Critical Appreciation of Wordsworth’s Poems

Submitted To:
Ms. Amna Shahid

Submitted By:
Sunila Javaid
Roll # 2225116035
Semester-VI

BS-III
English Language and Literature
(2022-2026)

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH
LAHORE COLLEGE FOR WOMEN UNIVERSITY
 William Wordsworth

Wordsworth is a central figure of Romanticism in Literature, who emphasizes on

nature, human emotions, and the dignity of the common man. His poetry captures the essence
of ordinary life and raw human experiences. He authored the Lyrical Ballads along with Samuel
Taylor Coleridge, a collection of poetry that revolutionized English Literature. In his essay
Preface to Lyrical Ballads (1800), Wordsworth asserted his poetic principles, claiming that
poetry should reflect “the real language of men” and focus on “incidents and situations from
common life.” He believed poetry should evoke “powerful emotions” through simple and rustic
subjects, revealing universal truths.

The Old Cumberland Beggar

Wordsworth’s poem “The Old Cumberland Beggar” aligns with Lyrical Ballads in its
subject as a poor, aged beggar who, despite his destitution, plays an integral role in society.
Through him, Wordsworth explores human dignity, the moral significance of charity, and the
spiritual connection between man and nature.

Wordsworth begins with a direct and observational tone. The poet encounters an old
beggar sitting by the road. The beggar’s physical stillness, emphasized by seated contrasts with
the movement of travelers, symbolizing his overlooked presence. The low structure aligns with
Wordsworth’s Romantic reverence for the humble, reinforcing his Lyrical Ballads principle
that poetry should focus on common life.

The rude masonry suggests a rough, simple structure, reflecting the beggar’s humble
existence. The structure is meant to help travelers mount their horses after descending a steep
hill, showing how man-made objects serve practical needs. This image establishes a contrast
that the structure serves a purpose, but the beggar, though equally part of the landscape, is
deemed useless by society.

The beggar leans on his staff while eating food given by villagers. Unlike traditional
portrayals of beggars as helpless, Wordsworth presents him as independent, leaning on a staff,
his own source of support. This reflects the Romantic ideal of individual dignity and self-
reliance. The flour-covered bag represents charity and rural kindness. The dole of village
dames shows how the beggar survives on charity, with the flour suggesting a simple
sustenance.

.The idle computation suggests pointless counting, as if out of habit. His survival
depends on the smallest portions. He is surrounded by wild unpeopled hills, reinforcing a
Romantic theme of man in isolation, merging with nature. He is alone in a vast landscape,
emphasizing his isolation. The beggar is portrayed as part of the landscape, integrated into the
nature and society.
 The beggar carefully examines each piece of food, showing mindful survival. His
palsied hands drop crumbs, representing frailty and age. The birds hesitate to eat those fallen
crumbs, mirroring society's reluctance to accept or help the poor, despite their reliance on him.

The speaker has known him for years, yet he appears unchanged. This suggests the
beggar is eternal, symbolizing poverty’s lasting presence. Unlike others, the horseman does not
throw money carelessly but places it respectfully. This shows conscious charity over
thoughtless giving. The toll-gate keeper stops spinning her wheel to let the beggar through,
showing habitual kindness. Even a young, working-class boy treats the beggar with
consideration, moving aside to avoid disturbing him.

The beggar only looks at the ground. His gaze fixed on the ground symbolizes his
limited social existence, he only sees what is immediately necessary, much like society only
acknowledges the poor when forced to. He does not see beauty, only necessity. The repetition
of seeing still, and never knowing suggests mindless movement, showing his lifelong
endurance.

Wordsworth critiques those who intellectualize charity rather than practice genuine
kindness. His tone echoes the principles addressed in the Preface to Lyrical Ballads that poetry
should address real emotions rather than abstract concepts. The contrast between impersonal
charity and genuine human connection also aligns with Romantic ideals of emotion over
rationale.

The beggar, though physically frail, embodies a settled quiet that reflects a deeper
connection to the natural world, highlighting harmony between humans and nature. He argues
that the beggar unconsciously teaches charity. His presence reminds others of their shared
humanity.

Wordsworth rebukes politicians who see beggars as a problem to be swept away. He

argues that the beggar serves a social purpose by reminding people of compassion. The beggar
unknowingly fosters kindness. Even the poorest desire to give, proving that charity is a
universal human need, not just a duty of the rich.

By the end of the poem, Wordsworth prays for the beggar’s freedom, arguing that he
should die in nature, not confined in a workhouse. The final line emphasizes Romantic ideals,
that the natural death is more dignified than the institutional confinement.

In the final analysis, one can claim that his work, The Old Cumberland Beggar
embodies his Romantic vision as expressed in Preface to Lyrical Ballads. Through the poem,
Wordsworth conveys the significance of the poor in society. He maintains that the beggar
serves an important moral role by reminding people of compassion, charity, and shared
humanity. Moreover, Wordsworth criticizes the institutional aid, advocating for habitual
kindness that naturally arises in rural communities. Furtherly, his emphasis on ordinary life,
simple language, and deep emotional resonance transforms a seemingly insignificant figure
into a powerful moral force.

