There Is a Bondage Worse, Far Worse, to Bear
There Is a Bondage Worse, Far Worse, to Bear - meaning Summary
Freedom Curtailed Within
Wordsworth argues that spiritual and moral subjugation is worse than physical imprisonment. He contrasts a confined prisoner with a whole people who must "wear / Their fetters in their souls," stressing collective inner bondage. This inward oppression blights noble feelings and human powers, causing inner reproach, emotional decline, and even making the natural world seem to fade alongside humanity’s loss of vigor and hope.
Read Complete AnalysesTHERE is a bondage worse, far worse, to bear Than his who breathes, by roof, and floor, and wall, Pent in, a Tyrant's solitary Thrall: 'Tis his who walks about in the open air, One of a Nation who, henceforth, must wear Their fetters in their souls. For who could be, Who, even the best, in such condition, free From self-reproach, reproach that he must share With Human-nature? Never be it ours To see the sun how brightly it will shine, And know that noble feelings, manly powers, Instead of gathering strength, must droop and pine; And earth with all her pleasant fruits and flowers Fade, and participate in man's decline.
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