Literary Analysis of William Wordsworth's "Lines Written in Early Spring"

"Lines Written in Early Spring" Analysis

Lines Written in Early Spring by William Wordsworth is a comparison of the state of nature to the state of mankind. This fits into the Romantic period because of how many of Wordsworth's poems represented the revolt against contemporary English poetry, which he believed should have been based on true emotion, rather than intellect and style.

There is evidence that Wordsworth is writing about nature and the poor state mankind when he writes: "In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts bring sad thoughts to the mind" (Stanza 1, Lines 3-4). Also, he suggests that mankind and nature should not be as different as they are in terms of happiness, when he writes: "To her fair works did nature link the human soul that through me ran; And much it greaves my heart to think what man has made of man" (Stanza 2, Lines 7-8).

Wordsworth makes use of many literary devices in Lines Written in Early Spring. Personification is the most common of literary devices used. Examples of this are shown when he writes: "And 'tis my faith that every flower Enjoys the air it breathes" (Stanza 3, Lines 11-12). He is giving a flower the human characteristic of enjoying the air it "breathes". Another example of personification in this poem is when Wordsworth writes: "The budding twigs spread out their fan, To catch the breezy air" (Stanza 5, Lines 17-18). In this verse he is giving budding twigs the human characteristic of spreading out to catch breezy air.

Wordsworth also describes nature as a being rather than a thing when he writes: "If this belief from heaven be sent, If such be Nature's holy plan" (Stanza 6, Lines 21-22). In this verse he describes nature as having the ability to plan. This poem also reflects on Wordsworth appreciation and love for nature, as he sees it as a force rather than just a thing. This poem is a good representation of its time period because it gives insight into how many people neglected nature, and furthermore, gives insight into the troubles and lifestyles of people during the Romantic period.