Tintern Abbey by William Wordsworth poem summary line by line
Tintern Abbey by William Wordsworth poem summary line by line-Tintern Abbey is a renowned poem penned by the English
Romantic poet William Wordsworth in 1798. It stands as one of Wordsworth's most
acclaimed works, emblematic of the Romantic era's poetry. The poem draws its
title from the actual ruins of Tintern Abbey, a medieval monastery nestled in
Monmouthshire, Wales. These ruins serve as both a physical and symbolic setting
against which Wordsworth reflects upon his experiences and emotions.
Structured as a monologue, the speaker of the poem addresses
his sister, Dorothy Wordsworth, upon his return to the banks of the River Wye
and the vicinity of Tintern Abbey, a place he had visited five years prior.
Through introspective musings, the speaker delves into the profound impact of
nature and the memories entwined with the landscape. He contemplates the
changes within himself since his previous visit and the enduring significance
of the natural world.
Tintern Abbey by William Wordsworth poem summary line by line-Wordsworth's exploration traverses themes such as memory, the
passage of time, the rejuvenating influence of nature, and the intricate
interplay between the human psyche and the environment. The poem intricately
depicts how the picturesque scenery of the Wye Valley evokes a sense of wonder
and inspiration, prompting deep spiritual and emotional revelations.
"Tintern Abbey" is celebrated for its lyrical
eloquence, evocative descriptions of the natural world, and its profound
examination of the intrinsic bond between individuals and their surroundings. It
epitomizes Wordsworth's Romantic philosophy, emphasizing the primacy of
imagination, sentiment, and the sublime in human existence.
Tintern Abbey Poem summary line by line
"Five years have passed; five summers, with the length": The speaker begins by reflecting on the passage of time, noting that five years have elapsed since their last visit to Tintern Abbey.
"Of five long winters! and again I hear": The
speaker recalls the passage of five long winters since their last visit,
emphasizing the duration of time that has passed.
"These waters, rolling from their
mountain-springs": The speaker observes the flowing waters of the river,
which have continued to flow from their source in the mountains.
Also Read-
- The Relic By John Donne's Poem Summary Line By Line
- The Good Morrow By John Donne's Poem Summary Line By Line
- On His Mistress Going To Bed By John Donne's Poem Summary Line By Line
"With a soft inland murmur. Once again": The
speaker describes the gentle murmur of the river, which evokes a sense of peace
and tranquility.
"Do I behold these steep and lofty cliffs": The
speaker gazes upon the steep and lofty cliffs that surround Tintern Abbey,
marveling at their grandeur.
"That on a wild secluded scene impress": The
speaker reflects on how the cliffs impress upon the landscape, creating a sense
of wild seclusion.
"Thoughts of more deep seclusion; and connect": The
speaker's contemplation of the cliffs leads to thoughts of even deeper
seclusion, connecting them to a sense of solitude and introspection.
"The landscape with the quiet of the sky": The
speaker observes how the landscape harmonizes with the calmness of the sky,
creating a sense of tranquility.
Lines
"The day is come when I again repose": The speaker
reflects on the return of the day when they once again find solace and rest in
the presence of nature.
"Here, under this dark sycamore, and view": The
speaker describes their current location under a dark sycamore tree, from which
they can view the surrounding landscape.
"These plots of cottage-ground, these
orchard-tufts": The speaker observes the plots of cottage-ground and
orchard-tufts that dot the landscape, symbolizing human habitation amidst the
natural world.
"Which at this season, with their unripe fruits":
The speaker notes the unripe fruits of the orchard-tufts, which signal the
current season.
"Are clad in one green hue, and lose themselves":
The speaker observes how the green hue of the orchard-tufts blends seamlessly
with the surrounding landscape.
"’Mid groves and copses": The speaker reflects on
the presence of groves and copses in the landscape, which contribute to its
natural beauty.
"Once again I see these hedge-rows, hardly
hedge-rows": The speaker observes the hedge-rows, which appear less
distinct than they once did, perhaps blurred by the passage of time or the
speaker's changing perspective.
"Little lines of sportive wood run wild": The
speaker describes how the lines of wood have become overgrown and untamed,
suggesting a sense of natural growth and vitality.
FOR SOLVED PDF
WhatsApp – 8130208920
"These pastoral farms, green to the very door": The
speaker observes the pastoral farms, which are green and lush right up to the
doors of the cottages, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape.
"And wreaths of smoke": The speaker notes the
wreaths of smoke rising from the chimneys of the cottages, symbolizing human
habitation and activity.
