It has been said that the best things in life are free; but sometimes we become so overwhelmed by the pressures of life that materialistic gain can cloud focus on important moments in life. “The World is too much with us” by Williams Wordsworth is an example of a sonnet written in the 19th century industrial revolution, cautioning mankind that the choices and creation of man must work together to create a homeostatic environment. Wordsworth seeks to show how materialistic disconnect between man and nature is affecting the human quality of life through the use of vivid imagery while expressing emotions of both anger and hopeful surrender.
Throughout this poem, Wordsworth seeks to express open the eyes of the reading explaining that we have …show more content…
He describes society as obsessed with the shameful gain of physical possessions. Wordsworth then accuses society of squandering intelligence and common sense by stating "we lay waste our powers" (Kennedy & Gioia, 2012 line 2). He emphasizes that man does not own the earth, but needs to own responsibility for the physical destruction caused by human greed. He asserts that man has forgotten what is truly important in life. The author states, "We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon!" (Kennedy & Gioia, 2012 line 4). He presents the oxymoron"sordid boon" as if to poke fun at man's selfish tendencies. Suddenly, we are reminded of the consequence of failing to change. "This Sea that bares her bosom to the moon; The winds that will be howling at all hours" (Kennedy & Gioia, 2012 line 5,6) threatens total destruction of humanity by indirectly referencing biblical …show more content…
Wordsworth uses the simile, “and are up-gathered now like sleeping flowers” (Kennedy & Gioia, 2012 line 7) as he seeks to introduce the idea of hope. He suggests that humanity is simply waiting to be awoken from its dormant state, in which, ignorance has become our bliss. The analogy of sleeping flowers represents the long, dark winter depression in which humanity is currently living. It promotes faith through prayer that spring will eventually return and the balance between man and nature can be restored to its original state.
The author presents a description of a magnificent desire for something greater. "So might I, standing on this pleasant lea" (Kennedy & Gioia, 2012 line 12), offers his mind to the awesomeness of a great god perhaps capable of a resolution the man's destruction. He continues his search for guidance by declination of the magnificent power of Proteus and Triton emerging from the sea with all their power. This will show the world that life can be difference, and simply needs to be
Throughout this poem, Wordsworth seeks to express open the eyes of the reading explaining that we have …show more content…
He describes society as obsessed with the shameful gain of physical possessions. Wordsworth then accuses society of squandering intelligence and common sense by stating "we lay waste our powers" (Kennedy & Gioia, 2012 line 2). He emphasizes that man does not own the earth, but needs to own responsibility for the physical destruction caused by human greed. He asserts that man has forgotten what is truly important in life. The author states, "We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon!" (Kennedy & Gioia, 2012 line 4). He presents the oxymoron"sordid boon" as if to poke fun at man's selfish tendencies. Suddenly, we are reminded of the consequence of failing to change. "This Sea that bares her bosom to the moon; The winds that will be howling at all hours" (Kennedy & Gioia, 2012 line 5,6) threatens total destruction of humanity by indirectly referencing biblical …show more content…
Wordsworth uses the simile, “and are up-gathered now like sleeping flowers” (Kennedy & Gioia, 2012 line 7) as he seeks to introduce the idea of hope. He suggests that humanity is simply waiting to be awoken from its dormant state, in which, ignorance has become our bliss. The analogy of sleeping flowers represents the long, dark winter depression in which humanity is currently living. It promotes faith through prayer that spring will eventually return and the balance between man and nature can be restored to its original state.
The author presents a description of a magnificent desire for something greater. "So might I, standing on this pleasant lea" (Kennedy & Gioia, 2012 line 12), offers his mind to the awesomeness of a great god perhaps capable of a resolution the man's destruction. He continues his search for guidance by declination of the magnificent power of Proteus and Triton emerging from the sea with all their power. This will show the world that life can be difference, and simply needs to be