“Lines Written in Early Spring” in a nutshell
“Lines Written in Early Spring”, written by the Romantic poet William Worsdworth, explores complex emotions related to nature and humanity’s place in the world. During his close observations of his natural surroundings, he sees harmony and finds a personal connection with his environment. However, this leads him to consider whether humanity has forgotten this bond.
“Lines Written in Early Spring” breakdown
Lines 1–4
“I heard a thousand blended notes,
While in a grove I sate reclined,
In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts
Bring sad thoughts to the mind.”
Translation
- The poem begins by describing the speaker’s experience as he sits in a grove
- Although the mood is positive and “sweet”, the speaker hears a variety of sounds
- The speaker refers to pleasant thoughts that then bring sad thoughts to mind
Wordworth’s intention
- Wordsworth refers to the mixed emotions his narrator feels in the pastoral setting
- The speaker suggests they are overwhelmed by thoughts and feelings
- The “blended sounds” refer to the contrasting emotions experienced:
- Positive thoughts about nature can also create negative ones
Lines 5–8
“To her fair works did Nature link
The human soul that through me ran;
And much it grieved my heart to think
What man has made of man.”
Translation
- The speaker considers how the beauty of nature connects the soul with the universe
- However, they are saddened to reflect on what humankind has done to itself
Wordsworth’s intention
- Wordsworth introduces ideas typically found in Romantic poetry:
- The poem raises ideas about human emotions and inner turmoil
- Wordsworth finds that nature brings him closer to the universe and his soul
- However, while finding a connection with nature, we are reminded of the impact of human beings in the world:
- Wordsworth may be referring to violence between “man” and “man”, or to society’s departure from their inner worlds and connection with nature
Lines 9–12
“Through primrose tufts, in that green bower,
The periwinkle trailed its wreaths;
And ’tis my faith that every flower
Enjoys the air it breathes.”
Translation
- The speaker describes what they see in the grove
- They describe the flowers (primroses and periwinkle) and the green tree branches
- The speaker believes every flower enjoys being part of nature
Wordsworth’s intention
- Wordsworth’s Romantic poem expresses the beauty of the natural world:
- Wordsworth’s speaker observes how other living things feel a joyful connection with the universe, implying a sense of harmony within the natural elements
Lines 13–16
“The birds around me hopped and played,
Their thoughts I cannot measure:—
But the least motion which they made
It seemed a thrill of pleasure.”
Translation
- The speaker describes the birds as cheerful and playful
- The speaker says they cannot guess the thoughts of animals, but they seem happy in simple activities
Wordsworth’s intention
- Wordsworth considers a disconnection between humans and animals as the speaker finds themself unable to communicate with them
- Wordsworth’s speaker closely observes how other living things have the ability to find joy in the simplicity of life
Lines 17–20
“The budding twigs spread out their fan,
To catch the breezy air;
And I must think, do all I can,
That there was pleasure there.”
Translation
- The speaker observes how the buds on a tree’s branches appear to surrender themselves to the elements
- The speaker believes that this action brings pleasure
Wordsworth’s intention
- Wordsworth uses natural imagery to convey Romantic ideas:
- He implies there is pleasure in the natural elements
- He seems to suggest a sense of harmony between all living things
Lines 21–24
“If this belief from heaven be sent,
If such be Nature’s holy plan,
Have I not reason to lament
What man has made of man?”
Translation
- The speaker summarises their observations with religious imagery
- They wonder if God has provided this experience to make humans question their role in the universe
- The speaker says this brings reason to “lament” (to complain about man’s actions)
Wordsworth’s intention
- Wordsworth concludes his poem with an unanswered question
- He uses two conditional statements to examine the experience:
- If it is God and Nature’s plan to make him consider humanity, then he has even more reason to find a connection with the universe
- The speaker asks if his reflections were created by nature or by God: