A Word About Wordsworth

Contrary to what many critics state, Wordsworth does capture the true essence of childhood. While reading “Tintern Abbey” and “Ode: Intimations of Immorality”, the reader is instantly aware that the point of view is from an adult who dreams of returning to the age when life had no worries. In the beginning lines of his “Ode: Intimations of Immorality” Wordsworth paints a picture which carries much similarity to Genesis’s “Garden of Eden”. For example, …

…an adult life. For instance, in lines 83 and 84 of “Tintern Abbey”, Wordsworth writes that childhood is “That time is past, and all its aching joys are now no more”. Personally, I do not feel that Wordsworth exaggerates any part of what it means to be a child through the eyes of an adult—especially an adult whose life may prove troublesome. Though maturity heightens knowledge, I cannot say I don’t miss the ignorant bliss.