Topic > The Prelude by William Wordsworth - 1187

Man's journey through life is greatly influenced by the perspective he embraces. A perspective serves as a lens to see the world, influencing how you think and make decisions. This perspective is constantly tested by the prolonged maturation process that continues with age. The Romantic period yielded a break from intellectual conformity towards emancipation; it marked a radical change in popular thought, resulting in a growth in the value of literature, art and nature. The young Wordsworth's life during this curious period establishes a unique context in which to describe the relationship between his experiences and his developing opinions. Wordsworth's work, The Prelude, articulates his perspective on life as he engages with the culture of his time. Undoubtedly, the underlying theme of the Romantic Movement – ​​composed of artists such as Wordsworth – resonates in their emphasis on nature. The first book of the Prelude immediately introduces the value that Wordsworth himself attributes to nature. Expressing his opinion from a mature point of view, he expresses a sense of relief and peace in returning to the nature of the Lake District. Feelings of freedom and relaxation surround Wordsworth as he enjoys the quiet of nature, free from the tumult of civilization. Similar to other Romantics, Wordsworth discovers great understanding from his experiences in nature, which ultimately shapes his maturation. Wordsworth's connection to nature gives rise to the optimism and creativity attributed to his character, which persist throughout the epic. For example, he characterizes the breeze by articulating his observations by saying, “Oh, there is a blessing in this gentle breeze,” a visitor who while fanning my cheek seems half-conscious… in the center of the card… tion. Wordsworth's thoughts regarding the Revolution influence his views on political philosophy as he fights to discover a balance between the radicalism of the revolutionaries in France and the slow humanitarian reform in England. Wordsworth's primordial experiences as a child in nature instill the principles of Romanticism into his worldview. As Wordsworth ages and matures, his experiences in London and France contribute to the evolution of his perspective on nature and humanity. From his retrospective analysis of nature and humanity in the peaceful garden, to his emotional experiences in the violence of the Revolution, Wordsworth clings to Romantic thought. Despite his experiences with the urban disorder of London and the terror of violence in France, Wordsworth retains the optimism and love of humanity that are central to the Romantic outlook..