CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Nature is not the ultimate reality, but it has a valuable role to play in the life of man. It is a real
and not a deceptive structure of forms and forces, it displays sublime orderand beauty in both
action and being. (Wordsworth) In a society where materialism rules, human beings are bound
to explore every means in order to attain these material elements and in doing so, they devote
their time and resources thereby having little or no time to appreciate nature. Thus, for man to
appreciate nature again, the use of literature becomes very important as literature is seen as a
weapon of change. During the Romantic era therefore, writers like William Wordsworth,
Samuel Taylor Coleridge, John Keats, William Blake, Perry .B. Shelly and other romanticists used
their works to clamor for a change in the society. The society they lived in was full of chaos as a
result of the emergence of science and technology which gave birth to the invention of
machines of all kinds. These inventions 'ate up' the society as they were filled with the glamour
of this new technological breakthrough. Therefore there was little or no time for the indepth
appreciation of the natural and the supernatural.

Religion to the people at the time of these inventions, was a disturbance and so they wanted
little or nothing to do with it. Therefore, the appreciation of the supernatural was like a burden
rather than a necessity just as the use of natural elements became a waste of time to them.
Even though these natural elements help more in their lives than the machines that were used
for the manufacturing of their products. These problems, and more were what the writers of
this period viewed and were able to forsee that the future of Europe was not safe; therefore, in
a bid to try and draw man back to nature, they decided to use their writings to preach the
essence of nature and to negate the corrupt practices prevalent at that time. The Romantic era
which lasted from 1780-1870, was preceded by the Neo-Classical Period. Bygrave (1996, pVII)
describes Romanticism as a European movement which came to affect all the arts in the first
half of the nineteenth century. It is a very generalized way of claiming coherence for a vast
range of culture practices…(Bygrave,1996, pVII)

1.3 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The Romanticists believed in innovation and this is why they deviated from the norms of
writing. They believed in change and not stagnancy because they believed that the only
constant thing in life is change which can only be caused by the individual. They believed that
change starts when the individual sees the chaos in the society, and tries to change it by all
means. Romanticists negated the neo-classicists as the latter adhered strictly to their rules and
regulations in writing. On this Bodunde states that:

Romanticism came as a direct negation of Neo-classicism. While the Neo-classical poets

This deviation from the norms of writing brought about impeccable changes through the
use of the theme of nature, the supernatural, and the vivid imageries discussed in the works of
Romanticists. The focus on the natural and the supernatural is to emphasize on the beauty of
life in which the Romanticists find themslves as imaginistic and visionary. The writings of the
Romanticists was filled with spontaneous flow of emotions which are expressed in solitude as
their writings center on the events they experienced in their lifetime right from their childhood
to adulthood. Hopes for a better future was therefore expressed using imageries intensified by
paying great attention to describing moments in their lives.

1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF STUDY

The objective of this study are to examine the thematic focus of selected Romantic
poems and evaluate the various images which are employed to develop the subject matter. In
doing this, one needs to establish the nature of the Romantic aesthetic tradition.

The Romanticists believe in using the external to change the internal workings of man; these
external elements are seen in natural landscape which is made of beauty and beauty is seen as
good, pure and peaceful. However, due to the emergence of science and technology, man got
seperated from the use of natural elements and so, did not appreciate nature enough to see
that nature is the only tool with which man can exist peacefully. In addition to the presentation
of nature and its spiritual composition as the only way for peaceful co-existence, this research
work will emphasize on the unfeeling nature of man towards natural elements and how
insignificant they place nature despite the importance which these writers attach to nature.
 Furthermore, the wide gap in social class which was caused by science and technology will
be analysed (though not over-emphasized) as not only did the invention of machines cause man
to deviate from nature, it also made the society segregated in terms of class. This is perhaps the
early beginnings of what is now known as Marxism which the Modern period writers now
adopts in their writings.

Finally, the aim and objective of this research is to make intended researchers appreciate the
Romantic age and see it as, perhaps, an age of enlightenment which can be referred to as the
soul and beginning of literary writings.

