‘William Wordsworth explores universal themes in timeless and picturesque language.’
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the above statement? Support your answer with reference to both the themes and language found in the poetry of William Wordsworth on your course.
Paragraph Poem 1 ‘Skating’
Universal themes
„„Childhood - the joy of a child in doing something they love
2
‘The Stolen Boat’
„„Growing up - how important certain experiences are to a child
3
‘She Dwelt among the Untrodden Ways’
4
‘To My Sister’
„„Death - the particular sadness of a young
person’s death, the loss of all that potential
„„Family - the joy and comfort in having a best friend within one’s own family
5
‘Tintern Abbey’
„„Friendship „„Nature
„„Self-knowledge - explored in a relatable way
Timeless/picturesque language
„„Vivid imagery brings the scene to life: ‘the stars,/ Eastward were sparkling clear, and in the west/ The orange sky of evening died away’
„„The heavy burden of guilt is conveyed through the personification of the rugged landscape
„„Charming images of rowing across the lake
„„Stunning mirror imaging - a violet and a star in the sky - yellow on deep purple
„„Enduring sentiments about the personal nature of loss: ‘and, oh,/ The difference to me!’
„„Lovely imagery: ‘The redbreast sings from the tall larch/ That stands beside our door’
„„Timelessly beautiful and always relevant: ‘for this one day/ We‘ll give to idleness.’
„„A deep poem about all that nature gives to our mind, bodies and spirits
