Lines Written in Early Spring
I. Answer these questions in one or two words.
1. Where was the speaker on that spring day?
Ans: In a grove.
2. What was the speaker doing?
Ans: Reclining (or resting).
3. What kind of thoughts overpowered the sweet mood of the speaker?
Ans: Sad thoughts.
4. What grieved the speaker’s heart?
Ans: What man has made of man.
5. What kind of sound did the speaker hear?
Ans: Birdsong.
II. Answer these questions in a few words.
1. What is linked to the fair works of Nature?
Ans: The speaker links the human soul with the beautiful works of Nature, suggesting that nature and human life are spiritually connected.
2. What is the speaker’s faith about the flowers?
Ans: The speaker believes that every flower enjoys the air it breathes, showing the happiness and harmony present in nature.
3. What did the birds do around the speaker while he sat reclined?
Ans: The birds hopped and played around him, expressing joy and delight in nature.
4. What did the budding twigs do?
Ans: The budding twigs spread out their leaves like fans to catch the breeze.
5. What is the significance of the primrose tufts and periwinkle in the poem?
Ans: The primrose tufts and periwinkle symbolize the beauty, peace, and harmony of nature that bring joy to the poet.
III. Answer these questions briefly.
1. What does Wordsworth mean when he says ‘What man has made of man’?
Ans: By the phrase “What man has made of man,” the poet expresses sorrow over the cruelty, conflict, and suffering that human beings cause to one another. While nature lives in harmony and joy, humans often create violence, inequality, and misery. The poet laments that mankind has moved away from the peaceful and pure life that nature intended.
2. What conclusion does the poet draw from the movement of the birds?
Ans: Observing the birds hopping and playing happily, the poet concludes that all creatures in nature live with joy and harmony. Their cheerful movements suggest that they are content with their lives. This makes the poet realize that humans, unlike these creatures, have disturbed the natural harmony through their actions.
3. What is Wordsworth’s belief regarding Nature’s holy plan?
Ans: Wordsworth believes that nature follows a divine or holy plan designed to bring happiness and harmony to all living beings. According to him, nature encourages peace, joy, and unity among all creatures.
IV. Answer these questions in detail.
1. What is the reason behind Wordsworth’s lamentation?
Ans: Wordsworth’s lamentation arises from the contrast between the happiness found in nature and the suffering created by human beings. While sitting in a peaceful grove surrounded by flowers, birds, and budding plants, the poet observes the harmony and joy present in the natural world.
However, this beauty makes him think about the cruelty, violence, and injustice that humans inflict upon one another. The phrase “What man has made of man” expresses his deep sorrow over the moral decline of humanity. The poet feels that humans have moved away from the peaceful and harmonious life intended by nature.
Thus, his sadness comes from realizing that although nature offers joy and unity, humans often choose conflict and suffering instead.
2. What in nature made Wordsworth feel happy on that spring day?
Ans: On that spring day, the beauty and harmony of nature filled Wordsworth with happiness. He sat in a quiet grove surrounded by primrose flowers and periwinkle plants. The birds hopped and played cheerfully around him, and their sweet songs created a pleasant atmosphere.
The budding twigs spread out their leaves to catch the gentle breeze, and every element of nature seemed to enjoy life. The poet felt that flowers, birds, and plants were all part of nature’s joyful plan.
Observing this harmony gave the poet a sense of peace and delight. However, this happiness was later disturbed by the thought of how humans have destroyed such harmony through their actions.