1.4 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF STUDY

For so many years, so many writers at one point or the other have examined Romantic
works in various ways, that is, the form, themes, techniques, and the use of imagery in
Romanticism. This research shall however, be limited to the extensive appraisal of the themes
and imagery used by Romantic writers.

Hence, "Themes and Imagery in Selected Romantic Poems" and the data which will be used
for analyzing these two concepts are William Wordsworth's "The World is too Much with Us", "I
Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" and William Blake’s "London" and "The Garden of Love".

1.5 JUSTIFICATION OF STUDY

The reason for embarking on this research work is to justify the thematic compositions and use
of imagery by Romantic writers. These themes include nature, lure of the exotic and the
supernatural. The images are conveyed through the use of literary elements such as metaphors,
onomatopoeia, personification, similes, etc., to let the readers into a world of physical
imagination which is what the Romanticists makes their works look like.

Also, is to justify the use of natural landscape to preach beauty, purity and goodness in nature.
1.6 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Romanticism as a very broad topic of study under poetry could be very strenuous in its
generality; hence, the approach of this study confines the themes and imagery in selected
Romantic poems. Though relevant references could be drawn from other Romantic poems, the
data analysis would centre on William Blake’s ‘London’ and ‘The Garden of Love’ as well as
William Wordsworth’s ‘The World is Too Much With Us’ and "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud".

An analytical method will be used in this research. Texts will be analyzed using the image-
making, sound-making, and meaning making model which requires detailed explication of texts
in terms of sound resources, diction and figurative components and the pattern of meanings
generated.

1.7 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

In every research, problems arises and these problems poses a lot of questions to the
researcher whose sole purpose is to make sure that the problems posed are solved to the best
of his/ her findings. This research therefore, will endeavor to answer different questions
bordering on the Romantic period for clarification of what the period is really all about. These
questions include: What is Romanticism? What are the themes of the Romantic period? How
are imageries conveyed by Romanticists? Who are the major writers of the Romantic period?

In an attempt to give appropriate answers to these questions, the researcher will carry out
thorough investigations on the Romantic period thereby making references to the works of
other researchers and scholars who have worked on the Romantic age. Also few works of
William Wordsworth and William Blake will be used in solving these questions so as to get
information on the themes of the Romantic period and how best the Romantic writers use
imageries to convey emotions.
 CHAPTER TWO

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

William Wordsworth was born at Cockermouth, Cumberland, on April 7, 1770, and was
educated at Hawkshead Grammar School and at Cambridge. In the summer vacation of 1790 he
made a pedestrian tour through France and Switzerland, and in November 1791 returned to
France to study, spending nearly a year at Orleans and Blois. He formed liaison with a
Frenchwoman during his stay, and by her had the daughter who is probabaly addressed in the
famous sonnet beginningIt is a beauteous evening, calm and free.

He was now an ardent supporter of the Revolution, and was deterred only by the interference
of friends at home from joining the Girondins and probably sharing their fate. Returning to
England he published (1793) An Evening Walk, dealing with the landscape round Hawkshead
and Ambleside, and Descriptive Sketches, the materials of which were furnished by his
Continental travels. Both these poems are in classic couplet and in the current poetic style,
though the large amount of specific detail in the descriptions separates them from the common
run of 18th-century landscape verse. Meanwhile the course of events in France alienated his
sympathies, and the rise of Napoleon completed the overthrow of his revolutionary faith. A
legacy of 900 pounds (1795) made him independent, and he resolved to devote himself entirely
to literature. He went to live at Alfoxden in Somerset, and there formed a close friendship with
Co9leridge, with whom he published a volume of verse, Lyrical Ballads, in 1798. After a winter
in Germany (1798-9), he settled in the Lake district, first at Grasmere, then at Allan Bank, and
finally (1813) at Rydal Mount. He had married Mary Hutchinson in 1802. For many years he
continued to write and publish poetry, though the public was indifferent and the critics were
contemptuous. Little by little, however, opinion began to change in his favour.

