oceed freely and unmerciful like the “winds that will be howling at all hours” (6). Unlike society, Wordsworth does not see nature as a commodity. The verse “Little we see in Nature that is ours” (3), shows that coexisting is the relationship envisioned. This relationship appears to be at the mercy of mankind because of the vulnerable way nature is described. The verse “This Sea that bares her bosom to the moon” (5), gives the vision of a woman exposed to the heavens. In addition, the phrase “sleeping flowers”(7) might also describe how nature is being overrun unknowingly.Wordsworth seems to foresee the inevitable, because he sees himself as one with the environment. The verse “I, standing on this pleasant lea, have glimpses that would make me less forlorn” (11-12), shows Wordsworth as a visionary who is not responsible for the destruction of nature. In addition, the change Wordsworth is hoping for will come in the form of a mighty revolt by nature. This is why Wordsworth reaches back into ancient Greece for their gods who symbolize nature and strength to make the change. Proteus was a sea god who could change his appearance to get away from capture. Proteus is seen rising from the sea, facing the injustices inflicted upon nature, placing the cycle of life back in balance. The ability to change ones appearance is critical in facing the variety of threats mankind might impose. The god Triton was also mentioned as a savior to nature as well. Triton was the most imposing of the gods because he was master of the seas. I believe Wordsworth selected a sea god as the savior to the world to represent a re-birth. Water is a symbol of new beginnings (birth itself with the amniotic fluid and baptisms, which take place in water) and when the sea gods rise from their watery depths to correct the excesses of humanity, a re-birth will have taken place for the world. Wordsworth states he would...
