Introduction:
“Tintern Abbey” is a notable poem by William Wordsworth, a distinguished British Romantic poet. The Romantic Era, spanning from 1785 to 1820, was a multifaceted literary movement encompassing poets, novelists, philosophers, and non-fiction authors. The movement was shaped by nature, aesthetics, veracity, and sentiments. The six primary poets linked to the movement were William Blake, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, William Wordsworth, Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and John Keats. Blake, Coleridge, and Wordsworth are recognized as the initiators of the movement, but Byron, Shelley, and Keats are acknowledged for its continuation.
Wordsworth, a distinguished poet of the Romantic Movement, was a crucial figure within the movement. He had significant popularity and commercial success during his lifetime. In 1798, he released a compilation of poetry entitled Lyrical Ballads in collaboration with his associate Samuel Taylor Coleridge. The collection predominantly featured poetry by Wordsworth, culminating with the renowned “Tintern Abbey.” Wordsworth and Coleridge sought to employ “the genuine language of men,” eschewing grandiloquent diction and excessive metaphors. The Lyrical Ballads were revolutionary in language and transformed the conception of poetry’s subject matter and purpose. Rather than focusing on royalty or historical and mythological themes, Wordsworth and Coleridge predominantly composed poetry centered on ordinary individuals, such as shepherds and farmers. Certain poetry specifically addressed individuals with mental illnesses or disabilities.
William Wordsworth’s “Tintern Abbey” signifies a notable transformation in poetry, emphasizing the poet’s own interactions with nature. The poem’s conversational tone and uncomplicated diction underscore nature’s impact on the poet’s psyche. Wordsworth aimed to render literature more accessible and pleasurable for the entire populace, diverging from the prevailing inclination to cater to affluent individuals. The poem, in conjunction with The Prelude, illustrates his dedication to enhancing the accessibility and enjoyment of literature.
“Tintern Abbey” is a poem reflecting a man’s recollection of a walk with his sister five years prior. The poem examines the transformations we undergo over time and the challenge of comprehending when, how, and why these changes occur. It serves as a sad reminder for individuals who have contemplated the moment they transformed into their current selves or questioned the discrepancies between their memories and reality.
Background and Context:
The poem was written during Wordsworth’s return to the Wye Valley in 1798, five years subsequent to his initial visit in 1793. The second visit, accompanied by his sister Dorothy Wordsworth, prompted contemplation on memory, nature, and the development of the poet’s intellect. The poem signifies a pivotal moment in Wordsworth’s life, as he had endured the upheaval of the French Revolution and was now approaching a stage of philosophical maturity and inner tranquility.
About the Abbey
Tintern Abbey, once the home of the Earl of Grantham, was founded around the 1100s and completed in 1301. It was 700 years ago, 500 years before Wordsworth visited it, and it was a ruin. The Abbey was home to Cistercian monks who were passionate about manual labor, agriculture, and making delicious beer, jelly, and books. In 1536, Henry VIII disbanded the monasteries, and the Abbey was in ruins for hundreds of years. When Wordsworth visited, it was covered in ivy but similar to what you would find today. In 1798, it was rediscovered as a tourist trap. The Abbey was also the setting for an Iron Maiden video, inspiring many people with its monks, Wordsworth, and heavy metal influence. The Abbey’s versatility and connection to the Earl of Grantham and the monks make it a fascinating and inspiring place to explore.
Summary
The poem begins with the poet visiting Tintern Abbey on the banks of the River Wye in southeast Wales, where he has been for five years. He remembers every detail of the scene, including the sound of the “mountain-springs,” “this dark sycamore,” and the “hedge-rows.” He looks back on the past five years and how much the memory of the place meant to him when he was cooped up in the city. Now, when he returns to the same spot, he experiences an odd combination of present impressions, the memory of what he felt before, and the thought of how he will look back on this moment in the future. He imagines that he will change as time goes by from being a kid with a lot of energy to “boun[d] o’er the mountains” (68). Now, he learns to look at nature with a broader perspective on life, recognizing that everything in nature is interconnected. Wordsworth’s sister is with him during his present tour of the area, and he imagines her going through the same development and transformation as he did. One day, she will be able to look out at nature and imagine the interconnectedness of things, and he imagines her coming back to the same spot years after his death, remembering the time she came with her brother.
Reverence and Respect for Nature
Wordsworth’s poem explores his reflection on the time between his first and second visits to a particular location.
He says:
Five years have past; five summers, with the length
Of five long winters!
Wordsworth’s poem, written in iambic pentameter, is a simple and straightforward expression of his emotions. The poem is written in blank verse, avoiding rhymes and focusing on two main themes: memory and nature worship. Wordsworth’s emotional connection to his memory is evident from the start, as he describes the passage of five years in three different ways: years, summers, and winters. This depth of description adds depth to the time, while the poem immediately jumps into the theme of nature worship. Wordsworth’s use of accessible language and iambic pentameter allowed for a clear and engaging reading experience. The poem’s intertwined themes highlight the importance of language in conveying emotions and understanding.
