Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The World; Sonnet" is a poem by William Wordsworth, written in 1806. The poem is a meditation on the relationship between the natural world and the human mind. The poem argues that the beauty and power of nature can help to uplift and inspire the human spirit, and that it is our duty as human beings to appreciate and protect the natural world.

The poem is structured as a sonnet, with an octave and a sestet. The octave describes the beauty and majesty of the natural world, while the sestet reflects on the way that the natural world can inspire and uplift the human spirit.

In the octave, Wordsworth describes the natural world as a place of "bounty undeniably" and "harmony sublime." He argues that nature is a source of beauty and wonder that can inspire and uplift the human spirit. He describes the way that the natural world can provide us with a sense of peace and tranquility, saying, "The world is too much with us; late and soon, / Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers: / Little we see in Nature that is ours; / We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon!"

In the sestet, Wordsworth reflects on the way that the natural world can inspire and uplift us. He argues that by appreciating the beauty and power of nature, we can reconnect with the "eternal laws" that govern the universe. He describes the way that the natural world can provide us with a sense of purpose and meaning, saying, "For this, for everything, we are out of tune; / It moves us not.--Great God! I'd rather be / A Pagan suckled in a creed outworn; / So might I, standing on this pleasant lea, / Have glimpses that would make me less forlorn."

In conclusion, "The World; Sonnet" is a powerful and moving poem that celebrates the beauty and power of the natural world. The poem argues that by appreciating and protecting the natural world, we can find inspiration, solace, and meaning in a complex and challenging world. The poem is a reminder of the importance of taking the time to appreciate and celebrate the beauty of the world around us, and of the way that natural beauty can provide us with inspiration and hope. The poem is also a call to action, urging us to protect and preserve the natural world for future generations.

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