Poem Analysis - Characteristics Of A Child Three Years Old

A Portrait of Joyful Independence

William Wordsworth's "Characteristics Of A Child Three Years Old" is a celebration of youthful exuberance and self-sufficiency. The poem exudes a warm and admiring tone, depicting a young girl as a source of boundless joy and intrinsic contentment. There is no perceptible shift in mood; the poem maintains a consistent sense of delight and wonder at the child's being. Wordsworth uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of a child who is both wild and loving, capable of finding happiness in her own company.

The Theme of Innate Happiness

One of the central themes of the poem is the idea of innate happiness. The child is described as "all-sufficient," meaning she possesses an inner wellspring of joy that doesn't rely on external validation. This is most clearly expressed in the lines: "Even so this happy Creature of herself / Is all-sufficient, solitude to her / Is blithe society." Wordsworth suggests that true happiness can be found within oneself, a concept often associated with Romantic ideals of nature and the individual. The poem suggests that this self-sufficiency is a natural trait, particularly strong in childhood before societal pressures take hold.

Innocence and Its Power

Another prominent theme is the power of innocence. The poem states that "Innocence hath privilege in her / To dignify arch looks and laughing eyes." Wordsworth argues that the child's innocence allows her to get away with minor mischief ("feats of cunning; and the pretty round / Of trespasses") because her actions are perceived as charming and harmless. It is not just a lack of awareness, it grants her special rights and admiration. Her very nature allows her to transform these actions into something acceptable, almost playful. The innocence becomes an enchanting quality that is intrinsic to youth, and Wordsworth underscores its importance.

Nature as a Mirror of the Child

Wordsworth utilizes natural imagery to emphasize the child’s vitality and connection to the natural world. He compares her "sallies" to those of a "tripping fawn" and her presence to the "stir / Of the soft breeze ruffling the meadow-flowers." These images not only highlight her energy and agility but also suggest that she is an integral part of the natural landscape, as wild and free as the fawn and as refreshing as the breeze. The comparison emphasizes that the child is just as natural, spontaneous, and free as the images from nature which surround her.

A Lasting Portrait

In conclusion, "Characteristics Of A Child Three Years Old" is a tender portrait of childhood, emphasizing the beauty of innocence, the power of self-sufficiency, and the deep connection between children and nature. Wordsworth's poem celebrates the inherent joy and freedom found in early youth, suggesting that this period of life holds a unique and valuable wisdom. The poem inspires us to appreciate the simple pleasures and the inherent happiness that can be found within oneself, a perspective often lost as we grow older.