"Sent up, in silence, from among the trees": The
speaker observes how the smoke rises silently from among the trees, blending
with the natural surroundings.
"With some uncertain notice, as might seem": The
speaker reflects on how the smoke rises with uncertain notice, perhaps
symbolizing the fleeting nature of human activity amidst the eternal cycle of
nature.
"Of vagrant dwellers in the houseless woods": The
speaker imagines the smoke as a signal of the presence of vagrant dwellers in
the houseless woods, adding to the sense of mystery and intrigue.
"Or of some Hermit’s cave, where by his fire": The
speaker considers the possibility that the smoke may come from a hermit's cave,
where the hermit lives in solitude by his fire.
"The Hermit sits alone": The speaker imagines the
hermit sitting alone by his fire, further emphasizing the theme of solitude and
introspection.
"These beauteous forms": The speaker reflects on
the beauty of the natural world, which inspires feelings of awe and reverence.
"Through a long absence, have not been to me": The
speaker acknowledges that despite their long absence from Tintern Abbey, the
beauty of the natural world has not lost its power to move and inspire them.
"As is a landscape to a blind man’s eye": The
speaker compares the impact of the landscape to a blind man's eye, suggesting
that the beauty of nature transcends physical sight and can be felt on a deeper
level.
"But oft": The speaker admits that oftentimes
during their absence, they have felt the presence of nature in their thoughts
and memories.
"In lonely rooms, and ’mid the din": The speaker
reflects on how, during their absence, they have often experienced thoughts of
nature in lonely rooms or amidst the noise and bustle of daily life.
"Of towns and cities": The speaker contrasts the
solitude of nature with the noise and activity of towns and cities, suggesting
a longing for the peace and tranquility of the natural world.
Lines
"I have owed to them": The speaker acknowledges
that they owe a debt to the memories of nature that have sustained them during
their absence.
"In hours of weariness, sensations sweet": The
speaker describes how memories of nature have brought them sensations of
sweetness during times of weariness.
"Felt in the blood": The speaker reflects on how
these sensations are felt deeply within their being, suggesting a profound and
visceral connection to the natural world.
"And felt along the heart": The speaker further
emphasizes the depth of their connection to nature, suggesting that it
resonates deeply within their heart.
"And passing even into my purer mind": The speaker
reflects on how their connection to nature extends into their mind, inspiring
thoughts of purity and clarity.
"With tranquil restoration": The speaker describes
how their connection to nature brings about a sense of tranquil restoration,
suggesting a renewal of spirit and vitality.
"Feelings too of unremembered pleasure": The
speaker reflects on how their connection to nature also brings about feelings
of pleasure that they cannot fully remember or articulate.
"Such perhaps as have no slight or trivial
influence": The speaker suggests that these feelings of pleasure may have
a significant influence on their thoughts and emotions, even if they cannot
fully understand or remember them.
"On that best portion of a good man’s life": The
speaker reflects on how these feelings of pleasure may contribute to the best
portion of a good person's life, suggesting that they are essential to a life
well-lived.
"His little, nameless, unremembered acts": The
speaker describes how these feelings of pleasure may be derived from the small,
nameless, and unremembered acts of kindness and goodness that characterize a
person's life.
"Of kindness and of love": The speaker reflects on
how these feelings of pleasure may be derived from acts of kindness and love,
suggesting that these qualities are essential to human happiness and
fulfillment.
"Nor less, I trust": The speaker expresses their
trust that these feelings of pleasure are not less significant or influential
than other aspects of life.
"To them I may have owed another gift": The speaker
suggests that they may owe another gift to these feelings of pleasure, hinting
at their importance in shaping their life and character.
"Of aspect more sublime": The speaker reflects on
how these feelings of pleasure may have led to another gift, one of a more
sublime aspect or nature.
"That blessed mood": The speaker describes a
blessed mood or state of being that they have experienced as a result of these
feelings of pleasure.
"In which the burthen of the mystery": The speaker
reflects on how this blessed mood or state of being allows them to bear the
burden of life's mysteries with ease and grace.
"In which the heavy and the weary weight": The speaker
describes how this blessed mood or state of being allows them to bear the heavy
and weary weight of life's burdens without succumbing to despair or sorrow.
"Of all this unintelligible world": The speaker
reflects on how this blessed mood or state of being allows them to bear the
weight of the world's mysteries and uncertainties without losing hope or faith.
"Is lightened": The speaker describes how this
blessed mood or state of being lightens the burden of life's mysteries and
uncertainties, bringing a sense of clarity and peace.
