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Unit 8: The World is Too Much with Us by William Wordsworth—Detailed Study
Gowher Ahmad Naik, Lovely Professional University

Unit 8: The World is Too Much with Us by Notes

William Wordsworth—Detailed Study

CONTENTS
Objectives

Introduction
8.1 ”The World is Too Much with Us”
8.2 Explanations

8.3 Forms and Devices
8.4 Themes and Meanings
8.5 Meter

8.6 Settings
8.7 Analysis
8.8 Summary
8.9 Keywords

8.10 Review Questions
8.11 Further Readings

Objectives

After reading this unit, you will be able to:
• Know about the poem The World is Too Much with Us;
• Explain the poem;
• Discuss the themes and tone of the poem;
• Make analysis of the poem.

Introduction

William Wordsworth’s poem is a statement about conflict between nature and humanity. The
symbolism in his poem gives the reader a sense of the conviction and deep feelings Wordsworth
had. Wordsworth longs for a much simpler time when the progress of humanity is tempered
by the restrictions nature imposed.

Wordsworth gives a fatalistic view of the world, past and future. The words “late and soon”
in the opening verse describe how the past and future are included in his characterization of
mankind. The author knows the potential for humanity, but the mentality of “getting and
spending” clouds the perspective of humanity. Wordsworth does not see us as incapable, in
fact he describes our abilities as “powers”. “We lay waste our powers” is blamed on the earlier
mentioned attitude of “getting and spending”. The appetite mankind has for devouring all
that is around clouds our perspective as to what is being sacrificed for the progress. The
“sordid boon” we have “given are hearts” is the materialistic progress of mankind. Humanity

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