The poems “ The Daffodils” and “ To Daffodils” are two very diverse poems. Although they both present completely different ideas, they also contain very little similarities. Even though both authors use a daffodil to express their view points towards life, they both convey very different thoughts.
They both symbolize life through nature. The poems “ The Daffodils” by William Wordsworth, and “ To Daffodils by Robert Herrick portray an ample amount of differences, yet some similarities. Although having some similarities, the two poems have a quite large amount of differences. In the poem “ To Daffodils,” Wordsworth uses plenty of figurative language to argue about living life and enjoying life while we life. “ We have short time to stay, as you, We have as short as spring. ” (Herrick 11, 12) He realizes that life, whether floral or human, is short and usually ends sooner than desired.
Herrick describes life short as spring. He describes that seasons die away soon just like humans. His views towards nature play a big role in his poem, depicting the way he feels towards the little amount of time in a season. This poem is also more complex; written with more descriptive wording.
More thought is in the poem, and symbolism, yet this poem is not so well known. In the poem “ The Daffodils” Herrick’s fascination towards nature shines out while describing that nature brings out the joy and happiness in his life. The poem begins with “ I wandered lonely as a cloud” (Wordsworth, 1) which displays the loneliness the speaker is feeling. Once he came across the daffodils, his mood quickly changes as he saw them “ dancing” across the field.
His passion towards nature is showed by the beauty he had in sight of the daffodils. Wordsworth depicts his pleasure to solitary contemplation. He felt lonely at first once he saw the nature of beauty his views changed. The two writers depict their passion towards nature. The passion towards nature shines in both poems.
In the poems “ To Daffodils” and “ The Daffodils” use nature as symbolism. In “ The Daffodils,” Wordworth uses personification and the beauty of nature to demonstrate joy. A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. ” (Wordsworth 4, 5, 6) His word choice of the daffodils dancing displays the joy that shines through him while he views them.
In “ To Daffodils,” Herrick personifies a daffodil to a life filled with happiness. “ Fair daffodils, we weep to see,” (Herrick 1) Herrick speaks about the sight of daffodils and how their so beautiful. Both poets show their passion towards nature. Wordsworth romantically shows his love and devotion to the beauty, and how that view will always be remembered. Herrick is more complex, but he still depicts the power nature has.
The poems “ The Daffodils” and “ To Daffodils” have a wide range of differences, and very little similarities. Both poets explain their thoughts about life. One being more about enjoying life while it lasts, and the other about the little things that may bring joy to you. While Herrick is more complex and direct, Wordsworth has fun with the poem, symbolizing the happiness through nature. These poems are very diverse, but somehow they teach us two great lessons that tie in together.
