William Wordsworth is considered to be among the top three poets in English literature, along with John Milton and William Shakespeare. Unlike Shakespeare and Milton, who did not change English poetry in the way that Wordsworth did, he attempted to bring about significant changes and was successful in doing so. In terms of religion, Wordsworth also introduced new ideas in poetry. Thus, Wordsworth emerges as a pioneering figure who had a profound influence on English literature.
Religion has always been an important topic in English poetry. It is evident that most poets have explored this theme in their works, a natural occurrence, as literature across various cultures often includes numerous poems on this subject. Upon examining the major poets in English literature, it becomes apparent that almost all of them wrote poems dedicated to God and Jesus Christ.
In fact, before Wordsworth, the topics of poems were often limited to kings, powerful and aristocratic people, gods, and religion. Wordsworth wanted to change this style, and he proposed that poets should focus on writing poetry about the lives and activities of ordinary people. Thus, he shifted the focus of poetry away from religion. However, Wordsworth was not an atheist, nor did he lack belief in religion. He was born a Protestant Christian, but it is not evident that he was a strong believer or supporter of Christianity. Instead, he was interested in mysticism. In “Tintern Abbey,” we find an example of mysticism, where, according to this philosophy, people can connect with God through meditation. Mystics are not inclined to follow religious rituals. In the Middle East and South Asia, Sufis are considered mystics. In the “Tintern Abbey” poem, Wordsworth expresses his love for God, but he is not talking about any ritual. Instead, he adopts a meditative mood, seeking to touch the soul of God.
Wordsworth was also deeply drawn to Pantheism, an ideology that hypothesizes the omnipresence of God, suggesting that divinity is inherent in everything. According to this perspective, everything is considered a part of God, including animals and trees. The concept further asserts that there is a divine essence, or God’s soul, within all things. Wordsworth prominently showcased Pantheistic ideas in “Tintern Abbey.”
Mysticism and pantheism are not highly embraced within traditional Christian beliefs. From a conventional standpoint, Wordsworth might not be considered a strictly religious person. However, in the poem “Tintern Abbey,” Wordsworth articulates his religious perspectives, which deviate from the norms of traditional beliefs. His ideas about religion appear distinct from those of ordinary individuals. It is worth noting that while mysticism and pantheism may not align with mainstream Christian views, there are indeed many people who hold an affinity for both of these concepts.
Now, turning to the poem “It is a beauteous evening, calm and free,” Wordsworth once again diverged from traditional Christian ideas. Primarily, the poem was composed for his illegitimate daughter, who resided in France. Despite this unconventional context, he incorporated religious symbols such as the temple and referenced figures like Prophet Abraham and Prophet Sulaiman. In doing so, he delved into discussions about God, revealing a continuation of his advocacy for pantheism and mysticism. Aware that the conventional Christian viewpoint might not approve of his romantic involvement with the child’s mother, Wordsworth asserts that God transcends such judgments. As he stands by the sea, he perceives the voice of God within him, connecting this divine presence with his childhood experiences alongside the Prophet Abraham. Through these elements, Wordsworth conveys the idea that his child transcends religious norms, embodying innocence and purity.
Wordsworth had a deep influence on many people and is considered a modern poet. In our contemporary age, it can be observed that religion is losing its value in most countries. People are perhaps moving away from rituals. Wordsworth may have understood this shift and wanted to illustrate the fundamental essence of God. He believed that God is above religion and can be accessed through meditation rather than performing specific rituals.
No comments:
Post a Comment