William Wordsworth is often not seen as a towering figure of heroism. After experiencing the upheaval of the French Revolution, the "laker" returned to the serene landscapes of his youth, seeking solace in nature and ultimately aligning with the Tories and the monarchy, becoming known as the "Sage of Rydal." Despite criticisms of his political pivot, Wordsworth's evocative depictions of childhood and his influence on our relationship with nature remain profoundly relevant, especially in today's era of environmental consciousness, as industrial progress once threatened the English countryside and its people.

The Enigma of Later Life and Decline

Wordsworth's career witnessed a remarkable golden decade from 1797 to 1807, which many feel he never surpassed. His masterful works from this period, such as the "Lyrical Ballads" and the profound “Ode: Intimations of Immortality,” set a formidable standard. Although "The Prelude" was essentially finished by 1805, it did not see the light of day until after his passing in 1850. Thus, from his mid-thirties onward, Wordsworth's literary vigor appeared to wane.

Reassessing Wordsworth's Political Stance

The perception that Wordsworth's conservative leanings represented a betrayal of the common man is challenged by Stephen Gill's insightful biography. After rejecting Godwin's rationalist social theories, Wordsworth, scarred by the violence of the French Revolution and Napoleonic aggression, could not align with the liberal politics of his era. Instead, he found resonance with Edmund Burke's ideas, emphasizing the sanctity of tradition and the importance of institutions that fostered national unity, deeply impacting both Wordsworth and his collaborator Coleridge.

The Defense of Human Dignity

Wordsworth was committed to the dignity of the common person. He opposed the Poor Laws, arguing that they stripped away the humanity of those in need. Gill notes, "In 1835, when so many of his views had suffered a sea change, Wordsworth remained true to this conviction—that a theory stood or fell by its bearing on the individual case." This perspective illustrates Wordsworth's consistent opposition to any political or economic theory that failed to uphold human dignity.

The Conundrum of Poetic Consistency

While Wordsworth's politics show a steadfast principle, a curious inconsistency emerges in his poetic pursuits. Known for his lyrical prowess, Wordsworth endlessly labored on "The Recluse," a philosophical narrative he never completed. His famous Preface to the 1800 edition of "Lyrical Ballads" advocated for the use of common language in poetry, yet Coleridge's "Biographia Literaria" critiqued this, showing Wordsworth's true brilliance often lay in transcending his own proposed guidelines.

The Evolution of "The Prelude"

"The Prelude" exists in three distinct versions, with early critics juxtaposing the completed 1805 text with the posthumously published 1836 version. Notably, subsequent revisions imbued the poem with stronger Christian themes. Rediscovered earlier drafts from 1799 revealed a more lyrical than narrative structure, rich with "spots of time"—eloquent, emotionally charged moments that evolved in later versions.

"The Prelude" as a Lyrical Journey

Gill interprets "The Prelude" as Wordsworth's "nakedly personal" introduction to his philosophical epic "The Recluse." Instead, it heralded his extensive career as a premier lyrical poet since John Milton. Though Milton successfully transitioned from lyric to epic, Wordsworth's lyrical legacy might ultimately surpass Milton's, particularly as we appreciate the narrative woven through his lyrical mastery. His work spans beyond celebrated odes to include poignant pieces like "Yarrow Revisited" and travel sonnets from his later years, maintaining a consistent theme of nature's influence leading to a love for humanity.

The Role of Memory and Travel

Gill highlights how memory profoundly shaped Wordsworth's poetry, from "Tintern Abbey" to "Memorials of a Tour in Italy." Returning to meaningful places revitalized Wordsworth's poetic inspiration, more so than the initial travel...