Lucy Gray
William Wordsworth’s Lucy Gray is a melancholic ballad that tells the tragic story of a
young girl lost in a snowstorm. Inspired by Romantic ideals, the poem highlights nature’s
overwhelming power, and human fragility. The poem has a haunting narrative that blurs the
line between tragedy and myth. Lucy’s mysterious disappearance and possible ghostly
existence symbolize ideals of solitude and loss. The poem leaves the reader uncertain yet
enchanted, making Lucy’s fate a mystery.

The speaker introduces Lucy Gray, a well-known figure, implying she is almost
legendary. The word solitary immediately sets a melancholic tone, foreshadowing her
loneliness and possible fate. Lucy is described as lonely but pure. She is compared to a delicate
plant, a sweetest thing, symbolizing her innocence and fragility. The imagery of wild animals
playing contrasts with Lucy’s absence, implying she has disappeared or died, intensifying the
poem’s mystery.

In the following stanza, her father instructs Lucy to fetch her mother while introducing
the storm as a key element. The lantern becomes a symbol of guidance and hope, but also
foreshadows her tragic fate. Lucy eagerly accepts the task, highlighting her innocence.

The mention of the moon despite it being afternoon creates a dreamlike atmosphere.
While her father continues working, Lucy quietly departs with the lantern, reflecting her
minute presence against the vast landscape.

Lucy plays in the snow, showing her carefree and innocent spirit. However, the snow
rising like smoke hints at her eventual disappearance. Lucy loses her way as the storm arrives
earlier than expected. Her wandering and climbing suggest her desperation and struggle. The
phrase never reached the town confirms her tragic fate.

Her parents search for her, desperately, but Lucy leaves no trace behind, adding more
to the supernatural elements used in the poem. As morning arrives, they spot a bridge near their
home, suggesting that Lucy had nearly made it back.

Her parents mourn Lucy, assuming she is dead, but the footprints create new hope,
leading them to follow her trail. The footprints indicate that Lucy continued walking through
difficult terrain, further deepening the mystery.

The footprints remain consistent and clear, leading them to the bridge, a symbolic
threshold between life and death. The footprints suddenly vanish in the middle of the bridge,
suggesting she was either taken down by the river or by the snow.
 The poem shifts into folklore, maintaining that Lucy still exists as a ghostly presence,
who will be wandering forever in the wild moors. Thus, Lucy becomes part of nature itself,
eternally moving without looking back, reinforcing Romantic themes of nature, solitude, and
the supernatural.

Through vivid natural imagery and simple yet haunting verse, Lucy Gray transforms an
ordinary tragedy into a timeless legend. The poem blurs the boundaries between life and death,
reality and myth, reinforcing Wordsworth’s belief in nature’s deep connection to human
emotion.

One can claim that Lucy lives in the landscape and has become a part of it, an idea that
embodies the Romantic ideal that nature and the human spirit are eternally intertwined.
Through her story, Wordsworth emphasizes the Romantic belief in nature’s dominance, the
supernatural, and the enduring power of memory and legend.

Ruth
Wordsworth’s Ruth is a narrative poem that tells the tragic story of a young woman
who falls in love with a charming but reckless traveler. The poem explores themes of
innocence, love, betrayal, and the restorative power of nature. Through rich imagery and
emotional depth, Wordsworth highlights both the beauty and the cruelty of life, portraying Ruth
as a figure of quiet endurance.

The poem begins with Ruth being half desolate because her father remarries. She is
neglected and roams freely across the land, only at seven years of age. Her thoughtless freedom
suggests innocence but also maintain a lack of guidance or security.

Ruth makes a pipe of straw and plays music that mimics natural sounds. She builds a
bower, a shelter on the green, symbolizing her comfort in nature. The phrase,

“as if she from her birth had been

An infant of the woods”

implies that Ruth finds her home in nature more than in human society.

Despite living in her father’s house, Ruth is emotionally isolated. Her thoughts are her
own finding delight in solitude. She does not experience any sort of deep joy or sorrow, existing
in a passive state of mind until she reaches the adulthood.

A young man from Georgia arrives, wearing a military helmet adorned with Cherokee
feathers. The feathers “nodded in the breeze”, emphasizing on his adventurous spirit. His
entrance signals a turning point in Ruth’s life.

Though his appearance suggests Native American heritage, he speaks English and has
a soldier’s name. He fought in America and traveled across the ocean after the war ended. This
highlights his detachment from any particular homeland keeping up with the idea of his
transient nature.
 The young man has a poetic soul, appreciating nature deeply. He admires the moon, the
sun’s glory, and the murmuring streams. His past is painted as one filled with beauty and
wonder.

