Hi Everyone,

For our next meeting, please actively read the Wordsworth poems and write a brief response to the prompt below.

First, a brief summary of the poems (spoiler alert!):
In “Expostulation and Reply” William’s friend Matthew argues that book learning (can we say “academic learning”?) is the only path to enlightenment. In the second half of “Expostulation and Reply” and in all of “The Tables Turned,” William argues that book learning is a waste of time. Instead of academic learning, “let Nature be  your teacher” instead.

Here’s the prompt:  Why do you think William is arguing for the ethical/intellectual value of “non-book” learning? And, can you relate to his argument?

Bring the poems and your response to class on Wednesday. Thanks!