Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Expostulation and Reply" was first published as part of the "Lyrical Ballads" collection in 1798, which is considered a landmark work in English Romantic poetry. The poem is written in a conversational style and explores themes of nature, philosophy, and the human condition.

Content: 

The poem is a dialogue between the speaker and his friend Matthew, who is walking in nature instead of reading books. The speaker expresses his love for nature and argues that it is a source of knowledge and wisdom. He believes that nature teaches us about ourselves and the world around us, and that we can learn more from it than from books. Matthew, on the other hand, believes that books contain more knowledge than nature and that they are necessary for education and enlightenment. The two argue back and forth, with the speaker ultimately convincing Matthew that nature is more valuable than books.

Form:

 "Expostulation and Reply" is a ballad written in quatrains, with an ABAB rhyme scheme. The poem has a conversational tone and employs a rhetorical style, with the speaker presenting arguments and counterarguments to persuade his friend. The language is simple and direct, with a focus on natural imagery and the beauty of the natural world. The poem is also characterized by its use of repetition and parallelism, particularly in the refrain "The eye—it cannot choose but see".

Poetic Elements:

• Imagery: The poem contains vivid imagery, including references to the beauty of nature and the peace that it can bring.
• Personification: The poem personifies nature, portraying it as a living and responsive entity that can teach and communicate with humans.

Summary:

"Expostulation and Reply" is a beautifully crafted poem that explores the relationship between humans and nature. Through the conversation between the two speakers, Wordsworth presents a persuasive argument for the importance of nature in our lives, and the need to cultivate a deep and meaningful connection with the natural world. The poem is notable for its use of vivid imagery, which brings to life the beauty and power of nature, and for its use of personification, which gives nature a voice and agency. Overall, "Expostulation and Reply" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that encourages us to re-examine our relationship with the world around us.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...