The speaker is being ironic when he says, "The world is too much with us” (1). When he speaks of "the world," he is referring to civilization. He speaks of it in a connotative way, rather than its literal meaning−the earth. In Line 2, he makes this known, claiming that …show more content…
The speaker makes a statement in line 9, saying, "it moves us not. −Great God!" This statement shows you that the speaker views "getting and spending" as illusive, which can only lead to a distorted view of happiness. On the contrary, this shows the readers that he believes that true happiness can only be found through a spiritual relationship. Wordsworth 's words in line 9-10 show his use of a hyperbole. The speaker states, "I 'd rather be / a pagan suckled in a creed outworn." This exaggeration is used to demonstrate just how ridiculous the idea of living by a "get and spend" way of life. Wordsworth presents his desire to seek valuable answers in lines 11-12. In line 11, the speaker mentions how he is standing on a pleasant lea. The pleasant lea symbolizes his mental foundation which his feet rest upon. He desires a deeper knowledge of nature, declaring, "so might I / have glimpses that would make me less forlorn" (11-12). Wordsworth 's use of the two mythological gods is symbolically related to his values. The speaker states in line 11 how he would like to see "Proteus rising from the sea." This symbolizes his yearning for deep answers to rise to the surface. Not only deep but universal answers that will speak to everyone. Line 12 proves this. He mentions "Triton blowing his wreathed horn" (12). This is Wordsworth 's desire to supply information to those who are