2.2 ROMANTIC IMAGERY AND THE ROMANTIC ERA

During the Romantic period, a plethora of poets, authors, and thinkers used their visions and
beliefs to try to persuade others to view life in a more individualistic style instead of following
societal norms. George Byron, better known as Lord Byron, wrote all of his poems with an
incredible amount of passion, similar to others in the Romantic era. His works stressed
individuality and self-expression. His work “She Walks in Beauty” is no different and serves as a
glimpse into the Romantic era. In this poem, Byron uses romantic imagery and synesthesia to
illustrate the idea that there is no greater feeling than the initial enamorment of another
individual. Romantic imagery is depicted from the starting point of the poem in order to
demonstrate how the woman’s beauty has blanketed his heart with desire. In order to portray
the speaker’s feelings for this woman and show his Romantic ideals, he pours, “She walks in
beauty, like the night of cloudless climes and starry skies” (Byron 1-2). The speaker creates a
metaphor that captures specific Romantic characteristics, including the idealizing of women,
the awe of nature, and the display of passionate feelings.
2.3 VALUES AND MORALS

Background of the poet Name William Wordsorth Born 7 April 1770 Cocker month, Cambia,
England Died 23 April 1850 (aged 80) Cumberland, England Occupation poet Alma mater
Cambridge University literacy movement romanticism notable works lyrical poem. I Wondered
lonely as cloud (stanza1) I wandered lonely as a cloud that floats on high vales and trees
fluttering and dancing in the breeze. Poem i wondered lonely as a cloud (stanza 2) The waves
beside them danced; but they Out-did the sparking waves in glee: brought Poem: I Wondered
Lonely as a Cloud (stanza 3) for oft, when on my couch lie in vacant or in pensive mood, Poem I
wondered Lonely as a Cloud ( Stanza 4) Nature in order to understand oneself and one's place
in the universe one must connect with nature. Nature is beautiful, so it is important for us to
appreciate it even when we are busy. Happiness we can still be happy even when we are lonely.

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 The World is Too Much With Us by William Wordsworth, World is Too Much With Us by
William Wordsworth is a thoughtful poem. It encourage the reader to think about the spiritual
word more than the earthly world
William Wordsworth a much beloved poet, had a way of giving hope and lite with his words
Wordsworth poem can cause the reader to rise above the earthly situations and think about
the spiritual realm and human soul. Just like " The world is too much with us.

3.1 ANALYSIS BY WILLIAM WORDSwORT'S 21

The World Is Too Much Withs

BY WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

The world is to mulch with us, late and soon.

Getting and spending. We lay waste our powers

Little we see in Nature that is ours

We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon

This Sea that hares her bosom to the moon

The wins that will be howling at all hours,

"The world is too much with us

3.1.1 Summary

This his poem is one of the sonnets written by Wordsworth in the Early T stos. The speaker
Criticizes the modern age that nature is no Longer interested by this age Getting and spending.
we lay waste Our powers Little we see in Nature that is ours we nave gven our hearts away, a
sordid boon I here is no harmony between man and nature even when the sea Bares her bosom
to the moon and the winds howl, humanity is still Out of tune, and t0OKS on uncaringiy at the
spectacle of the storm. And are up-gathered now like Sleeping tlowers For this, tor everything,
we are out of tune he pagan images of lriton and riotous resects that the speaker wishes that
he were a pagan. Have sight o Proteus rising trom the sea .Our near old 1iton blow his
wreathed horm." It moves us not. Great God: l'd rather be A Pagan Suckled ina creed outworn:

So'might1. standing on this pleasant lea.

Have sight of Proteus rising from the sea:

Or, fear old Triton blow his wreathed horn.

Theme

Wordsworth shows That he sees that human being

preoccupied with the material (The world...getting and spending.

and have touch with the spiritual and with nature

Wishes that the were a pagan to feel the spiritual sense of nature so

the could still see incident gods in the acts of nature and thereby

gain Spiritual solace,

In general this sonnet offer an angry summation of the familiar

Wordsworthian theme of communion With nature, and states

Wordsworthian ideal

3.1.3 Commentary

The world is too much with us talls in line with a number of sonnets written by words worth in
the carly 1800s that criticize or admonish what Wordsworth saw as the decadent material pril
175

ated

e tne. This relatively simple poem angrily States that humn Deings are t00

ped wilh he niaterial (The world..getting and spending) and have lost touch wilh the

nd with nature. n the sestet; the speaker dramatically proposes an impoSS1ble pesOnal

fo fis problem he wishes he could have been ruised as a pagan, so he could still seee