He says:
and again I hear
These waters, rolling from their mountain-springs
With a soft inland murmur.-Once again
Do I behold these steep and lofty cliffs,
That on a wild and secluded scene impress
Thoughts of more deep seclusion; and connect
The landscape with the quiet of the sky.
Wordsworth’s poem explores the beautiful rural landscape in a remote corner of Wales, rather than the ruins of an abbey. The ruins of the Abbey become the landscape, reflecting the transition from people to nature. Wordsworth’s interest in nature and scenery is not limited to the beautiful scenery, but also to his memory, as he has visited the place before and finds it interesting that the land has reclaimed it due to its ruin. The poem highlights the poignancy of the landscape and the importance of memory in understanding the past.
He says:
These beauteous forms,
Through a long absence, have not been to me
As is a landscape to a blind man’s eye:
But oft, in lonely rooms, and ‘mid the din
Of towns and cities, I have owed to them
In hours of weariness
Wordsworth’s poem “Tintern Abbey” is a reflection on his profound impact on Disneyland in 1793. The memory of the magical experience, such as the rides and food, has stayed with him for five years, providing solace and sustaining him in difficult times. Wordsworth’s first visit to Disneyland caused little acts of kindness and love, making him a better man and a better person. He expects the second visit to have the same effect, providing him with memories that will sustain him in difficult times in the future.
Wordsworth reflects on how he has changed since his first visit, stating that he has grown older and learned to appreciate age in new and more mature ways. He now feels pretty and vigor, but not as old as he once was. The poem is not just a sad lament about getting old, but a testament to the power of memories and the power of imagination. Wordsworth’s poem serves as a reminder of the power of memories and the importance of embracing them in life.
He says:
I have felt
A presence that disturbs me with the joy
Of elevated thoughts
Wordsworth shares a unique experience with Dorothy, a character he calls his dearest friend and sister. He describes the feeling of being a newcomer to Disney World, feeling strange and uncomfortable but happy in the moment. Wordsworth’s love for Dorothy is evident in his affectionate language, expressing his deep affection for her. As the poem progresses, Wordsworth begins to focus more on his sister, highlighting the deep bond they share. This experience evokes a sense of connection and connection between Wordsworth and Dorothy.
He says:
Therefore let the moon
Shine on thee in thy solitary walk;
And let the misty mountain-winds be free
To blow against thee
The poem “Tintern Abbey” is a prayer made to Nature, asking for its protection and comfort. The speaker refers to himself as a worshipper of Nature and encourages Dorothy to remember his love for it even after his death. The poem explores themes of memory and nature, with the speaker telling his sister to keep the memory of his love for nature. The poem is set in an abbey, a religious place with monks who are all into God, and is a prayer to Nature. Religion is present in the poem, but in a pantheistic sense, implying that God and Nature are the same. The poem is a prayer to Nature and its power over Dorothy and her memory, reminiscent of the poem “Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey, on Revisiting the Banks of the Wye during a Tour, July 13, 1798.”
Theme
The poem’s core themes include
- The transformational and therapeutic power of nature.
- The progression of time and individual development
- Memory as a reservoir of spiritual nourishment
- The interconnectedness of humanity and the natural environment
- Nature as a moral guide and a spiritual entity
Point of View
“Tintern Abbey” is a poem by William Wordsworth, written in 1798. The speaker is the poet himself, and the poem’s title indicates his visit to the spot along the “sylvan Wye.” Wordsworth had a sister, Dorothy, who lived with him for a long time and traveled with him on his second trip to the Tintern area.
The speaker is called “the speaker” instead of “William,” as it helps distinguish him from his boyish past self. The speaker claims to be more mature, having learned how to observe a divine presence in nature that the boyish “William” couldn’t see due to his “thoughtless youth.” This may make him seem arrogant or condescending, but the speaker’s character is not portrayed as such.
The speaker’s language is conversational, sounding as though he’s chatting to his sister using “the real language of men.” However, when he gets more excited or emotional, the sentence structure becomes more wonky. In the moment that he considers the possibility that his theory about a divine “presence” in nature is just “vain belief,” he breaks off, interrupting himself twice with dashes. He gets so emotional that he calls out to the river Wye as though it’s a real person (apostrophe).
If this
Be but a vain belief, yet, oh! how oft –
In darkness and amid the many shapes
Of joyless daylight; when the fretful stir
Unprofitable, and the fever of the world,
Have hung upon the beatings of my heart –
How oft, in spirit, have I turned to thee,
O sylvan Wye! thou wanderer thro’ the woods,
How often has my spirit turned to thee!
Despite the speaker’s occasionally dismissive demeanor, he harbors moments of uncertainty. This skepticism maintains his humanity and may prevent us from being deterred by his sporadic hubris during our reading.
Versification
a. Type of Stanza
- The poem is non-stanzaic — it does not follow a regular stanza structure but flows as a continuous meditative piece.
b. Non-Stanza: Heroic Couplet, Blank Verse, etc.
- The poem is written in blank verse, which is unrhymed iambic pentameter.
c. Metre
- Iambic pentameter dominates, offering a natural, speech-like rhythm that suits its introspective tone.
d. Rhyme Scheme
- There is no formal rhyme scheme — the poem’s structure relies on rhythm and syntactical flow rather than end rhyme.
e. Peculiarities of Form
- The absence of rhyme and stanzas mirrors the organic thought process of the speaker.
