How does Wordsworth glorify childhood in his poems?

Or, discuss Wordsworth's attitude towards childhood as revealed in the “Immortality Ode.” 

William Wordsworth (1770-1850) is one of the greatest Romantic poets. He believed that childhood was a special and sacred time in life. In many of his poems, he glorifies childhood by describing it as a period of innocence, wonder, and deep connection to nature and the divine. Here we will discuss Wordsworth’s attitude toward childhood in his major poems: "Ode: Intimations of Immortality," "Tintern Abbey," and "It is a Beauteous Evening, Calm and Free."

Childhood as a Time of Divine Connection: In "Ode: Intimations of Immortality" (1807), Wordsworth believes that children are closest to heaven because their souls come from a divine place before birth. He says that when we are born, we bring “clouds of glory” with us from heaven. The poet says:

“Heaven lies about us in our infancy!”

ote> As children, we can see the world in a pure and heavenly way. Children can see the world with a sense of wonder and joy. Wordsworth writes that children can feel the presence of God in nature. However, as people grow up, they lose this heavenly vision because life becomes more about daily routines and struggles.

Memories of Childhood: Wordsworth emphasizes how childhood memories stay with us throughout life. Even though adults lose the pure vision they had as children, the memories of their childhood give them strength and hope. In "Ode: Intimations of Immortality," the speaker remembers that, when he was a child, he saw the whole world shining with heavenly beauty. He wonders where that beauty has gone now he is an adult. The speaker says:

“What though the radiance which was once so bright

Be now for ever taken from my sight,”

He concludes that he can still find heavenly beauty in his memories of childhood:

“We will grieve not, rather find

Strength in what remains behind.”

The poet argues that the way the world looks to children—is a hint that every human soul comes from heaven, and will return there one day.

A Time of Joy and Excitement: In "Tintern Abbey" (1798), 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,...” 

Wordsworth suggests that an innocent finds joy and delight in the natural world. Even though Wordsworth no longer feels the same joy as an adult, he treasures those childhood memories. These happy memories continue to inspire him.

Innocence of Childhood: In "It is a Beauteous Evening, Calm and Free" (1807), Wordsworth walks with a young girl (his daughter) by the sea during a peaceful sunset. The girl seems unaffected by the beauty of the evening. Wordsworth explains that this is because children naturally feel close to God all the time. For children, being in nature is not a special moment—it is simply part of their everyday life. Wordsworth sees this as proof of their innocence. Wordsworth believes children have a constant connection to the divine. 

In essence, Wordsworth glorifies childhood by showing it as a time of innocence, wonder, and closeness to God and nature. He believes children have a special way of seeing the world that adults lose as they grow up. However, Wordsworth also finds comfort in childhood memories. These memories bring him inspiration and faith in the beauty of life. 

Continue Reading

Subscribe to access the full content

Upgrade to Premium