Tintern Abbey: Role of Nature in Wordsworth’s Poetry

Tintern Abbey, one of William Wordsworth’s most celebrated poems, is an ode to the beauty and power of nature. The poem reflects the nature in Wordsworth’s own experiences and explores themes of memory, imagination, and the transformative power of nature.

The poem begins with Wordsworth revisiting Tintern Abbey after a five-year absence. As he gazes upon the natural beauty surrounding him, he reflects on how this landscape has changed over time. He notes that while the physical landscape has not remained the same, the emotional and spiritual connection he feels to it has endured. 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

Nature in Wordsworth: 3-fold Influences

Wordsworth’s view of nature in “Tintern Abbey” is rooted in his belief that nature is not just a physical presence but also a spiritual and emotional one. He writes that nature has the power to transform us, to help us see the world in a new way. He notes that the beauty of nature has the power to heal and renew us. Interestingly, he talks about three specific roles that nature plays, each with its unique power of restoration. First, nature provides sweet sensations that help revive one’s senses even when surrounded by clamorous city noises. Secondly, nature cultivates human kindness through inspiring “little unremembered acts” of goodness. Finally, nature provides man with a more sublime gift, the gift of “blessed mood” where “Man” reaches a higher level of awareness and tranquility through imagination.

It is with reference to these factors that Wordsworth reflects on how his experiences with nature have affected him in various stages. The poem is divided into five stanzas, and in each stanza, Wordsworth presents a different aspect of his view on nature.

Stanza-wise Analysis

In the first stanza, he describes how the beauty of nature is an eternal source of joy and comfort. He states that he has often returned to the Wye Valley, where the Tintern Abbey ruins are located, to experience the beauty of nature once again. For Wordsworth, nature provides a sense of renewal and rejuvenation, and it is a source of inspiration for his poetry. 

In the second stanza, Wordsworth speaks of the way nature has shaped his personality and character. He explores the theme of imagination and how it can help us to connect with nature. He notes that it is not just the physical presence of nature that is important, but also the emotional and imaginative connection that we feel to it. He says that his love for nature has made him more sensitive to the emotions of others and has given him a deeper understanding of the world around him. He suggests that the beauty of nature has the power to transform and enrich the human soul. 

In the third stanza, Wordsworth speaks of the way nature has the ability to transcend time and space. He suggests that the beauty of nature can connect us to the past and the future, and it can create a sense of continuity that spans generations. He states that the beauty of nature can provide us with a sense of belonging and a feeling of unity with all living things. 

In the fourth stanza, Wordsworth speaks of the way nature can provide us with a sense of spiritual enlightenment. He suggests that nature can help us to transcend our everyday worries and concerns, and it can provide us with a sense of peace and tranquility. He speaks of the way nature can awaken our senses and heighten our awareness of the world around us.

In the final stanza, Wordsworth concludes his poem by expressing his gratitude to nature for all that it has given him. He states that he will carry the memory of the beauty of nature with him always, and he encourages others to do the same. He suggests that nature is a gift that should be cherished and protected, and he urges us to remember the importance of nature in our lives.

The final power of nature that the poet discovers, is the power to consolidate human bonds as well. He realizes that his earlier youthful relationship with nature is now reflected in the persona of his sister. He understands the permanence of nature and seeks to be a participant through a lasting bond where the present moment will stay eternal in memory of his sister:

Thy memory be as a dwelling-place
For all sweet sounds and harmonies

This poem is as much about nature as human beings whose memories become the repository for nature’s beauty and grandeur. 

In conclusion, Wordsworth’s view of nature in “Tintern Abbey” is one of deep appreciation and reverence. He sees nature as a source of inspiration, renewal, and spiritual enlightenment. For Wordsworth, nature has the power to transform and enrich the human soul, and it is a gift that should be cherished and protected. The beauty of nature can connect us to the past and the future, and it can create a sense of continuity that spans generations.