What virtues does Wordsworth plead for Milton to bring back to England?
In the poem "London, 1802," (1807) William Wordsworth (1770-1850) calls upon the spirit of John Milton, a great poet from the past. He believes that Milton's qualities can help improve England, which he feels is in a poor state. Wordsworth asks for several important virtues to be restored to England, which he feels are missing from society. Here are the virtues Wordsworth wants to see return:
- Manners: Wordsworth thinks people in England have forgotten how to behave nicely and respectfully. He wants them to be polite and considerate to each other again.
- Virtue: Virtue means doing what is right and being morally good. Wordsworth feels that England has lost its moral direction and needs to find it again.
- Freedom: He believes that freedom is very important for a happy and healthy society. Wordsworth wants people to be free to think and act without unfair restrictions.
- Power: He calls for power to be used wisely and justly. Wordsworth wants leaders who use their power to make life better for everyone, not just for themselves.