"That serene and blessed mood": The speaker
reflects on the serene and blessed mood or state of being that they have
experienced as a result of their connection to nature.
"In which the affections gently lead us on": The
speaker describes how, in this serene and blessed mood or state of being, their
affections gently guide them forward in life.
"Until, the breath of this corporeal frame": The
speaker reflects on how, in this serene and blessed mood or state of being,
they feel as if they are being gently led forward in life until their physical
body ceases to exist.
"And even the motion of our human blood": The
speaker reflects on how, in this serene and blessed mood or state of being,
even the motion of their human blood seems to be guided by their affections and
emotions.
"Almost suspended": The speaker describes how, in
this serene and blessed mood or state of being, they feel as if they are almost
suspended between the physical and spiritual realms.
"We are laid asleep in body, and become": The
speaker reflects on how, in this serene and blessed mood or state of being,
they feel as if they are being laid to rest in their physical body, while their
spiritual essence becomes more prominent.
"A living soul": The speaker describes how, in this
serene and blessed mood or state of being, they feel as if their soul is more
alive and vibrant than ever before.
"While with an eye made quiet by the power": The
speaker reflects on how, in this serene and blessed mood or state of being,
their eye becomes quiet and still, as if calmed by the power of their emotions
and affections.
"Of harmony, and the deep power of joy": The
speaker describes how, in this serene and blessed mood or state of being, they
are filled with a sense of harmony and joy that runs deep within them.
"We see into the life of things": The speaker
reflects on how, in this serene and blessed mood or state of being, they are
able to see into the essence of life and understand its deeper truths.
"If this": The speaker concludes by expressing
uncertainty about whether this serene and blessed mood or state of being will
continue.
"Be but a vain belief": The speaker wonders if this
serene and blessed mood or state of being is merely a vain belief or illusion.
"Yet, oh": The speaker expresses a longing or
desire for this serene and blessed mood or state of being to continue.
"How oft": The speaker reflects on how often they
have experienced this serene and blessed mood or state of being.
"In darkness and amid the many shapes": The speaker
describes how they have experienced this serene and blessed mood or state of
being in darkness and amidst the many shapes and forms of the world.
Lines
"Of joyless daylight": The speaker reflects on how
they have experienced this serene and blessed mood or state of being even in
the joyless daylight of everyday life.
"When the fretful stir": The speaker describes how
they have experienced this serene and blessed mood or state of being even when
the fretful stir of daily life threatens to disturb their peace.
"Unprofitable, and the fever of the world": The
speaker reflects on how they have experienced this serene and blessed mood or
state of being even when the fever of the world and the pursuit of profit
threaten to consume them.
"Have hung upon the beatings of my heart": The
speaker reflects on how their experiences of this serene and blessed mood or
state of being have been closely connected to the beatings of their heart,
suggesting a deep and intimate relationship between their emotions and their
spiritual experiences
Lines
"Have hung upon the beatings of my heart": The
speaker reflects on how their experiences of nature and solitude have been
deeply intertwined with the rhythms and sensations of their own heartbeat.
"And so I dare to hope": The speaker expresses a
sense of optimism and confidence in what follows, based on their past
experiences and reflections.
"Though changed, no doubt, from what I was when
first": The speaker acknowledges that they have changed over time, likely
since their first visit to Tintern Abbey, but they still hold onto hope.
"I came among these hills; when like a roe": The
speaker recalls their initial visit to the hills of Tintern Abbey, likening
themselves to a young deer in their innocence and vitality.
"I bounded o’er the mountains, by the sides": The
speaker vividly remembers bounding over the mountainsides during their first
visit, full of energy and enthusiasm.
"Of the deep rivers, and the lonely streams," The
speaker reminisces about exploring the deep rivers and lonely streams that wind
through the landscape, reveling in the beauty and solitude of nature.
"Wherever nature led—more like a man": The speaker
compares their youthful exploration to that of a mature adult, suggesting that
they now approach nature with a deeper understanding and appreciation.
"Flying from something that he dreads than one":
The speaker reflects on their past self, who may have been driven more by fear
or uncertainty than by a true appreciation for nature.
"Who sought the thing he loved": The speaker
contrasts their past self with their current state, suggesting that they now
seek out the things they love with purpose and intention.
"For nature then": The speaker reflects on their
past relationship with nature, noting that their appreciation was perhaps more
superficial or instinctual.
"The coarser pleasures of my boyish days": The
speaker acknowledges that their previous enjoyment of nature may have been
limited to more superficial or physical pleasures.
"And their glad animal movements all gone by": The
speaker reflects on how their youthful exuberance and instinctual responses to
nature have faded over time.