The youth is physically striking, likened to a panther and a dolphin, symbols of grace
and liveliness. His charm and energy make him captivating.

He shares tales of battles and adventures among the Native Americans. His stories are
perilous to hear, hinting at their seductive danger, especially for an impressionable listener like
Ruth.

He describes joyful Native American girls who leave their villages to gather
strawberries, singing as they return. This portrays a communal life that contrasts with Ruth’s
lonely existence.

He speaks of ever-changing flowers with intermingling hues, suggesting a dynamic

and magical natural world. This reflects both his admiration for beauty and his restless spirit.

The young man describes the grand magnolia tree, the towering cypress, and vast
landscapes. The imagery creates an exotic, dreamlike picture that captivates Ruth.

He describes vast savannahs and tranquil lakes with floating islands. The landscape is
compared to spots of sky among the evening clouds, reinforcing the enchanting beauty of his
world.

He expresses a desire for a simple, free life as a hunter or fisherman. The choice of
words such as an easy mind and a household fire suggest domestic comfort within nature.

He dreams of a blissful life with Ruth, yet acknowledges the harshness of the world.
The paradox of quiet bliss on a world of woe foreshadows conflict in their future.

He speaks of a father’s love, where family bonds make children dearer than the sun.
This introduces the idea of stability and affection, appealing to Ruth’s longing for a sense of
belongingness.

He proposes that Ruth accompany him to the wild, where she would become a sylvan
huntress at his side. This romanticized vision captivates Ruth, offering her a sense of adventure
and love.

Ruth is deeply moved, shedding a solitary tear at midnight. She ultimately agrees to
sail away with him. The phrase drive the flying deer symbolizes her surrender to his
romanticized wilderness.

Their marriage is solemnized in a church. Ruth’s happiness on that day surpasses mere
human joy. She dreams of life in the wild, sharing meals with her husband and bearing his
name. She envisions a lawful, contented life in nature.
 However, the youth had lived a reckless life among vagrant Indian bands. His wild
past foreshadows trouble in their marriage. The tropical storms and chaotic landscapes affect
his restless spirit. He is drawn to disorder and adventure, which proves dangerous for Ruth.

He identifies with the irregular and untamed aspects of nature, justifying his own
reckless tendencies. The beauty of nature feeds his sensuous desires, making him susceptible
to temptation.

Despite his flaws, he has moments of noble sentiment. His passion is tied to nature’s
beauty, making him both inspired and flawed. Yet, he falls into bad company, embracing vices
without remorse. He mirrors the corruption of the wild men he lived among.

His moral strength declines, and he becomes a slave to base desires. This contrasts with
Ruth’s innocent devotion. Despite his faults, his love for Ruth was genuine. Her innocence and
kindness captivated him.

He confesses that arrogance and ambition led him astray when he first arrived in
America. The new land seemed like a paradise where he could live freely. He felt liberated, but
his freedom was misguided.

He claims that Ruth has helped him find a better purpose. Her love is his redemption.
However, his transformation is short-lived. He reverts to his former lawless ways.

As they prepare for their journey, he abandons Ruth at the shore. She never sees him
again. Ruth’s heartbreak leads to madness, and she is placed in a mental institution.

She sings sorrowful songs about her fate. Occasionally, she finds brief moments of
peace in her prison cell. Nature still comforts her.

After three years, she escapes and becomes a wanderer. Society forgets her, and she
must survive on her own. She finds solace in nature once more, settling near a riverbank.

Unlike others who blame fate or nature for their suffering, Ruth harbors no resentment.
She still cherishes the very world that caused her pain.

She sleeps outdoors unless the winter forces her into a barn. Her only home is beneath
the trees. She is doomed to an early death, worn down by hardship. When hungry, she begs on
the roadside where travelers pass.

Her straw pipe is gone, replaced by a flute made from hemlock. She still finds solace
in music, playing for herself. The poet has seen her setting up little water-mills in streams.
These are remnants of her innocent childhood before her sorrow.

The poem ends with a farewell to Ruth. Despite her tragic life, she will receive a
Christian burial, granting her peace in death.
 In the final analysis, one can claim that through Ruth, Wordsworth presents a
meditation on lost innocence and the tragic consequences of misplaced trust. The poem
contrasts Ruth’s unwavering faith in love with the unstable nature of the man she adores.

Despite her suffering, she never turns against nature, finding solace in its presence even
after her descent into madness. The poem’s melancholic ending, where Ruth remains an outcast
yet retains a quiet dignity, reinforces Wordsworth’s belief in nature’s enduring power to
comfort the human soul.

Works Cited

Esolen, A. (2012, May 30). One human heart: Wordsworth’s Old Cumberland Beggar and the
sweetness of being human. Public Discourse.

Doe, J. (2023). A formalist analysis of William Wordsworth’s ‘Lucy Gray’. Policy Journal of
Modern Studies, 5(2), 123–130.

English Literature. (2023, April). Ruth: Poem by William Wordsworth. English Literature.