Poem Analysis - The Virgin

A Hymn to Idealized Virtue

William Wordsworth's "The Virgin" is a reverent tribute to the Virgin Mary, presenting her as the epitome of purity and maternal love. The poem unfolds as a cascade of superlatives, elevating Mary to an almost unattainable ideal. The tone is initially one of awe and adoration, but it subtly shifts to acknowledge the human need for connection and forgiveness. Ultimately, the poem serves as a meditation on the possibility of reconciling the divine with the earthly.

Context of Religious Sentiment

While a detailed historical context is not explicitly available in the provided footnote, it is essential to consider Wordsworth's background and the broader religious climate of 19th-century England. Wordsworth, though associated with the Romantic movement's emphasis on nature, was raised in a religious environment. His later life saw a deepening of spiritual convictions. "The Virgin" reflects this religious sentiment, participating in a long tradition of Marian devotion within Christianity. Wordsworth's poem can be seen as a personal reflection on the enduring power of this figure, and may have also been influenced by his reaction to the increasingly secular society of his time.

Purity and the Divine Feminine

One of the central themes of the poem is the concept of purity, embodied in the figure of the Virgin Mary. Wordsworth emphasizes this through vivid imagery, describing her as "Purer than foam on central ocean tost" and "Brighter than eastern skies." These comparisons highlight her untainted nature, a stark contrast to "Our tainted nature's solitary boast." Another prominent theme is the idealization of the divine feminine. Mary is not just a woman; she is "Woman! above all women glorified," a figure elevated to a sacred status. This glorification speaks to the power and importance attributed to the feminine in religious and cultural contexts. Further, the theme of reconciliation is present, especially at the end of the poem where the speaker notes a reconciliation of "mother's love with maiden purity/Of high with low, celestial with terrene!"

Symbols of Light, Ocean, and the Moon

The poem is rich in symbolism. Light, in the form of "eastern skies at daybreak," represents enlightenment, holiness, and spiritual radiance – all qualities associated with the Virgin Mary. This imagery underscores her role as a beacon of hope and purity. The ocean, particularly "foam on central ocean tost," is a complex symbol. The vastness of the ocean represents the infinite, while the foam, despite its beauty, is ephemeral and easily dispersed. By comparing Mary to something "purer than foam," Wordsworth emphasizes the transcendence of her purity. Additionally, the moon, described as "unblemished" and "before her wane," symbolizes perfection, grace, and the cyclical nature of life. The moon’s eventual waning, however, suggests a vulnerability or a reminder of mortality, even in the face of such idealized purity. Could this also suggest a recognition of Mary's human experience, despite her divine status?

A Lasting Image of Idealized Virtue

In conclusion, "The Virgin" is a powerful and evocative poem that celebrates the Virgin Mary as an embodiment of purity, maternal love, and the reconciliation of earthly and heavenly qualities. Through vivid imagery and a tone of reverence, Wordsworth crafts a lasting image of idealized virtue. The poem's enduring appeal lies in its exploration of the human desire for connection with the divine and its contemplation of the qualities that make a figure worthy of veneration. It suggests the enduring power of the Virgin Mary as a symbol of hope, compassion, and spiritual perfection.