s a simple breakdown of the key themes:
1. The Transience of Human Experience
The poem highlights how the joyful experiences of childhood are fleeting. Wordsworth reflects on how the wonder and beauty seen in youth fade as we grow older. He contrasts the vivid feelings of childhood with the more ordinary view of life that comes with age, showing that these pure moments of joy cannot be fully recaptured.
2. Immortality and Spirituality
Wordsworth discusses the idea that children come into the world with a sense of divine light and spiritual awareness. He suggests that this connection to something greater begins to fade as they age. While direct experiences of spiritual joy may diminish, the memories of these experiences continue to inspire and comfort us throughout life.
3. Nature as a Symbol of Divine Presence
Nature is a major theme in the poem, representing beauty and a connection to the divine. Wordsworth uses images of meadows, hills, and streams to express the spiritual richness of childhood. Nature serves as a reminder of the glory and wonder that once felt so close, even if our perception changes over time.
4. The Role of Memory and Reflection
Memory plays a crucial role in the poem, as Wordsworth emphasizes that while we may lose the direct experience of childhood joy, the memories remain. These memories allow us to reconnect with the feelings and spiritual insights of our early years, showing how important reflection is for understanding our past.
5. The Philosophical Perspective on Aging
The poem presents a thoughtful view on aging. Wordsworth acknowledges the inevitable changes that come with growing older but also recognizes the wisdom gained through life experiences. He suggests that aging brings both loss and new understanding, with memories helping us find continuity in our journey.
Conclusion
In “Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Early Childhood,” Wordsworth explores themes of loss, memory, and the connection to nature. He reflects on how childhood joy fades but leaves lasting impressions. The poem encourages readers to appreciate the beauty of nature and the importance of memories in maintaining a sense of wonder throughout life.
