Poem Analysis - With How Sad Steps

A Lament for Lost Radiance

William Wordsworth's "With How Sad Steps" is a poem of longing and admiration, tinged with a sense of melancholy. The speaker observes the moon, personifying it as a weary traveler, and contrasts its current state with a more vibrant, dynamic image. A wistful tone pervades the opening lines, but shifts towards a desire for the moon's restoration to its former glory, culminating in an affirmation of its enduring beauty.

Echoes of Classical Mythology

Wordsworth, writing in England, draws heavily upon classical allusions, particularly to the moon goddess Cynthia (a Roman name for Artemis/Diana). He evokes a sense of a lost golden age, where gods and goddesses roamed freely. The reference to "Merlin" (a powerful wizard of Arthurian legend) further infuses the poem with a magical and mythical dimension, reflecting a Romantic sensibility that valued imagination and connection to the natural world.

The Themes of Beauty, Loneliness and Idealization

The poem explores several themes, one being the beauty of the moon, particularly its idealized form. Wordsworth laments that the Moon is now looking wan. Secondly, there is a theme of loneliness. The speaker observes the Moon as being alone. He notices the northern wind needs to blow a horn to call Cynthia to the chase. Finally, the poem conveys a sense of idealization, as the speaker imagines a world where the moon is vibrant and surrounded by stars. He uses the stars to imply companionship and contrasts this to the loneliness Cynthia seems to currently have.

Symbols of Weariness and Hope

The "sad steps" and "wan face" of the moon are powerful symbols of weariness and decline. These contrast with the imagery of the moon as a "Wood-nymph's race," suggesting a loss of vitality and joy. The "northern Wind" blowing his "bugle horn" can be interpreted as a call for renewal, a desperate attempt to rekindle the moon's former radiance. The stars, when visualized, become more than just celestial bodies; they symbolize companionship and rejoicing.

A Final Vision of Enduring Majesty

In conclusion, "With How Sad Steps" is more than just an observation of the moon. It is a lament for lost beauty, a yearning for a more vibrant world, and an affirmation of the moon's enduring majesty. The poem, through its vivid imagery and mythological allusions, reveals Wordsworth's deep appreciation for the natural world and his desire to recapture a sense of wonder and magic in a world that often feels mundane. While a reader may ask if this melancholy can be overcome, Wordsworth seems to offer a sense of optimism. His final statement that Cynthia remains the Queen is an important one.