Resolution and Independence

This blog is a response to a task assigned by Megha Medam(Department of English, MKBU). This blog contains descussion of the poem 'Resolution and Independence' by William Wordsworth. You can read whole poem here.

William Wordsworth (7 April 1770 – 23 April 1850) was an English Romantic poet who, with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, helped to launch the Romantic Age in English literature with their joint publication Lyrical Ballads (1798).

Resolution and Independence" is a lyric poem by the English Romantic poet William Wordsworth, composed in 1802 and published in 1807 in Poems in Two Volumes. The poem contains twenty stanzas written in modified rhyme royal, and describes Wordsworth’s encounter with a leech-gatherer near his home in the Lake District of England.

"Resolution and Independence" by William Wordsworth is a notable poem that delves into the poet's emotional and philosophical journey during an encounter with a leech-gatherer in the natural beauty of the Lake District. The poem consists of 544 lines and is sometimes referred to as the "Leech-Gatherer" due to its central character.

In the poem's opening stanzas, Wordsworth expresses his own feelings of despair and uncertainty, mirroring the desolation of the natural landscape. He conveys a sense of disillusionment and questions the meaning of life and his own poetic pursuits. This sets the stage for his chance meeting with the leech-gatherer.

As Wordsworth encounters the elderly leech-gatherer, he is struck by the man's humble and uncomplaining demeanor. The leech-gatherer's simple and laborious life stands in stark contrast to Wordsworth's own existential crisis. Yet, the leech-gatherer's unwavering resolve and inner strength inspire Wordsworth and force him to confront his own doubts and fears.

Throughout the poem, Wordsworth reflects on the significance of this encounter. He is deeply moved by the leech-gatherer's resilience, his ability to find contentment in the natural world, and his understanding of the cyclical nature of life and death. Wordsworth comes to realize that there is wisdom in embracing life's struggles and finding solace in the rhythms of nature.

"Resolution and Independence" ultimately explores the themes of nature, human connection, and the transformative power of confronting adversity. It serves as a meditation on the human condition and the capacity for individuals to find purpose and resolution even in the face of life's uncertainties. The poem is a testament to Wordsworth's belief in the healing and inspirational qualities of nature and the profound impact of human encounters on the poet's own spiritual and creative journey.