Comment on the poetic diction and style that makes the poem so singular in its appeal.

Defining Poetic Diction and Style

Before delving into the specifics of ‘Tintern Abbey’, it’s crucial to understand the context of poetic diction in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Prior to the Romantic period, poets often adhered to a highly formalized and artificial diction, drawing heavily from classical models and avoiding colloquial language. Wordsworth, along with other Romantics, consciously rejected this tradition, advocating for a language “close to the language of men.”

Wordsworth’s Diction in ‘Tintern Abbey’

Wordsworth’s diction in ‘Tintern Abbey’ is characterized by several key features:

• Simplicity and Naturalness: He employs relatively simple vocabulary, avoiding ornate or artificial phrasing. For example, descriptions of the “steep and lofty cliffs” and the “pastoral farm-houses green” are direct and unadorned.
• Use of Sensory Imagery: The poem is rich in vivid sensory details, appealing to sight, sound, and touch. Phrases like “the murmur of the stream,” “the pastoral farm-houses green,” and “the dark sycamore” create a strong sense of place.
• Philosophical and Abstract Language: Alongside the concrete imagery, Wordsworth incorporates abstract terms and philosophical reflections, exploring themes of memory, time, and the relationship between nature and the human mind. This juxtaposition of the concrete and the abstract is a hallmark of his style.
• Elevated Tone, Conversational Rhythm: While the language is relatively simple, the poem maintains an elevated tone through its sustained reflection and the use of blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter). This creates a sense of thoughtful contemplation, resembling a spoken soliloquy.

Stylistic Features Contributing to the Poem’s Appeal

Beyond diction, several stylistic features contribute to the poem’s unique appeal:

Structure and Form

The poem’s structure, a blank verse meditation, allows for a fluid and expansive exploration of thought. The lack of rhyme scheme contributes to the poem’s natural, conversational tone. The poem unfolds in a series of reflections, moving from a description of the Wye Valley to a meditation on the poet’s past experiences and finally to a vision of the future.

Imagery and Symbolism

The Wye Valley itself functions as a powerful symbol of nature’s restorative power and its ability to inspire spiritual growth. The “beauteous forms” of nature are not merely aesthetic objects but are imbued with moral and spiritual significance. The river Wye, for instance, symbolizes the flow of time and the continuity of experience.

Use of Personification

Wordsworth frequently personifies nature, attributing human qualities to inanimate objects. For example, he speaks of nature as a “teacher,” a “nurse,” and a “guardian.” This personification reinforces the idea of a deep connection between humanity and the natural world.

Syntax and Sentence Structure

Wordsworth often employs complex sentence structures, reflecting the complexity of his thoughts. He uses enjambment (the continuation of a sentence from one line to the next) to create a sense of flow and momentum. This contributes to the poem’s conversational rhythm and allows for a nuanced exploration of ideas.

The Singular Appeal: A Synthesis of Diction and Style

The singular appeal of ‘Tintern Abbey’ lies in the harmonious interplay between its diction and style. Wordsworth’s deliberate rejection of artificial poetic conventions, combined with his innovative use of blank verse, sensory imagery, and philosophical reflection, creates a poem that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. The poem’s ability to evoke a sense of awe and wonder in the face of nature, while simultaneously exploring the complexities of human consciousness, is what sets it apart from its predecessors and continues to captivate readers today.