William Wordsworth

English Romantic poet (1770–1850)

William Wordsworth (April 7, 1770 – April 23, 1850) was a major English poet. Along with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, launched the Romantic Age in English literature with the 1798 publication of Lyrical Ballads.

The eye— it cannot choose but see;
we cannot bid the ear be still;
our bodies feel, where'er they be,
against or with our will.

Quotes

  • I listened, motionless and still;
    And, as I mounted up the hill,
    The music in my heart I bore,
    Long after it was heard no more.
    • The Solitary Reaper, st. 4
Simple: I listened without moving. As I climbed the hill, I bore the music in my heart though I could not hear it.
What it means: The music was so lovely that it remained in my heart though I couldn't hear it.
  • Continuous as the stars that shine
    And twinkle on the milky way.[1]
    • I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud, Stanza 2
Simple: They are continuous like the stars in the sky.
  • A poet could not but be gay,
    In such a jocund company.[1]
    • I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud, Stanza 3
Simple: A poet must be happy in such a happy place.
  • They flash upon that inward eye
    Which is the bliss of solitude.[1]
    • I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud, Stanza 4

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud". Retrieved on 2009-08-21