Question

PLEASE HELP!!

Read the poem and answer the question.

[1]I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
[5]Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
[10]Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
[15]A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie
[20]In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

Wordsworth uses the word "dance" throughout his poem. In a paragraph of 3-5 sentences, analyze how the poet uses "dance" in stanzas 1 and 4. Who is dancing in these two stanzas? In each instance, what does the use of the word "dance" reveal about Wordsworth's view of nature?
(also no links)

Answer 1

This poem is a simile a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid

Answer 2

In stanzas 1 and 4 of the poem, Wordsworth employs the word "dance" to describe the movement of the golden daffodils. In the first stanza, the poet encounters a "host of golden daffodils" that are "fluttering and dancing in the breeze." The dance of the daffodils conveys a sense of joy and liveliness, emphasizing the beauty of nature in its spontaneous and carefree state. In the fourth stanza, the waves beside the daffodils also dance, but the daffodils "out-did the sparkling waves in glee." The repeated use of "dance" suggests a harmonious and joyful interaction between nature elements, portraying a lively and celebratory scene.

Step-by-step explanation:

Wordsworth's choice of the word "dance" is significant in conveying his deep connection and emotional response to nature. In stanza 1, the daffodils are personified, seemingly engaging in a joyful dance as they flutter in the breeze. This personification humanizes nature, portraying it as a dynamic and expressive force capable of evoking emotions like joy. The dance becomes a symbol of the inherent vitality and spirit of nature, suggesting that the poet finds inspiration and happiness in the simple yet enchanting movement of the daffodils.

In stanza 4, the dance of the daffodils is contrasted with the dancing waves, with the daffodils outshining the waves in "glee." This emphasizes the vibrancy and exuberance of the daffodils, positioning them as the focal point of the scene. The repeated use of "dance" reinforces the idea that nature, represented by the daffodils, is a source of joy and inspiration for Wordsworth. The poet's view of nature is not merely as a static backdrop but as a dynamic and spirited companion that can uplift the human spirit through its lively expressions.

In conclusion, Wordsworth's use of the word "dance" in stanzas 1 and 4 underscores the poet's celebration of the vivacity and beauty inherent in nature, specifically embodied by the golden daffodils. The dance becomes a symbol of the joyful and enchanting qualities of the natural world, shaping Wordsworth's profound connection to and appreciation for the wonders of nature.