Mark's Blog

  Entering English 102 was initially a bit of a challenge for me. I never considered myself to be a writer or reader of poetry and short stories. If I was to read anything it was purely about things I loved, especially if it were related to airplanes. However, given the fact that it was a requirement for my degree, I dove into short stories and poetry with great apprehension.   Because of English 102, I believe I have overcome my dreaded outlook on poetry. Poetry is a lot more difficult and deeper than it appears. It is not merely rhyme, it is a heartfelt writing that portrays the poets thoughts. This has caused me to become a more serious thinker as well. I believe my writing has come a long way as well and I now see and understand MLA citing and the importance of giving others credit for their writing when credit is due.   I enjoyed getting together in groups to discuss what our individual thoughts were on "Oedipus Rex" and "A Dolls House." It was interesting

  "London, 1802" is a poem written by William Wordsworth speaking of his experience in London. Wordsworth longed to be in nature and far from major cities like London. In his poem, Wordsworth talks to the dead poet John Milton, who lived from 1608-1674, saying that England needs him because it has changed greatly from when he was alive. Wordsworth goes on to state that London is filled with people who have lost what was so good about the city. He goes on to describe the city as "stagnant waters" and that the people living there are selfish and corrupt.   In this poem you can really feel Wordsworth's disgust and sadness for what the city of London became in the time that he was there. Being one who never cared much for being in a city environment, seeing this city made him love nature even more. Milton! thou shouldest be living at this hour: England hath need of thee: she is a fen  Of stagnant waters: alter, sword, and pen, Fireside, the heroic wealth

  "My Heart Leaps Up" also known as "The Rainbow" is another example of the happiness and comfort that Wordsworth feels when he witnessed the beauty of the rainbow. In this short poem he pens down the beauty of it. Wordsworth reflects back to his childhood and maintains that as adults we should sustain a childlike awe and appreciate the natural wonders that surround us. My heart leaps up when I behold A rainbow in the sky: So was it when my life began; So is it now I am a man; So be it wen I shall grow old, Or let me die! The Child is father of the Man; I could wish my days to be Bound each to each by natural piety. 

 Wordsworth's poem "Stray Pleasure" reflects life and pleasures that can be found everywhere if we only stop to look and observe. Once again Wordsworth writes of the beauty found in nature which can bring happiness and pleasure to whoever shall find it. As the birds sing after a shower of rain, they are singing sounds of joy. People need to stop and listen to the joyful sounds because if they do they will find pleasure which is often unnoticed. The waves at sea fill our hearts with joy if we would only stop to look at its beauty. Life goes on around us and it's up to us to listen and see in order to find pleasure and fulfillment with what is freely given to us.  By their floating mill, That lies dead and still, Beyond yon Prisoners three,  The Miller with two Dames, on the breast of the Thames! The platform is small, but gives room for them all; And they're dancing merrily. From the shore come the notes  To meet their mill where it floats 

  "Daffodils," also well known as "I Wondered Lonely as a Cloud," is known to be one of the most famous poems in the English language from the Romantic era. While taking a walk with his sister Dorothy one April afternoon, Wordsworth noticed a field of daffodils. This inspired him to create one of the most well known poems of all time. For most people, seeing a field full of daffodils would be something common and a sight that the average person wouldn't think twice about. However, it was different when it came to Wordsworth. He thought of it in a more special way. Wordsworth is able to describe what he felt when he saw this field of flowers and be able to pen down the beauty and happiness that he had when he witnessed it. I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o'er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. Continuous as th

  "It is a Beauteous Evening, Calm and Free" is a powerful short poem written by Wordsworth writing about his experience with his daughter Caroline while walking one afternoon with her on the beach in Calais, France in August of 1802. His daughter was only 9 years old when this poem took place. Wordsworth states how she is unaware of the beauty of the moment and the amazing world that God created for man. Wordsworth uses many literary devices in the poem, most notably imagery to paint the picture to the reader as if they were walking along with Wordsworth and his daughter when this took place.                                                                                                                               It is a beauteous evening, calm and free,   The holy time is quiet as a Nun  Breathless with adoration; the broad sun  Is sinking down in its tranquility;  The gentleness of heaven broods o'er the Sea;  Listen! the mighty Being is awake,  And d