Tintern Abbey

Poetry | William Wordsworth

What Are the Three Stages of Growth that Wordsworth Refers to in "Tintern Abbey"?

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What are the three stages of growth that Wordsworth refers to in Tintern Abbey In Tintern Abbey William Wordsworth - talks about three important stages of personal growth and his relationship with nature Each stage shows how his feelings and thoughts about nature have changed as he grew older These stages show his emotional and spiritual development as the poet revisits the banks of the Wye river during a tour The Three Stages of Growth that Wordsworth refers to in Tintern Abbey First Stage The Joyful Experience of Childhood In the first stage Wordsworth recalls his childhood when he was deeply connected to nature In his childhood he saw nature as a source of pure joy and excitement He describes how as a boy he would run and play in the mountains and rivers He says I bounded o er the mountains by the sides Of the deep rivers In

this stage nature filled him with happiness and energy Nature was his whole world He did not need to think about nature s meaning He simply enjoyed its beauty and freedom His relationship with nature was driven by physical joy and a sense of adventure It is much like an innocent child who finds delight in the natural world Second Stage The Fearful and Emotional Youth As Wordsworth grew older he entered the second stage where his emotions became more complex In this stage he reflects on his earlier experiences with nature He realizes that his understanding has changed He can no longer enjoy nature in the same carefree way he did as a boy Instead his relationship with the natural world has become more thoughtful Wordsworth acknowledges this change He says That time is past And all its aching joys are now no more Although he has lost the simple joys of youth he does not mourn this change Instead he finds a new sense of fulfillment He contemplates nature with a deeper awareness of human life and emotions Now he hears The still sad music of humanity The line represents his recognition of the struggles and sufferings in the world This stage is marked by reflection and a more mature understanding of nature's connection to human existence Third Stage Spiritual Maturity In the final stage Wordsworth describes his mature understanding of nature as an adult Now he does not love nature for its beauty or the strong feelings it gives him Instead he sees nature as something deeper more spiritual and connected to his inner self He feels a sense of unity with nature He believes that nature is filled with a divine presence that connects all living things Wordsworth describes this feeling as a sense sublime Of something far more deeply interfused Wordsworth expresses a deep spiritual or emotional connection with nature through this quote At this stage he sees nature as a powerful force that impels all thinking things and rolls through all things This stage shows a spiritual awakening where Wordsworth sees nature as a guiding force in life It gives him tranquil restoration and helps him feel at peace even when life is difficult In conclusion Wordsworth s growth through the three stages of his relationship with nature shows how people can change over time In childhood he enjoyed nature with pure happiness In youth he experienced strong emotions And in adulthood he found deeper meaning in nature This journey shows how nature shapes the mind and spirit This makes the poem a powerful reflection of personal growth

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