Poem Analysis - It Is A Beauteous Evening

A Moment of Awe and Innocence

William Wordsworth's "It Is a Beauteous Evening" is a contemplative poem that blends the speaker's awe at the beauty of nature with a reflection on the inherent spirituality of childhood. The poem begins with a serene and reverent tone, capturing the stillness and grandeur of the evening. This mood shifts slightly as the speaker addresses a child, acknowledging the child's seemingly unconscious connection to the divine. Ultimately, the poem celebrates both the outward beauty of the natural world and the inward grace of childlike innocence.

Nature's Majesty and Divine Presence

One of the central themes of the poem is the manifestation of the divine in nature. Wordsworth uses vivid imagery to portray the evening as "beauteous, calm and free," and the sunset as "sinking down in its tranquility." These descriptions evoke a sense of peace and order, suggesting a harmonious relationship between nature and a higher power. The poem explicitly states that "the mighty Being is awake," implying that God is actively present in the natural world, his "eternal motion" creating "a sound like thunder." This juxtaposition of tranquility and power highlights the multifaceted nature of the divine.

The Spirituality of Innocence

Another key theme is the inherent spirituality of childhood. The speaker observes a child walking with him, and recognizes that even if the child seems "untouched by solemn thought," her "nature is not therefore less divine." This suggests that children possess a natural, uninhibited connection to God, unburdened by the intellectual complexities of adulthood. The lines "Thou liest in Abraham's bosom all the year, / And worship'st at the Temple's inner shrine" use biblical imagery to emphasize the child's blessed state, implying that she is constantly in God's presence.

Symbols of Divinity and Peace

Several symbols contribute to the poem's overall message. The "beauteous evening" itself symbolizes a moment of divine grace and tranquility. The setting sun, "sinking down in its tranquility," can be interpreted as a symbol of peace and the completion of a cycle, suggesting a sense of harmony and order. The image of the nun, "breathless with adoration," evokes a sense of devout reverence. The phrase "Abraham's bosom" is a powerful symbol of comfort, safety, and divine favor, underscoring the child's blessed state.

Concluding Thoughts: A Lasting Connection

"It Is a Beauteous Evening" is a powerful meditation on the relationship between nature, divinity, and childhood innocence. Wordsworth skillfully uses vivid imagery and symbolism to convey his sense of awe and reverence for the natural world and his belief in the inherent spirituality of children. The poem suggests that true understanding of the divine can be found not only in solemn contemplation, but also in the simple, unburdened connection to nature that children often possess, leaving the reader to reflect on the often unseen presence of God in our everyday lives.