Tintern Abbey

William Wordsworth begins the poem by explaining that he is revisiting a place that he has not been in five years. He describes the feelings and emotions about nature and life that he had when he first visited the landscape of Wye. Wordsworth explains how this secluded place on a hill enabled him to seek deep into his soul and to uncover many different feelings and emotions. He writes, “Once again do I behold these steep and lofty cliffs, that on a wild secluded scene impress thoughts of more deep seclusion; and connect the landscape with the quiet of the sky” (25). Wordsworth explains in the beginning of the poem that in nature you feel that everything is complete when you are a kid – just as he did five years ago. However, as he continues the poem, his explains how his thoughts and opinions toward nature have changed. He writes, “For I have learned to look on nature, not as in the hour of thoughtless youth; but hearing often-times the still, sad music of humanity…” (27). As the poem goes on, Wordsworth seems to develop more negative and harsh feelings about nature. The poem explains different connections that a man can have to nature throughout different stages in their life.
I believe that the poem shows the transformation of William Wordsworth as a poet. As he grew older, his views of nature and possibly many other things in life have changed. Something that was once beautiful and innocent to him now is something that he is disgusted by.