person smiling and standing with arms and legs outstretched surrounded by colored shapes

Ode: Intimations of Immortality

by William Wordsworth

Start Free Trial

"Thoughts That Do Often Lie Too Deep For Tears"

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

Thanks to the human heart by which we live,
Thanks to its tenderness, its joys, and fears,
To me the meanest flower that blows can give
Thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears.

In "Ode: Intimations of Immortality," Wordsworth navigates the complex relationship between childhood perception and adult consciousness. The poem suggests that while adulthood may lack the intuitive wonder of youth, it offers its own form of richness. The quoted lines highlight this shift in perspective. Wordsworth expresses gratitude for the human heart, which is capable of experiencing a range of emotions. Even the most unassuming elements of nature, such as a simple flower, are able to evoke profound reflections—ones that transcend tears. This suggests that adult awareness, though less instinctive than childhood's, is deeply enriched by emotional depth and philosophical insight. The poet finds solace in this mature mode of perception, appreciating how it brings a new understanding of beauty and existence, one that is intertwined with the complexities of human emotion and thought.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Previous

"The Rainbow Comes And Goes"

Loading...