The World Is Too Much With Us- Ode to Nature- W. Wordsworth

William Wordsworth’s poem is a proclamation about conflict between mankind and nature. Through symbolism, Wordsworth describes his own conviction and deep feelings. Wordsworth desires to experience a simpler time, a time when the evolution of men was restricted by nature. Therefore, Wordsworth gives a defeatist view of the world, whether now or centuries removed. The words “late and soon” in the first sentence of the poem demonstrates that he sees the world the same way throughout time. He may doubt that men are evolving looking at how the past and the future are included in his depiction of mankind. Even though he realizes there is potential for humanity, the mentality of “getting and spending” (line 2) shadows that perception. Wordsworth does not, however, think of us as helpless since he describes our abilities as “powers”. Men seem to confuse speed and progress when it comes to evolution. The appetite mankind has for devouring all that is around clouds our perspective to what is being sacrificed for progress. He says that we are too focused on the material part of life. Humanity has become narcissistic and has forgotten the important “small things” in life.
The negative effect society has on the environment will proceed unchecked and relentless like the “winds that will be howling at all hours.” (6) Wordsworth does not consider nature as a “given.” The verse “Little we see in nature that is ours,” (3) shows how respectful he is toward nature. He realizes that we, humans, are nothing in this world compared to our powerful surroundings. This idea is evident when we observe how lost and helpless we are versus an earthquake, a tsunami, or any event of that sort. The expression “sleeping flowers” (7) might also describe how nature is being unwittingly infested. Wordsworth wants to send us a message about what he thinks is to happen. It will not be possible to avoid the unpredictable rage viewed as an “answer” nature will give us for not taking care of it. The verse “I, standing on this pleasant lea, have glimpses that would make me less forlorn,” (11-12) shows Wordsworth describing himself as a farsighted person who would not take the blame for the slow demolition of nature. This destruction will not cease as a result of any act by mankind.
He concludes the poem by suggesting that ancient Greek Gods are a possible answer for the revolt of nature, representing nature and strength making the change. In the line, “Proteus is seen rising from the sea,” (13) we notice an image of wrath facing the injustices wreaked upon nature. The god Triton was also cited in ancient Greek history as a rescuer of nature. Triton was the most “feared” of the gods (except for Zeus) because he was master of the seas. I do not think Wordsworth selected a sea god as nature’s savior randomly. Water has always been a symbol of new beginnings. Wordsworth wishes for a re-birth of nature to forget about the abuse from humanity. The main message he wants us to understand through that poem is that the “money-oriented” progress being made by mankind is not without consequence. The destruction of the environment by man’s narrow view and the drive for money will persist if no contrary actions are taken. The change expected by the author will not come as a result of an initiative by people (he lost hope in that) but as a massive blast by Mother Nature in the form of a clash. The Earth coming out on top will inspire the “re-birth” for which he so strongly yearns.