"To me was all in all—I cannot paint": The speaker
admits that their past experiences of nature were all-consuming and difficult
to articulate or express fully.
"What then I was": The speaker reflects on their
past self, recognizing that they were different then than they are now.
"The sounding cataract": The speaker refers to the
roaring waterfall, which was once a source of awe and wonder for them.
"Haunted me like a passion": The speaker describes
how the waterfall once stirred their emotions like a powerful passion, leaving
a lasting impression on their memory.
"The tall rock": The speaker recalls the tall rock
formations that loomed over the landscape, evoking a sense of grandeur and majesty.
"The mountain": The speaker reminisces about the
imposing mountains that surrounded them, symbolizing the vastness and
permanence of nature.
Lines
"And the deep and gloomy wood": The speaker
reflects on the deep and mysterious woods that they once explored, filled with
shadowy secrets and hidden wonders.
"Their colors and their forms": The speaker recalls
the vivid colors and distinct forms of the natural world, which once captivated
their attention and imagination.
"Were then to me an appetite": The speaker
describes how the colors and forms of nature once stimulated their senses and
filled them with a sense of longing or desire.
"A feeling and a love": The speaker acknowledges
that their past experiences of nature were imbued with strong emotions and a
deep sense of love and appreciation.
"That had no need of a remoter charm": The speaker
suggests that their love for nature was self-sufficient and did not require any
additional or external sources of attraction.
"By thought supplied, nor any interest": The speaker
reflects on how their love for nature was not fueled by intellectual curiosity
or personal gain.
"Unborrowed from the eye": The speaker describes
their love for nature as genuine and authentic, not dependent on external
validation or sensory perception.
Lines
"That time is past": The speaker acknowledges that
their past experiences of nature, characterized by youthful exuberance and
instinctual responses, are now behind them.
"And all its aching joys": The speaker reflects on
the bittersweet nature of their past experiences of nature, which were marked
by both joy and pain.
"Are now no more": The speaker acknowledges that
their past experiences of nature, however profound or meaningful, are now a
thing of the past.
"And all its dizzy raptures": The speaker reflects
on the exhilarating and intoxicating experiences of nature, which once filled
them with a sense of dizzying euphoria.
"Not for this": The speaker suggests that their current
appreciation of nature is not driven by the same impulses or desires as their
past experiences.
"Faint I, nor mourn nor murmur; other gifts": The
speaker is saying that he doesn't lament or complain about his losses.
"Have followed; for such loss, I would believe,Abundant
recompense": He believes that other gifts have compensated for what he has
lost.
"For I have learned , To look on nature, not as in the hour , Of thoughtless youth": He has learned
to view nature differently from when he was young and thoughtless.
"But hearing oftentimes , The still sad music of humanity":
Despite hearing the melancholy aspects of human life, he doesn't find it harsh
or unpleasant.
"Nor harsh nor grating, though of ample power , To chasten and subdue": The sad music
of humanity has the power to humble and calm.
"And I have felt , A presence that disturbs me with the joy , Of elevated thoughts": He experiences a
presence that brings him joy through elevated thoughts.
FOR SOLVED PDF
WhatsApp – 8130208920
"A sense sublime , Of something far more deeply
interfused": He feels a sublime sense of something deeply intertwined with
everything.
"Whose dwelling is the light of setting suns,And the
round ocean and the living air": This presence resides in various natural
elements.
"And the blue sky, and in the mind of man": It's
also present in the human mind.
"A motion and a spirit, that impels , All thinking things, all objects of all
thought": It's a force that drives all thinking beings and objects of
thought.
"And rolls through all things": It permeates
everything.
"Therefore am I still , A lover of the meadows and the woods , And mountains": Because of this
presence, the speaker still loves nature.
"And of all that we behold , From this green earth": He loves
everything on Earth.
"Of all the mighty world , Of eye, and ear": He loves everything
perceivable by the senses.
"Both what they half create,And what perceive": He
appreciates both the physical world and the interpretations of it by the
senses.
"Well pleased to recognise , In nature and the language of the
sense": He finds joy in recognizing nature and sensory experiences.
"The anchor of my purest thoughts, the nurse,The guide,
the guardian of my heart, and soul , Of
all my moral being": Nature serves as the foundation and nurturer of his
deepest thoughts and moral being.
"Nor perchance,If I were not thus taught, should I the
more , Suffer my genial spirits to
decay": The speaker reflects that without the lessons learned from nature,
he might suffer a decline in his cheerful spirits.
