The Role of Nature in the Romantic Poetry of Wordsworth and Coleridge

Introduction

Role of Nature in the Romantic Poetry: Romanticism, an artistic and literary movement that emerged in the late 18th century, emphasized intense emotion, individualism, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Among the prominent figures of this era, William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge stand out for their profound connection to nature. Their poetry reflects a reverence for the natural environment and uses it as a canvas to express their emotions, ideas, and philosophical beliefs. This blog post explores the significance of nature in the poetry of Wordsworth and Coleridge, offering insights for UGC NET aspirants into the key features of Romantic poetry.

Wordsworth’s Perspective on Nature

Wordsworth’s Reverence for Nature

William Wordsworth, often regarded as the quintessential Romantic poet, believed that nature was a source of spiritual and moral guidance. Born in 1770 in the Lake District of England, his upbringing in a picturesque rural setting profoundly influenced his poetic vision. His works often depict nature as a nurturing, almost divine force, capable of inspiring deep introspection and emotional healing.

In his seminal poem “Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey,” Wordsworth reflects on his return to the Wye Valley after five years. The poem illustrates his evolving relationship with nature, shifting from the pure, instinctive delight of his youth to a more profound, contemplative appreciation in adulthood. He writes:

"These beauteous forms,
Through a long absence, have not been to me
As is a landscape to a blind man's eye:
But oft, in lonely rooms, and 'mid the din
Of towns and cities, I have owed to them
In hours of weariness, sensations sweet,
Felt in the blood, and felt along the heart;
And passing even into my purer mind,
With tranquil restoration: feelings too
Of unremembered pleasure."

In this excerpt, Wordsworth describes how the memory of natural landscapes has provided him with solace and rejuvenation during his time away from them. Nature, for Wordsworth, is not merely a backdrop but a source of inner strength and spiritual renewal.

Similarly, in “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud,” he draws inspiration from a field of daffodils, illustrating how nature’s beauty can uplift the human spirit. The poem’s famous lines:

"For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils."

Here, the sight of the daffodils becomes a lasting source of joy, a mental image that brings happiness even when the poet is far removed from the actual scene. This poem encapsulates his belief in the therapeutic power of nature.

Wordsworth’s philosophical stance on nature is rooted in the idea that nature is a living entity capable of communicating profound truths. He saw it as a teacher that imparts wisdom and a sanctuary that provides peace. This deep connection to nature is a hallmark of Wordsworth’s poetry and a central theme in his works.

Role of Nature in Coleridge

Coleridge’s Imaginative Natural World

Samuel Taylor Coleridge, a close friend and collaborator of Wordsworth, had a different but equally profound approach to nature. Born in 1772, Coleridge’s literary career was marked by his vivid imagination and his fascination with the supernatural. Unlike him, who saw nature as a source of moral and spiritual truth, Coleridge often depicted it as a mysterious and sometimes terrifying force.

In “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” Coleridge uses nature to convey themes of guilt, redemption, and the sublime. The poem tells the story of a mariner who kills an albatross, a deed that brings about a curse upon him and his crew. The natural world in this poem is both majestic and menacing, reflecting the mariner’s inner turmoil and the consequences of his actions. Coleridge writes:

"Water, water, everywhere,
And all the boards did shrink;
Water, water, everywhere,
Nor any drop to drink."

This passage highlights the paradoxical and unforgiving nature of the sea, symbolizing the mariner’s despair and the overwhelming power of nature.

In “Kubla Khan,” Coleridge’s depiction of the natural world is dreamlike and surreal. The poem describes the construction of an elaborate palace in the midst of a savage and untamed landscape. The imagery is rich and fantastical:

"A savage place! as holy and enchanted
As e'er beneath a waning moon was haunted
By woman wailing for her demon-lover!"

The portrayal of nature here is both enchanting and eerie, blending the real with the supernatural. Coleridge’s use of nature in this poem reflects his interest in the imagination and the otherworldly.

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Coleridge’s perspective on nature is thus more complex and layered than Wordsworth’s. While he acknowledges its beauty and sublimity, he also explores its darker, more enigmatic aspects. This duality is a defining feature of Coleridge’s poetic vision.

Comparative Analysis

Comparing Wordsworth and Coleridge on Nature

Both Wordsworth and Coleridge use nature to explore profound philosophical and emotional themes, but they do so in markedly different ways. Wordsworth’s nature is nurturing, restorative, and morally instructive, while Coleridge’s is mysterious, powerful, and often supernatural. Their differing approaches reflect their individual worldviews and literary styles.