1. Poetry/Short Lit. All selections relate to a writer’s insights about the role of human beings as stewards of Earth.

2. As you read each piece, ask yourself: What is the relationship of human beings with the biophysical environment? Do the technological advances of the last few centuries constitute an improvement for humankind OR Are the innovations of the Industrial Revolution and technological modernity a slowly unfolding global catastrophe?

3. ROMANTICISM Intro Video SONNETS Usually associated with love/desire Petrarchan/Italian: ABBA-ABBA-CDCDCD or ABBA-ABBA-CDECDE Shakespearean/English: ABAB-CDCD-EFEF-GG

4. SPEAKER Not always the poet However, the speaker in Wordsworth’s sonnets has very similar thoughts/beliefs to the poet. LYRIC POETRY Speaker reveals thoughts/feelings about an intensely felt idea or experience

5. William Wordsworth Wordsworth Bio Two sonnets we will study: – “The World is Too Much With Us” – “Steamboats, Viaducts, and Railways” – Both have revealing titles

6. “The World is Too Much With Us” Italian sonnet form TENSION! (Human behavior vs. Natural world) Themes: – Humanity cheats itself by turning its back on nature. – Nature provides spiritual renewal.

7. Poem Analysis Line 1: – “the world” = humanity, humankind – We are too caught up in our concern for the limited/limiting ways of people. – “late and soon” = human failing, human urgency Line 2: – “Getting and spending” = multiple meanings (reproductive and financial connotations), but definitely related to material/fiscal issues here

8. Lines 5-9: – Soul-destroying numbness – We can’t be “moved” by nature because we have “[lain] waste our powers” – VOLTA/TURN begins in line 8 – “we are out of tune” but actually occurs in line 9. Can you find it?

9. Line 9-10: – Wishes to be a Pagan because he can be closer to nature, but this is not his first choice. He will only be “less forlorn.” – Paganism = animate the natural world/divine presence – Exclamation = tension between Christian era and Pagan past.

10. Line 13-14: – Lesser-known Greek gods are both associated with nature and the sea; shows intimate connection to nature

11. “Steamboats, Viaducts, and Railways” Written in 1833 (later in his life and at the start of the Victorian period); his ideas about the world had shifted. – Youthful rebelliousness conservative opinions – Yearning for communion with nature faith in civilization’s progress Often wrote poems about life experiences with English landscape. (The Lake Poet) This poem shows different side of WW.

12. Modified Italian sonnet (switched up line 6 and 7 AND the last 6 lines’ rhyme scheme) Used this sonnet to respond to the effects of the Industrial Revolution. Sonnet form became “available” for use with multiple ideas/topics (not just love). Theme: – The forms of human creation can sometimes be at odds with a poet’s aesthetics.

13. Poem Analysis Title is emblematic Comparison: Auto industry transformed 20 th Century America

14. Line 1: – “Motions and Means” – manmade devices – In speaking to “them,” he is apostrophizing. Lines 1-5 have pauses in the middle (caesuras) which reinforce the tensions between human invention and the study of art and beauty. This form reflects the theme. Unusual capitalizations throughout (l. 1, 3, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12) – why?

15. Also discusses the importance of Time in bringing about understanding and appreciation for technological advances. – Everyone will come around! Last word is “sublime,” which reflects his deep affinity for the aesthetics; awe-producing.

16. Closing Question Has technology become more of a help or a handicap for our society?