Monthly Archives: October 2023

• In what sense does “Tintern Abbey” offer readers a “religion of nature”? What are some of the specific ways in which nature works as a substitute for traditional religion?
• Why do you think Wordsworth gives “Tintern Abbey” such a precise and detailed sub-title? What is the significance of this poem’s full titile?
• In the final portion of “Tintern Abbey,” the speaker turns to his “dear friend.” Who is this friend and what role does he/she play in the poem?
• “Composed upon Westminster Bridge” and “The World Is Too Much with Us” are both sonnets. Why do you think a poet might choose to work with such a highly structured form?
• Describe some of the ways in which Wordsworth’s poetry conforms to some of the features of Romanticism that we’ve discussed. What evidence can you find to illustrate this?

Blake describes innocence and experience as “the two contrary states of the human soul.” What do you think he means by this?

In contrast to experience, which stands for learning new things and coming to comprehend the complexities of life, innocence stands for a state of unadulterated purity, joy, and simplicity that is unimpaired by the harsh realities of the outer world. Blake believed that these states were in constant opposition to one another and that their interaction may lead to growth and better understanding. His books use this contrast to critique societal norms and the restricting aspects of organized religion, urging readers to reflect on their own path to moral and spiritual enlightenment through the rapprochement of two polar opposite states inside themselves and in society.

As you know, the college is closed on Monday, October 9th, and Tuesday, October 10th will follow a Monday schedule. In lieu of a regular class, I will be holding office hours to discuss your upcoming essays and anything else that is on your mind. I don’t know when my office computer will be restored, so these meetings will take place in our classroom.

Please use the link below to sign up for an appointment.

OFFICE HOURS SIGN UP

1. Blake describes innocence and experience as “the two contrary states of the human soul.” What do you think he means by this?
2. Compare the mode of creation described in “The Lamb” with that of “The Tyger.” How are they similar? How are they different?
3. In “London”,  the speaker says he hears “mind-forged manacles” (line 8) What do you think that phrase means?
4. What differences do you see between the two “Chimney Sweeper” poems?
5. Choose a single line from any of the poems that made a strong impression on you and share it here.  What is going on in this line in terms of language and meaning?  Why do you think this line resonated with you?
6. The introductory poem to Songs of Innocence refers to a poet/singer/piper who composes “…happy songs,/Every child may joy to hear.” To what extent does this line describe the poems in Songs of Innocence?