Short summary of the poem "The World Is Too Much with Us" William Wordsworth

 

"The World Is Too Much with Us" is a sonnet written by the English Romantic poet William Wordsworth. It was published in 1807 as part of a collection of his poetry. The poem expresses Wordsworth's frustration with the materialism and lack of connection to nature he observed in society during the early 19th century.  

 

The poem begins with the speaker lamenting that the world is overwhelming and that people are too preoccupied with materialistic pursuits. He expresses his disillusionment with the modern world, which he sees as being obsessed with consumerism and disconnected from nature and spirituality.

The speaker longs for a closer connection to nature, specifically the natural world, and the forces of the universe. He mentions the sea, the winds that howl, and the moon as sources of inspiration and spiritual connection.

Wordsworth suggests that people have lost touch with their true nature and have become slaves to material possessions and empty desires. He criticizes society for being more focused on getting and spending, essentially prioritizing material wealth over the profound and timeless beauty of nature.

In the final lines of the poem, the speaker reflects on the ancient Greeks, who, in their mythologies and beliefs, had a deep respect and reverence for nature. He wishes that he could be a Pagan, someone who believed in the power and significance of the natural world.

Overall, "The World Is Too Much with Us" is a passionate call for a return to a more profound connection with nature and a critique of the shallowness and materialism of the modern world. Wordsworth yearns for a more spiritual and meaningful way of life, one in which humanity is in harmony with the natural world.

 

"The World Is Too Much with Us" by William Wordsworth explores several prominent themes. Some of the central themes of the poem include:

Nature and Humanity: One of the primary themes of the poem is the disconnection between humanity and nature. Wordsworth bemoans the fact that people in his time are too absorbed in the material world and have lost touch with the spiritual and inspirational qualities of nature. He contrasts the shallow pursuits of "getting and spending" with the profound beauty and significance of the natural world.

Materialism and Consumerism: The poem criticizes the materialistic and consumer-driven society of Wordsworth's era. The obsession with acquiring wealth and possessions is seen as a distraction that leads people away from the more meaningful and timeless aspects of existence.

Spirituality and Paganism: Wordsworth expresses a longing for a more spiritual and reverent connection with nature. He references ancient Pagan beliefs and their deep respect for nature as a contrast to the contemporary world's lack of appreciation for the natural world's power and beauty. This theme underscores his desire for a return to a more spiritually fulfilling way of life.

Disillusionment: The poem conveys a sense of disillusionment with the state of the world and society. Wordsworth is disappointed by the shallowness and superficiality of his contemporaries, particularly their lack of appreciation for the profound and spiritual aspects of existence. His disillusionment with the world drives the poem's emotional intensity.

 

Timelessness and Permanence: Throughout the poem, Wordsworth suggests that nature and its forces (the sea, winds, the moon) represent elements that are timeless and enduring. They serve as a contrast to the ephemeral and fleeting nature of human pursuits. The idea of nature's permanence highlights the shallowness of worldly concerns.

 

Art and Literature: While not as central as other themes, the poem also touches on the role of art and literature in shaping and reflecting society's values and attitudes. Wordsworth, as a Romantic poet, sought to use his art to critique and challenge the prevailing trends of his time.