“Tintern Abbey” is considered as a kind of monologue in verse as Wordsworth confessed that he composed it in his mind while walking through the river Wye.
It belongs, along with other 19 poems by this author and four by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, to Lyrical Ballads, which is considered to be the inaugural book of the Romantic English Poetry.
The main focus of these poems was that of looking for common life situations and depicting them in an unusual manner by means of the power of imagination. Wordsworth defined poetry as “[…] the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings” and this consists on a breaking up with the 18th century concept of Classicist Canon which looked for poetical perfection.
On the contrary, Wordsworth is influenced by the new 19th century ideas of “individualism” and seeks for the use of imagination and true feelings, not being so worried about poetical structural conventions
Table of Contents
- Identification and literary historical context
- Relevant biographical data
- Analysis of the poem (from lines 1st-79th)
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to analyze the symbolism within Wordsworth's "Tintern Abbey," using biographical context to support the interpretation. The essay explores the poem's place within the Romantic movement and Wordsworth's poetic philosophy.
- Wordsworth's poetic philosophy and its departure from 18th-century classicism.
- The influence of biographical events and historical context on the poem's creation.
- The relationship between nature and the human spirit in Wordsworth's work.
- The contrast between city and nature in Romantic thought.
- Wordsworth's use of imagery and sensory detail to evoke emotional responses.
Chapter Summaries
Identification and literary historical context: This section establishes "Tintern Abbey" as a key work of Romantic English poetry, highlighting its origins within the *Lyrical Ballads* collection. It emphasizes Wordsworth's focus on common life experiences rendered through imagination and emotional intensity, contrasting this with the classical emphasis on formal perfection. The section also contextualizes the poem within Wordsworth's life, particularly his experiences in France during the French Revolution, and his subsequent concerns about societal upheaval and the need for social reform. Wordsworth's use of blank verse is presented as reflecting his commitment to expressing authentic emotion rather than adhering to strict poetic conventions.
Relevant biographical data: This section provides a concise biography of William Wordsworth, tracing his life from birth to his death. It highlights key events and influences, such as his family life, education, and the pivotal year of 1793 when he began his career as a poet and writer. The role of Raisley Calvert's financial support and Wordsworth's collaboration with Samuel Taylor Coleridge in *Lyrical Ballads* are noted. The section emphasizes the Romantic period's reaction to industrialization and its reverence for nature, positioning Wordsworth's work within this broader context.
Analysis of the poem (from lines 1st-79th): This section analyzes the opening lines of "Tintern Abbey," focusing on Wordsworth's descriptive language and the emotional journey depicted. The passage from a past visit to the abbey, the detailed evocation of the landscape, and the contrast between the speaker's changed self and the unchanging natural world are all examined. The section explores the symbolism of the imagery—the river Wye, the sycamore tree, the pastoral farms—and their contribution to the poem's overall message. The role of memory and the power of nature to provide solace and spiritual renewal are highlighted. A significant portion is dedicated to Wordsworth's use of blank verse and iambic pentameter, connecting this stylistic choice to the poem's tone and emotional effect. The mention of a hermit highlights the Romantic ideal of spiritual escape and rejection of societal pressures.
Keywords
William Wordsworth, Tintern Abbey, Romantic poetry, Lyrical Ballads, nature, imagination, emotion, industrialization, social reform, blank verse, iambic pentameter, memory, self-transformation, city vs. nature.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Wordsworth's "Tintern Abbey"
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of an essay analyzing William Wordsworth's poem "Tintern Abbey." It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The information is intended for academic use, facilitating the analysis of themes within the poem in a structured manner.
What topics are covered in the essay preview?
The essay preview covers several key aspects of Wordsworth's "Tintern Abbey," including its literary historical context within the Romantic movement and the *Lyrical Ballads*, relevant biographical information about Wordsworth, and a detailed analysis of the poem's opening lines (1-79). It explores themes such as the relationship between nature and the human spirit, the contrast between city and nature, Wordsworth's poetic philosophy, and his use of imagery and language.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
The key themes explored include Wordsworth's poetic philosophy and its departure from 18th-century classicism; the influence of biographical events and historical context on the poem's creation; the relationship between nature and the human spirit; the contrast between city and nature in Romantic thought; and Wordsworth's use of imagery and sensory detail to evoke emotional responses. The poem's exploration of memory, self-transformation, and the search for spiritual renewal are also central.
What is covered in the "Identification and Literary Historical Context" section?
This section establishes "Tintern Abbey" as a significant work of Romantic English poetry, situating it within the *Lyrical Ballads* and highlighting Wordsworth's focus on common experiences rendered with emotional intensity. It contrasts this with classical emphasis on formal perfection, explores Wordsworth's life experiences (especially his time in France), and discusses his use of blank verse as a reflection of his commitment to authentic emotional expression.
What does the "Relevant Biographical Data" section include?
This section provides a concise biography of William Wordsworth, highlighting key life events and influences such as his family life, education, and the pivotal year of 1793. It notes the role of Raisley Calvert's financial support and Wordsworth's collaboration with Samuel Taylor Coleridge. The section also emphasizes the Romantic period's reaction to industrialization and its reverence for nature.
What is analyzed in the "Analysis of the Poem (from lines 1st-79th)" section?
This section analyzes the opening lines of "Tintern Abbey," focusing on Wordsworth's descriptive language and the emotional journey. It examines the contrast between the speaker's past and present experiences at the abbey, explores the symbolism of the imagery (river Wye, sycamore tree, etc.), and highlights the role of memory and nature's power to provide solace and spiritual renewal. The section also analyzes Wordsworth's use of blank verse and iambic pentameter.
What are the keywords associated with this essay?
The keywords include William Wordsworth, Tintern Abbey, Romantic poetry, Lyrical Ballads, nature, imagination, emotion, industrialization, social reform, blank verse, iambic pentameter, memory, self-transformation, and city vs. nature.
- Quote paper
- Grado en Estudios Ingleses Ana María Leiva Aguilera (Author), 2015, William Wordsworth’s “Tintern Abbey”. A Poem Analysis, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/302355