Ct gods in the actions of nature and thereby gain spiritual solace. His thunderous "Great

elicates the extremily.of his wish-in Christian England, one did not often wish to be a

paga
On the whole, this sonnet offers an angry summation of the lamiliar Wordsworthian theme af
Cunmnion with natture, and states precisely how far the carly nineteenth century was Irom
iivnng out the Wordsworthian ideal. The sonnet is importunt ilor its rhetorical force (t shows
Wordsworth inereasing confidence with language as an implenient of dranatie power weeping
the wihd nd the sea up like flowers in a bouquet), and tor being representauve of other poems
in the Wordsworth canonn0tably "London. 1802, in which the speaker dreams of bringig back
the dead poet John Millon to save his decadent era.

3.2 The Wiorld is Too Much With Us Analysis

Lines 1-2

The wowld is loo much with uS faie and soon,

Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers

The speaker begins The World is, Too Much With Us with the term "the world" and the render
quickly begins to understand what that term means in this context. Fie is talking aboul worldiy
care and concerns such as money, possession and power. And he concludes that itis "too much
with us” meaning that We care far too much about these worldly things. He gives more depth
of thought to this idea when he suggests that by using our time, minds, and energsy in getting
spending They are tied up in their greed for more money and their time is accounted for by
their actions of getting money, spending money, and caring for their possessions. He believes
that money and worldly possessions are far more important to people than they should be. He
continues,

Lines 3-4

Little we see in Nature that is ours;

We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon!

In these lines, the speaker contrasts Nature with “The World”. He reveals that while people
spend their time in acquiring worldly possessions, the true beauty of the earth cannot be
owned He reveals that very few things that people see in Nature actually belong to them. He
then laments, “We have given our hearts away”. He believes that where we should enjoy
nature, though it is not ours to own, instead we are filled with greed and we acquire wealth and
worldly possessions rather than enjoying nature. The speaker then continues by describing the
beauties of nature that people are missing out on by being so caught up in the want for money
and possessions.

Lines 5-7

This Sea that bares her bosom to the moon;

The winds that will be howling at all hours,

And are up-gathered now like sleeping flowers;

In these lines of The World is Too Much With Us, the speaker describes the beauties of nature
that most people are missing out on. He describes the sea, and the wind, and the flowers. His
description of these parts of nature use personification to help the reader to connect with each
description. The sea “bares her bosom to the moon” which suggests an intimacy between the
moon and the sea. The winds “howl”. This gives the wind human emotion.

The flowers “sleep”. Giving these parts of nature human attributes helps the reader to feel this
connection with nature. It paints a picture of nature and allows the reader to understand what
he is missing out on by being caught up in worldly possessions and greed.

Lines 8-10

For this, for everything, we are out of tune;

It moves us not. — Great God! I’d rather be

A Pagan suckled in a creed outworn;

These lines are the speaker’s final exclamation that “we are out of tune” with nature because
we are so caught up in worldly wealth. Here, the speaker swears an oath that he would rather
be a poor pagan than be so distracted by worldly wealth so as to render himself unable to enjoy
the true beauties of life. He appeals to God and even exclaims that he would rather be a pagan
than to be out of touch with naturen these final lines, the speaker reveals that if he were a poor
pagan, he would have “glimpses” of nature that would give him joy and hope, or at least make
him feel “less forlorn”. He would rather be poor and helpless and connected with nature than
rich and powerful and alienated from it.
In the final two lines, he refers to two pagan gods. Proteus was thought to be able to tell the
future, though he avoided doing so if he could.

The speaker implies that had he been a pagan, perhaps he could imagine being in touch with
Proteus, or at least catching a glimpse of him as he stares out across the sea. Triton was the
pagan god that was said to be able to calm the waves of the sea This implies that the speaker
looks out at the sea, enjoying nature, long enough to see Triton and Proteus. The speaker refers
to these two pagan gods after he first appeals to God and swears that he would rather be a
pagan than be alienated from nature.