"For thou art with me here upon the banks , Of this fair river; thou my dearest Friend,My
dear, dear Friend; and in thy voice I catch": The speaker's friend is with
him by the river, and he finds comfort and familiarity in their presence.
Lines
"The language of my former heart, and read , My former pleasures in the shooting lights , Of thy wild eyes": The friend's
presence reminds the speaker of past joys and emotions.
"Oh! yet a little while , May I behold in thee what I was once,My
dear, dear Sister!": The speaker hopes to see in the friend the reflection
of his former self.
"And this prayer I make,Knowing that Nature never did
betray , The heart that loved her; 'tis
her privilege": The speaker prays, acknowledging nature's consistent
support for those who love it.
"Through all the years of this our life, to lead , From
joy to joy": Nature leads those who love it from one joyous experience to
another throughout life.
"For she can so inform , The mind that is within us, so impress , With quietness and beauty, and so feed , With lofty thoughts": Nature can enrich
the mind, instilling tranquility, beauty, and profound thoughts.
"That neither evil tongues , Rash judgments, nor the sneers of selfish
men,Nor greetings where no kindness is, nor all , The dreary intercourse of daily life, Shall
e'er prevail against us, or disturb ,
Our cheerful faith": The speaker believes that the influence of nature can
protect against negativity and maintain a cheerful faith despite life's
challenges.
"Therefore let the moon , Shine on thee in thy solitary walk; , And let the misty mountain-winds be free , To blow against thee": The speaker
wishes his friend to be accompanied by nature's elements during solitary
moments.
"And, in after years,When these wild ecstasies shall be
matured , Into a sober pleasure; when
thy mind , Shall be a mansion for all
lovely forms": The speaker anticipates his friend's eventual transition
from youthful enthusiasm to mature appreciation of nature's beauty.
"Thy memory be as a dwelling-place , For all sweet sounds and harmonies":
The speaker hopes his friend's memory will retain the beauty and harmony
experienced in nature.
"Oh! then,If solitude, or fear, or pain, or grief,Should
be thy portion, with what healing thoughts , Of tender joy wilt thou remember me,And
these my exhortations!": The speaker hopes his words will bring comfort to
his friend during times of solitude or distress.
"Nor, perchance— , If I should be where I no more can hear , Thy voice, nor catch from thy wild eyes
these gleams , Of past existence—wilt
thou then forget": The speaker wonders if his friend will forget their
shared experiences if they are separated.
"That on the banks of this delightful stream , We stood
together; and that I, so long , A worshipper of Nature, hither came , Unwearied
in that service": He reminds his friend of their time together in nature
and his enduring devotion to it.
"Rather say , With warmer love—oh! with far deeper zeal ,
Of holier love": He hopes his friend will remember their time with
increased love and devotion.
"Nor wilt thou then forget, , That after many wanderings, many years , Of absence, these steep woods and lofty cliffs, , And this green pastoral landscape, were to me , More dear, both for themselves and for thy sake!": He emphasizes that even in their absence, the memories of nature and their shared experiences will remain precious to him.
Tintern Abbey Poem Themes
Nature's Spiritual Influence: Wordsworth
celebrates nature's transformative and spiritual potency. The landscapes of the
Wye Valley and Tintern Abbey symbolize connections to the divine, offering the
speaker a profound sense of communion and reverence. Through immersion in
nature, the speaker experiences spiritual elevation and enlightenment.
Memory and Contemplation: The poem
explores the significance of memory and introspection. Reflecting on his prior
visit to Tintern Abbey, the speaker engages in profound contemplation of
personal growth and change over time. Memory serves as a guiding force,
providing insight into the passage of time and its effects on the self.
The Sublime in Nature: Wordsworth
delves into the concept of the sublime, where the natural world evokes feelings
of awe and transcendence. The majestic landscapes and elements of nature, such
as "steep cliffs" and "rolling clouds," evoke a sense of
wonder that surpasses ordinary human experience, hinting at the presence of the
divine.
Identity Formation and Self-Discovery: Through
his interaction with nature, the speaker embarks on a journey of self-discovery
and identity formation. He grapples with questions of personal growth,
morality, and spiritual enlightenment. Nature acts as a catalyst for
self-awareness, prompting the speaker to confront his innermost thoughts and
emotions.
The Creative Power of Imagination: Wordsworth
emphasizes the creative potential of the human imagination to perceive beauty
and derive meaning from the world. Through the lens of imagination, the speaker
imbues the natural landscape with deeper significance, transforming ordinary
sights into sources of inspiration and wonder.
0 comments:
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.