I think that Wordsworth is probably the most widely known Romantic poet. I also think he was a very perceptive man. In other words, I think he "gets it". He focuses so much on the simplistic things in life that it makes me value them as well. I mean, how many times during the day do I stop and reflect on those simple things that make life valuable - my kid wanting to sit in my lap, my wife's crooked smile, spending time with my parents on their back porch, lying on the trunk of my car and staring at the stars . . .
No I'm usually focused on what I've got to do . . . ironically getting my students to understand Wordsworth's point that we should live for those simple things. Maybe teaching by example is better than teaching with words. I'm pretty sure that's what Wordsworth would do.
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I think that just coming out of the 'Industrial' Revolution, and straight into the Romantic Period, a huge focus was put on the idea of being industrious and productive. And over the years, this idea has been beaten into our skulls and force fed to us through the example our parents have set for us. Example: Make as much money as one possibly can. With that in mind, anything else goes out the window, because you have to worry about making a deadline, to get the pay check, so you can feed your family, because now you have a job, you have a partner and kids to look after.
ReplyDeleteThere isn't time anymore to sit back and enjoy, until that time has passed. Wordsworth used his poetry and extremely long short stories to show us his reflections on what used to be. I think he does "get it", in that, "This is how it was, so why can't it still be the same?". Furthermore, Wordsworth, I hope, saw his poetry as a great way to get his message across in a subliminal way. Kudos to him right? Considering once his work is explicated, students may/may not go home after class and think, "Maybe dude was right, we AREN'T so simplistic after all". People are in too much of a rush these days. I blame MTV and heroin.
Erin Boast
I agree that Wordsworth "gets it". His focus on nature and on the simple beauty of things constantly reminds me that even I don't stop long enough to appreciate what we consider trivial. I do however, think the world was a beautiful place before God created man, and I dig his attitude towards the race of men. (Not to intentionally sound Lord of the Ring-ish)
ReplyDeleteI'm constantly up at the same time every day, dropping my kid off at her babysitter's at the same time every day, going to work, going to school, making dinner, giving baths, doing homwork, and my days are the same. Every single day. I'd kill to be able to just stop and do...nothing.
With what I know of Wordsworth, I agree with you. It would certainly make sense for us to observe as he observed to really grasp his point. Also, considering that he wrote "Lines" with the intention of giving wisdom to his daughter, we could put ourselves in her place. Especially considering that most of the class does not have children of their own, that could give us a different perspective. By the way, I also like the idea of having a "Wordsworth experience nature class meeting" after it warms up... I think it would help break up the routine of sitting in class at a desk reading poems and studying authors.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Wordsworth as bringing everything to being "simple" because that is how life is suppose to be. Everyday is supposed to be simple steps in order to make that person better but instead people make it difficult by making their days turn into a mad dash to the finish line everyday.
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