Both “Tintern Abbey” and “Why I Went to the Woods” have many of the same themes and ideas in them. Together they have connections to the beauty, isolation, and tranquility of nature. “Tintern Abbey” and “Why I Went to the Woods” mutually reference the ability to be closer to god, and achieve deeper understanding and meaning of life. While Wordsworth focuses specifically on the beauty of nature, Thoreau tends to describe a lot of societies flaws. Wordsworth references his own need for the tranquility and beauty of nature. He wants to give society more than just small acts of kindness or love, but wants to give a gift of greater understanding of life. Thoreau wants to give the same gift to society as well, but does not directly reference the
