Lyrical Ballads Essay Example

a small distance', Wordsworth deems the Gregorian calendar as a 'joyless form' that governs our lives, separating us from nature's delightful qualities. Furthermore, the poems hint at the belief that nature possesses the ability to educate as well.

Wordsworth emphasizes in Tables Turned the importance of letting nature be one's teacher. Through Tintern Abbey, he makes it clear that nature has been his personal educator. Wordsworth affirms that nature has been the "guide, the guardian of my heart, and soul", indicating his attribution of all aspects of his personality and essence to its influence. Being a man without religious beliefs, this poem allows insight into why Wordsworth turned to nature and believed in its power. The capitalization of "Nature" by Wordsworth elevates it to a level comparable to that of God. Additionally, in Tables Turned, he states that "one impulse from a vernal wood" could teach more about "man", "moral evil and good" than "all the sages can". This idea is echoed in Lines Written A Short Distance From My House in which he asserts that "one moment now may give us more than fifty years of reason". Throughout Lyrical Ballads, Wordsworth's unwavering belief in the instructive power of nature is evident.

Wordsworth's poems often portray 'Nature' as a divine entity deserving reverence. For instance, in 'Tables Turned', he rebuffs the notion of nature being insignificant, asserting that it is a messenger that should be heeded, while encouraging readers to embrace its teachings. He employs the adjective 'mean' to underscore how nature's sacred character and profound goodness contrast with the authoritative, overbearing nature of institutionalized religion that restricts rather than liberates. Furthermore, Wordsworth's use of 'Light'

as a symbol of God's grace links nature with divinity, prompting readers to make nature their ultimate teacher, not God. These references to 'preacher' and 'light' strongly associate Nature with God in Wordsworth's poems. In Tintern Abbey, the poet even acknowledges himself as a 'worshipper of Nature'.

The use of capitalisation is an effective way for Wordsworth to express his belief that nature is his religion. By capitalising words, such as 'God', Wordsworth portrays the sacredness of nature, equating it to the divine. Similarly, in The Rime of the Ancyent Marinere, Coleridge emphasises the importance of respecting nature by highlighting its supernatural qualities and its connection to the divine. For example, when the mariner encounters the albatross, it is described as 'a Christian soul'.

'Failed in God's name' is attributed to the speaker, and the Bird is elevated to a mythic status, being celebrated as 'the Bird.'

The Breeze caused by 'That' and the Bird that brought the Fog and Mist.

The death of the albatross only brings misery to the mariner, as 'no sweet Bird did follow' thereafter. Coleridge's frequent capitalization of nature-related nouns, such as 'Bird', 'Sea', 'Sky', and 'Star', highlights his reverential attitude towards nature. By treating them as proper nouns, he emphasizes their significance and importance in the poem. The story of the mariner centers on his regretful act of shooting down the albatross, a religious symbol representing a Christian soul that would aid humans in need. Although Coleridge's portrayal in The Ancient Mariner may be exaggerated, his underlying message is to inspire the appreciation and respect towards nature and all living beings.

The Lyrical Ballads express a cautionary message about the dangers

of too much solitude and immersion in nature. This is exemplified in "Lines left upon a yew tree" where a man revels in a melancholic pleasure and laments others not experiencing the same feelings. Despite portraying society as corrupt, the poems highlight its importance. The readers are urged to avoid arrogance and egotism towards others by adopting a modest attitude. The Romantics and Lyrical Ballads stress the significance of nature and its connection to humans. This is evident in their obsession with nature, which stems from pantheism, political ideology, and the Industrial Revolution's expansion. Wordsworth and Coleridge are among those who hold nature in high regard.