110. IDC 151- The World is Too Much With Us (5)
1. Critical Appreciation
A- William Wordsworth's poem, "The World Is Too Much with Us," is a poignant exploration of humanity's disconnect from nature and the consequences of an overly materialistic and consumer-driven society. Written in the early 19th century during the Romantic era, Wordsworth conveys his dissatisfaction with the prevailing values of his time through powerful imagery, evocative language, and a deep connection to nature.
The title itself, "The World Is Too Much with Us," suggests a sense of overwhelming intrusion by the material world into our lives. The poem begins with a lament, expressing Wordsworth's frustration with the relentless pursuit of material wealth and worldly success. The opening lines, "The world is too much with us; late and soon, / Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers," immediately set the tone and establish the central theme of the poem.
One of the striking features of Wordsworth's poem is his use of vivid imagery to depict the consequences of this disconnect from nature. The speaker bemoans the fact that people have "given (their) hearts away" to a materialistic world, forsaking a deeper connection with the natural world. The "sordid boon" refers to the unsatisfying rewards of material gain, which the speaker sees as a poor substitute for the spiritual fulfillment found in nature.
Wordsworth employs nature as a contrasting force to the artificial and materialistic world. He celebrates the sublime beauty of nature, portraying it as a source of solace and spiritual nourishment. The poet uses images such as the sea, winds, and the moon to evoke the awe-inspiring elements of the natural world, emphasizing their eternal and transcendent qualities. The phrase "getting and spending" is juxtaposed with the "sea that bares her bosom to the moon," highlighting the disparity between the fleeting material pursuits of humans and the enduring grandeur of nature.
The sonnet's volta, or turn, occurs in the ninth line, where the speaker shifts from lamenting the current state of affairs to expressing a desire for a reconnection with nature. Wordsworth implores, "Great God! I'd rather be / A pagan suckled in a creed outworn," suggesting that a return to a more primitive, nature-oriented way of life would be preferable to the spiritual emptiness brought about by the relentless pursuit of material wealth.
The concluding lines of the poem underscore the speaker's yearning for a deeper connection with nature. The phrase "little we see in Nature that is ours" reflects the speaker's acknowledgment of humanity's estrangement from the natural world. The word "ours" implies a possessiveness that has been lost, emphasizing the need to reclaim a sense of ownership and belonging in the natural order.
Wordsworth's use of iambic pentameter and the Petrarchan sonnet form contributes to the poem's rhythmic and melodic qualities. The rhyme scheme, ABBAABBACDCDCD, enhances the flow of the verses while also structuring the thematic progression. The careful arrangement of words and sounds adds to the overall impact of the poem, guiding the reader through the speaker's introspective journey.
In conclusion, Wordsworth's "The World Is Too Much with Us" remains a timeless critique of a society overly fixated on materialism at the expense of a meaningful connection with nature. The poet's eloquent use of language, vivid imagery, and contemplative tone convey a deep sense of concern for the spiritual impoverishment brought about by a world consumed by "getting and spending." Through this powerful sonnet, Wordsworth encourages readers to reevaluate their priorities, seek solace in nature, and rediscover the profound beauty that the world has to offer beyond the superficial pursuits of modern life.
2) Why does the poet prefer to be a primitive Pagan rather than a member of civilised society?
Ans:- The poet is disturbed by the consumerism and materialism which is brought to us by industrialisation. The world is bound with humanity where the people are busy “getting and spending”. He conveys that humanity has wonderful powers which are being laid waste. The heart of mankind is given away to this blessing which is destructive, called a ‘sordid boon’, an oxymoron. The poet decides to become a Pagan and prays to God. People of South Europe, who were called Pagans, were rural folks or rustics and were not worshippers of a monotheistic God. The poet admires the tradition of the Pagans and perceives that being close to nature is one among them. He aspires to feed on and relish the admirable beauty of nature. He wishes to enjoy the lea by standing on it so that his feeling of loneliness would reduce. He plans to have glimpses of the countryside and taste the rustic and rural life that the Pagans live. He wants to go back in time so that he might see “The Old Man of the Sea”, Proteus, who rises from the sea. He also wants to see “The Messenger of the Sea”, Triton, who is the son of Poseidon. The poet wishes to be in harmony with nature.
3) What, according to the poet, are human beings out of tune with?
