Page 186 - DENG201_ENGLISH_II

English - II

Notes world begins to enclose us, like prison walls. Still, a growing boy can perceive heavenly light.
But when he becomes a man, the light fades. Earth, without malice, further blinds him to the
fullness of the glory he once knew by exhibiting its own glory. However, although the glory of
nature is not equal to heavenly glory, it is a reflection of it
• A child of six, while enjoying the kisses of his mother and the admiring gaze of his father,
already begins to plot out the life he will lead and the events he will take part in—a wedding, a
festival, a funeral—and prepares himself for business, love, and strife. He may foresee himself
in many roles in imitation of others, even down to the time when old age overtakes him.
• The outward appearance of a child belies the immensity of his soul within. That soul, that inner
light, still perceives something of the heavenly presence, still fathoms something of the eternal
deep, even as we adults labor in darkness to discover the truths of the eternal realm. You, child,
are the best seer, prophet, and philosopher. But why do you, with the memory of the glories of
heaven within you, press on so urgently toward adulthood, which dims your inner light and
lays its earthly burdens upon your back?
• But how heartening it is to know that at least a glimmer of celestial light yet lies within us as
adults and manifests itself in our natural surroundings. I give thanks for my knowledge of how
things are and that nothing can entirely eliminate the awareness in us of the immortal sea that
brought us to the shore of life. So sing, birds, a joyous song of May. Though the time will come
when the glories of spring’s fields and flowers will be forever gone from us, we will not grieve;
for we know that greater glories await us beyond death.
• I love the fountains, meadows, hills, and brooks—the brilliance of a morning sun and the beauty
of a flower. But I know that the flower is only a hint of what is to come.

11.4 Key-Words

1. Immortality : Death negated
2. Epiphenomenalism : The theory that mental or conscious processes simply accompany
certain neural processes as epiphenomena
3. Impugned : Attack someone with words, dispute the truth, validity, or honesty of
(a statement or motive) challenge; call into question
11.5 Review Questions

1. Have you ever had “Intimations of Immortality”? If so, explain the nature of them.
2. The poem says a child is a “Mighty prophet” (line 111). What does a child foretell?
3. Give a critical appreciation of “Ode on Intimations of Immortality”.
4. In an essay, compare and contrast Plato’s belief in the pre-existence of the soul with Wordsworth’s
belief on the same topic.
5. What is the view of birth, childhood, the child’s relationship with nature, and the growth into
adulthood in Wordsworth, Ode: Intimations of Immortality? How does the speaker feel about the
past and how does he find consolation for his grief.
Answers: Self-Assessment

1. (iii) 2. (iii) 3. (i) 4. (iii)
11.6 Further Readings

1. “English for Competitive Exams” By Dr. R.P. Bhatnagar
2. “Unique Quintessence of General English” Edited By Dr. S. Sen and Others and
revised by Dr. G.S. Mansukhani.

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