- Use of enjambment enhances the flow of ideas and reflects the speaker’s continuous meditation.
Diction and Figures of Speech
- Diction: Wordsworth’s language is plain, natural, and reflective, emphasizing clarity over ornamentation. His word choice reflects emotional sincerity and philosophical depth.
- Figures of Speech:
- Personification: Nature is described as “the guardian of my heart.”
- Metaphor: Nature is “the anchor of my purest thoughts.”
- Apostrophe: Direct address to Dorothy.
- Imagery: Vivid visual and auditory imagery (“steep and lofty cliffs,” “quiet of the sky”).
- Alliteration: “Green to the very door,” enhancing musicality.
- Symbolism: Nature symbolizes spiritual constancy and renewal.
- Repetition: Key terms such as “nature,” “remember,” and “spirit” emphasize central themes.
Symbol Analysis
The River Wye: The poem takes place on the banks of the Wye River, reflecting the speaker’s changing relationship with the spot. He visited the Wye five years ago, but now his impressions of it are different. The speaker situates the poem with the title, providing directions to the spot where he experienced a transcendental experience. He personifies the river as a “murmur” in lines 2-4 and calls out to it in spirit for guidance and comfort in anxious, sad moments. The speaker apostrophizes the river, calling out to it despite its inability to respond to him in a literal way
Eyes and Vision: The poem explores the speaker’s ability to compare his visual perception of a scene with his mind’s eye, using metaphors and similes. The speaker uses the metaphor of a “blind man’s eye” to describe his ability to see the river valley in his mind’s eye during his long absence. The speaker also discusses the calming influence of the beautiful scene at the Wye River, where his gaze is made quiet, symbolizing the whole person.
The speaker reflects on his interest in nature as a young boyish “William,” which was purely visual. He believes that the “spirit” in nature connects everything together, making him a lover of all natural things that can be perceived with his “eye and ear.” However, the speaker suggests that the “eye and ear” have a kind of consciousness that we are not aware of, allowing them to “half create” the things they perceive.
In lines 117-9, the speaker uses the metaphor of “reading” to describe what he thought he could sense from looking at Dorothy’s eyes, using synecdoche to make Dorothy’s eyes stand in for her entire personality. He also uses another metaphor when he talks about the “shooting lights” coming out of her eyes, suggesting that her eyes are not literally shooting laser beams but are simply looking around with excitement, creating a sense of “shooting lights.”
Out of his Senses: In the poem, the speaker experiences a meditative trance when he recalls the beautiful forms of the Wye river. His breathing and blood seem suspended, and he slips into a trance. The speaker’s past self, the boyish “William,” used to feel overwhelmed by the beauty he saw, leading to dizziness. However, he has grown out of this tendency and learned to “look” at something to “hear.” Synesthesia, or the mixing up of different senses, sometimes indicates a character is close to overwhelming. The speaker’s sensory perceptions seem to be misfiring, and he has learned to “look” at something to “hear.”
Unripe Fruit: The poem takes place in mid-July, and the unripe fruit on the orchard trees symbolizes the passage of time and the transformation from a young man to a more mature speaker. The “unripe fruit” may represent the speaker’s past self, the boyish “William.” The poem’s title suggests that the fruit is not as tasty or attractive as ripe fruit, but it may hold symbolic significance. The poem’s “unripe fruit” is particularly significant at the end of the line.
The Hermit: The poem features a hermit, a person who lives alone, usually for religious reasons. The speaker is pondering the source of smoke from the trees, possibly thinking of a hermit to retire into the woods and commune with nature. The “Hermit” is capitalized and breaks off in the middle to end the stanza, indicating that the speaker is “sit[ting] alone” at the end of the stanza. This line is isolated from the rest of the poem, showcasing the Hermit’s secluded nature. The speaker’s thoughts on a hermit may stem from a desire to retire into the woods and commune with nature.
Quotable Lines:
Some of the most memorable and often-quoted lines include:
- “These beauteous forms, / Through a long absence, have not been to me / As is a landscape to a blind man’s eye.”
- “Nature never did betray / The heart that loved her.”
- “Therefore am I still / A lover of the meadows and the woods, / And mountains.”
- “The anchor of my purest thoughts, the nurse, / The guide, the guardian of my heart, and soul / Of all my moral being.”
- “With tranquil restoration:—feelings too / Of unremembered pleasure.”
Conclusion
‘Tintern Abbey’ was composed following Wordsworth’s second journey to the Abbey, wherein he reflects on the recollections from his initial visit and their influence on his character, personal growth, and sense of solace. The poem celebrates Nature and the location, highlighting how Nature has reclaimed the Abbey in its ruins, as well as Wordsworth’s fervent affection for the natural world. The poem is situated amidst the remnants of Tintern Abbey, imbuing it with a religious subtext that increasingly manifests as Wordsworth implores Nature to safeguard his sister. This poetry intricately weaves together memory, nature, and religion in a complex and harmonious interplay. That is ‘Tintern Abbey.’