How does the poem "To Sleep " bring out Wordsworth love for Nature and countryside?
Answers
Context: William Wordsworth (1770-1850) is considered to be one of the most influential among the Romantic poets of British literature. Wikipedia states that “Wordsworth was Britain’s Poet Laureate from 1843 until his death from pleurisy on 23 April 1850.” In the 1790’s his career as a famous poet started and he wrote a lot of poetry. He also wrote autobiographical parts of poetry. Wikipedia once again: “The year 1793 saw the first publication of poems by Wordsworth, in the collections An Evening Walk and Descriptive Sketches. In 1795 he received a legacy of 900 pounds from Raisley Calvert and became able to pursue a career as a poet.”
Themes: The major theme of this short poem (it’s considered short since Wordsworth usually wrote lengthy poems) is beyond any doubt sleeplessness or insomnia. Follow the protagonist as he tries to count the sheep! We’ve all been there, we’ve all done that! This goes on in the first five lines. As he struggles to fall asleep he thinks of other sleepless nights and sadly there is no sleep this night either. Take notice once again on how Nature is present in the lines. Nature corresponds to the protagonist’s feeling throughout the poem.
“To Sleep” is very typical of Wordsworth’s style in its description of the natural world. The idyllic scenery that the poet constructs is bound to delight readers. The autobiographical account of his insomnia is relatable to some readers, and certainly brings forth sympathy in those who cannot relate.