THE INFLUENCE OF “FEAR” AND “BEAUTY” ON THE GROWTH OF WORDSWORTH’S POETIC MIND IN THE PRELUDE

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to discuss the relationship between Nature and Wordsworth, and demonstrate how the feelings of “fear” and “beauty” experienced in childhood played a role in the development of his poetic mind with a focus on particular episodes from Book I, II and XI of The Prelude (1805). It is argued that the selected episodes present Nature as the chief force that awakens and develops his faculties. In his childhood, Nature inspires intense feelings of “fear” and “beauty” in Wordsworth, which sets his imagination to work and stamps the natural scenes on his mind. The recollection of those moments later not only keeps the imaginative power of his mind alive, but also strengthens his morals by curing the negative aspects of his soul. Thus, it is observed that the intercourse between Wordsworth and Nature is depicted in The Prelude to be functioning in two ways; first, strong emotions are aroused in him by Nature and the surroundings are altered by his imagination. Second, Nature alters his being, elevating his mind and taming his negative desires and instincts.