A:- The poet always wished to be close to nature. Whether in his The Tables Turned or Tintern Abbey, he has described the beauty of nature. His “The World is too Much With Us” explains the criticism of humanity, which is distanced from nature. The materialistic reliance on “getting and spending” that industrialisation has brought to us is referred to as a “sordid boon”, which is a contradiction. Wordsworth talks about the past and future worlds, “late and soon”. He is not happy as mankind has given its heart to this destructive blessing. This industrial revolution is considered a boon, but the poet condemns it deeply. We don’t see “the nature that is ours”. The poet appreciates the beauty of nature. He explains, “The sea that bares her bosom to the moon”. The attractiveness of the light-reflecting waters, which are mirthful, appears to be magnificent. The poet talks about the wild wind which gathers above the sleeping flowers. However, he explains the loss and suffering due to mechanical advancement which occurs in our society. The poet mourns how humanity is ‘out of tune’ and aspires to become a Pagan to get glimpses of nature’s beauty.
4) Explain the literary devices of the poem
A:- The most used figure of spee “The winds that … howling” explain the human-like nature of wind. Some other figures of speech, like allusions, imagery, simile, metaphor etc., are included in the poem.
5) What is the theme explained in the poem?
A:- "The World is Too Much With Us" by William Wordsworth is a sonnet that reflects the poet's concern about the materialistic and secular nature of the society during the Romantic era. Let's delve into the themes that resonate throughout this poignant piece.
Nature as a Source of Spiritual Fulfillment:
At its core, the poem laments the estrangement of humanity from nature. Wordsworth, a key figure in the Romantic movement, believed in the transcendent power of nature to inspire spiritual and emotional growth. The speaker expresses dismay at the contemporary world's disregard for the natural world, suggesting that the relentless pursuit of material gain has led to a spiritual vacuum. The phrase "Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers" encapsulates this sentiment, highlighting the draining effect of a materialistic focus on our inherent human capacities.
The poet yearns for a connection to the sublime aspects of nature, portraying it as a source of spiritual fulfillment. The sonnet implies that modern society has lost touch with the restorative and nourishing qualities of the natural world. By contrasting the natural world with the human world, Wordsworth encourages readers to reflect on the consequences of neglecting nature's profound influence on the human spirit.
Critique of Materialism and Consumerism:
Wordsworth's discontent with the prevailing materialistic ethos is evident throughout the poem. The phrase "Getting and spending" encapsulates the poet's criticism of a society driven by consumerism and the pursuit of wealth. He suggests that this relentless pursuit blinds us to the inherent beauty and significance of the natural world. The poet contends that the focus on material gain diminishes our ability to appreciate the intangible and profound aspects of life.
Furthermore, the poem underscores the poet's resistance to the dehumanizing effects of a society fixated on material wealth. Wordsworth implies that this unbridled pursuit of possessions distances us from our essential humanity, leading to a sense of alienation and spiritual impoverishment.
The Loss of Spiritual Connection:
The sonnet conveys a pervasive sense of loss, particularly concerning the spiritual connection between humanity and nature. Wordsworth mourns the separation of the soul from the natural world, emphasizing the need for a spiritual reconnection. The lament, "Little we see in Nature that is ours," highlights the diminishing sense of ownership and connection humans feel toward the natural environment.
The poet seems to yearn for a return to a more harmonious existence where the spiritual and natural realms were intertwined. The disconnection depicted in the poem suggests a broader concern about the erosion of spiritual values in the face of material progress.
Call to Rediscover Nature's Significance:
Amidst the melancholy tone, there is a subtle call to action embedded in Wordsworth's verses. The poet encourages readers to reevaluate their priorities and rediscover the profound significance of nature. By portraying nature as a source of solace and spiritual enrichment, Wordsworth advocates for a collective awakening to the intrinsic value of the natural world.
The concluding lines, "For this, for everything, we are out of tune; / It moves us not," serve as a poignant plea for a realignment of human values. Wordsworth challenges readers to break free from the numbing influence of materialism and reconnect with the restorative power of nature.
Conclusion:
In "The World is Too Much With Us," Wordsworth crafts a powerful commentary on the spiritual and moral malaise he perceives in the society of his time. Through his exploration of nature's transcendental significance, critique of materialism, depiction of spiritual estrangement, and subtle call to rediscover nature's importance, Wordsworth invites readers to reflect on their own relationship with the natural world and the potential consequences of a society consumed by material pursuits. This timeless sonnet continues to resonate as a poignant reminder of the enduring tension between the material and spiritual dimensions of human existence.