Poem Analysis - The French Revolution As It Appeared To Enthusiasts

An Ode to Revolutionary Fervor

Wordsworth's "The French Revolution As It Appeared To Enthusiasts" is a paean to the initial hope and exhilaration surrounding the French Revolution. The poem brims with an optimistic tone, celebrating the era as a dawn of possibility and a liberation from the constraints of the old order. The mood is initially euphoric, almost ecstatic, as the speaker recalls the intoxicating sense of freedom and potential. The poem conveys the almost utopian feeling felt by those who believed the revolution would usher in a new era of reason and justice.

The Dawn of a New Era

The poem is deeply intertwined with the historical context of the French Revolution, though it's less about the specific events and more about the emotional and intellectual climate it fostered. Wordsworth, like many intellectuals of his time, initially saw the revolution as a promise of liberation and progress, a chance to sweep away outdated social structures and usher in a new era of reason and individual freedom. The poem captures this sense of revolutionary fervor and the belief that humanity was on the cusp of a radical transformation. The phrase "Bliss was it in that dawn to be alive, / But to be young was very heaven!" succinctly captures the intoxicating optimism of the time.

Freedom from Constraint and the Power of Reason

One of the central themes of the poem is the liberation from oppressive societal norms. Wordsworth speaks of the "meagre, stale, forbidding ways / Of custom, law, and statute" being swept aside, replaced by a sense of limitless potential. This liberation is presented as a source of immense joy and possibility. Another key theme is the power of reason. The poem celebrates the era as one "When Reason seemed the most to assert her rights," suggesting a belief that rational thought and principles could reshape society for the better. Reason is personified as an "Enchantress" assisting the revolution, implying its transformative power. Finally, the poem explores the realization of potential. The speaker suggests the revolution offered a unique opportunity for individuals to contribute to the world and to find fulfillment. The line "helpers to their heart's desire, / And stuff at hand, plastic as they could wish" emphasizes the availability of resources and opportunities during this period.

Images of Promise and Potential

The poem utilizes several vivid images to convey its message. The image of the "dawn" is a recurring symbol of hope, new beginnings, and the potential for a brighter future. The comparison of the revolution to a country in "romance" highlights the allure and excitement it held for those who believed in its ideals. The image of the "budding rose above the rose full blown" represents the superiority of potential over established forms, symbolizing the belief that the future held even greater promise than the present. The "Utopia, subterranean fields, Or some secreted island" imagery symbolizes the rejection of fantasy for the grounded possibilities within the "very world, which is the world / Of all of us." What is the purpose of highlighting the "very world" - does it suggest a change in perception or a new found realism?

A Moment of Hope Remembered

In conclusion, "The French Revolution As It Appeared To Enthusiasts" is a powerful expression of the initial hope and excitement surrounding the French Revolution. Wordsworth captures the intoxicating sense of freedom, the belief in the power of reason, and the opportunities for individual fulfillment that the revolution seemed to offer. While history would later reveal the darker aspects of the revolution, this poem serves as a testament to the powerful idealism that fueled it in its early stages. The poem provides insight into the fervent optimism of a generation that believed in the possibility of radical social change and a brighter future for humanity.