The Tables Turned by William Wordsworth

[Khalid Farwana]

An abundance of imagery devices were cleverly utilized to illustrate the beauty of nature and what it has to offer. The comprehensiveness of this poem conveys the author’s devoted attitude towards the beauty of nature. He begins by urging his friend to stop his reading and enjoy the magnificent scenery outside. After looking up what linnet and throstle mean, it becomes clear the author then insists that his friend stroll outside to relish the singing birds. Surely enough, he successively advises his friend that nature possesses much more lessons than reading. Intelligently, he lists the valuable lessons nature can provide such as the differentiation between good and evil and how to be happy. Lastly, but more importantly, he encourages us to absorb the wisdom nature has to offer open-heartedly.

This might sound unorthodox; although, it seems like there is an oxymoron somewhere between the first four lines. Some contradiction exists through the disadvantages of reading. Subsequently, personification is used to depict the mountain having a head. A metaphor is then used to describe the sun as being freshening and mellow. Once more a combination of personification and metaphors follow reflecting the wisdom behind the singing birds, the representation of nature being a teacher, and portraying the bird as a preacher. Furthermore, the imagery proceeds to picture the wealth that nature contains. Wealth here, referring to valuable teachings that can be learned by us humans through interaction. I must also stress the constant use of taste words through the adjective of sweet. Additionally, another imagery device is used in the line, “we murder to dissect”. The indication pictures ourselves interfering with nature and misinterpreting its knowledge. Finally, the author brilliantly guides us into understand and recognize all that nature has to offer with acceptance and an unguarded heart.

Wordsworth articulates the significance of being a part of nature. Sarcasm and mild humor are intertwined through instructing readers to navigate away from being too consumed with reading and learning. This ignites intellect and wisdom through implying that true knowledge comes from nature and that the lessons that nature offers surpass what science and man created innovations can. The comparison of nature to human mannerisms simplifies the understanding of what the purpose is. It also eases the thought into our minds with open acceptance. Moreover, the contrast between nature and science/books can be easily recognized. The author boldly and successfully challenges the artificial ‘nature’ of how books will increase intelligence and knowledge. Fearlessly, Wordsworth suggests that true intellect and wisdom cannot be found within books alone.

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