The role of memory and nostalgia in Wordsworth’s poems signifies growth and transition from his past self to an enlightened present self. In Wordsworth’s poem, “Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey, on Revisiting the Banks of the Wye during a Tour. July 13, 1798”, Wordsworth revisits the Banks of Wye and reminisces about the time when he was there five years ago. Wordsworth utilizes nature as a metaphor to his feelings when he first visited there, “ Of the deep rivers, and the lonely streams, / Wherever nature led: more like a man / Flying from something that he dreads, than one who sought the thing he loved.” Wordsworth compares his past self to the isolated and untamed streams and rivers who have no clear distinct path. Similar to the uncontrollable nature, Wordsworth, in the past, seemed lost and out of control of his own life. He fled from his miserable situation, which caused him to seek isolation in nature, rather than going with the flow with what he loves. In the present moment, Wordsworth states that he is no longer lost and pessimistic; he finally feels at peace, in harmony, and in tranquility with nature and his life.
In “Ode on Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood”, Wordsworth recalls the world through his eyes of his younger self. As a child, he sees nature as full of beauty, life, light, and almost dream-like. His view of nature represents the innocence and beauty of a worried-free and joyful childhood that can’t fathom the idea of morality. As he grew older, he realizes the frailty of human life and the grief that comes with it. He says, “What though the radiance which was once so bright / Be now for ever taken from my sight, / Though nothing can bring back the hour / of splendour in the grass… / Out of human suffering; / In the faith that looks through death, / In years that bring the philosophic mind.” Wordsworth grew to accept that death is inevitable just like the death of nature. This acceptance made him appreciate the beauty of life more in nature and to value every moment of his time.