Language and Vision in Romantic Poetry.
Growing up, is it good? Is it bad? What is gained from growing up? What is lost? These are questions that one will inevitably ponder at one point or another in his or her life, that is, if he or she has not already. Questions such as these dealing with the process of growing up, and the effects that come with it, were concerns that weighed strongly on the mind of William Wordsworth. This is clearly demonstrated in his poem, "Ode on Intimations of Immortality." Writers of the Romantic Era incorporated certain characteristics in their works that strongly opposed the previous ways of writing. Wordsworth realized that contrary to neoclassical belief, humans are composed of more than just reason and order. They also contain a less inhibited side fueled by emotion, passion, imagination, and disorder. Wordsworth brilliantly illustrates many of these characteristics of Romantic poetry through the language and vision of this poem.
In order to understand and recognize the traits that scream Romanticism in "Ode on Intimations of Immortality," one must first know what they are. Writers of this era were moving towards realism. They revolted against the artificial declamatory speeches and formal language of the neoclassical age. Instead, they used everyday, common language. Another way in which these writers rebelled in their writing styles was their lack of conventions and rules, such as the three unities, in their works. Romantic writers, especially poets, held nature in reverence. They adored and cherished it. They were very passionate in their writing. They believed that emotions and feelings were key in life. Many times, they wrote with "Carpe Diem" as their motto. They wanted to experience a totally fulfilled moment, indulge their senses, and live every day to its fullest.
Wordsworth's use of language in "Ode on Intimations of Immortality" is one way that he demonstrates many of these Romantic characteristics.
