How did the daffodil flowers create an everlasting impression in the mind of Wordsworth?
Introduction: William Wordsworth (1770–1850) is one of the greatest poets of the Romantic era (1798 – 1832). He was well known for his treatment of nature in his poems. He wrote a famous poem called “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud,” (1807) also known as “Daffodils.” In this poem, Wordsworth expresses his profound appreciation for the beauty of nature and the joy it brings to his life.
The background of the poem: The poem was inspired by an experience that Wordsworth had while taking a walk with his sister Dorothy in the Lake District of England. During their walk, they came across a field filled with daffodils, which left a lasting impression on Wordsworth’s mind. Here’s how the daffodil flowers created an everlasting impression in the mind of Wordsworth:
Beauty: Wordsworth was struck by the sheer beauty of the daffodils. The flowers were spread out in a never-ending line and stretched inward to the heart of the observer. The sight of such a vast field of yellow flowers made Wordsworth feel as if he was surrounded by a “host of golden daffodils.”
Read: How does Robert Herrick compare human life with that of Daffodils?
Joy: The sight of the daffodils brought Wordsworth great joy. He describes how his heart “dances” with the flowers as he gazes at them. The joy he felt was not just a momentary pleasure, but a lasting one that continued to bring him happiness long after the experience was over. He says that:
“And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.”
Peaceful scenery: The poet also depicts the tranquillity of the scene, representing the “jocund company” of the daffodils and the “bliss of solitude” that he feels while observing them. This mixture of joy and peace is what develops an everlasting impression on Wordsworth’s mind.
Inspiration: The daffodils inspired Wordsworth to write the famous poem that has become a classic of English literature. The poem captures the beauty and joy that Wordsworth felt while gazing at the daffodils, and has inspired countless readers to appreciate the beauty of nature.
Memory: The memory of the daffodils stayed with Wordsworth long after he had left the field. In the poem, he describes how the memory of the flowers flashes upon that inward eye and fills [his] heart with pleasure. The memory of the daffodils was so powerful that it continued to bring him joy long after the actual experience had ended. The poet says:
“For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye”
Connection to Nature: The daffodils helped Wordsworth feel more connected to nature. He describes how the flowers were “tossing their heads in sprightly dance” and how the wind “fluttered and danced” among them. This connection to nature was important to Wordsworth, who believed that being in nature could bring people closer to God.
To Read: The critical appreciation of the poem “To Daffodils”
Conclusion: The daffodils left an everlasting impression on Wordsworth because they were so beautiful and joyful. They were a symbol of happiness and warmth, and they brought him comfort when he was feeling lonely. The memory of the daffodils will always be with him, and it will always bring him joy. The experience of seeing the daffodils was a profound one for Wordsworth. It continues to inspire readers to appreciate the beauty of nature and find joy in simple pleasures.
