A Glimmer of Hope in the Midst of Confusion

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There are two popular views on life and how it pertains to this world and these views are rather simple: those who view life as meaningless and others who view life as meaningful. Now, the conceptual perceptions of religion have always crept their way into these viewpoints but, nevertheless, these views are the most popular. While it can be said that a lot of aspects of life can be baffling and confusing, if one can find his purpose… and utilize his gifts, he can make the most of his life, and find meaning in what he once disregarded.

The most prevalent perception of life, most particularly in modern society, is that life is seemingly meaningless and to make the most out of it, one has to be “in tune with himself” and “one with nature”. These ideas are not archaic in a sense, but they are somewhat expressed in William Wordsworth’s poem, “The World is Too Much With Us”. Wordsworth seems to be in a state of agony and exhaustion, and he starts by stating, “Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers” (line 2). This is the implication of the everyday affairs of mankind, how humanity engages in the seemingly endless cycle of gaining and losing, wasting ability, intuitiveness, and spirituality. This is true as many have regrets on how they have misused (or not used) their “powers” on things that are not necessary. After coming to the realization that mankind is not in control of nature nor is he in possession of it, Wordsworth tells the audience, “We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon!”, a suggestion that whenever men have given their hearts away, it is utterly to no avail and it is pointless. Wordsworth continues, saying, “For this, for everything, we are out of tune” (line 8); as a result of giving the heart away unconsciously and seeing how nature is flowing perfectly without the involvement of man, Wordsworth makes the diagnosis that men are simply “out of place” but this does not seem to bother them. The poet goes on to what seems his solution, preferring to be a pagan who has been given principles that are no longer acceptable, alluding to God, to whom he is crying out in anguish.

The contrast to what is a rather bleak outlook on life is the hopeful optimist who, once he realizes his purpose, finds meaning. John Milton, author of the poem, “When I consider how my light is spent”, begins with a reflection on his earlier days, “And that one talent which is death to hide/Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent” (lines 3-4). Milton is paying an ode to his sight, which he lost, which would have been his grave mistake if he had not used it, which is now useless because he does not have it any longer. This affects his initial claim that his days are inane, and his soul is vexed as a result of blindness. But then hope appears to Milton, this seems to be given to him by God Himself, and he explicates his sudden change into patience, saying, “…God doth not need/Either man’s work or his own gifts; who best/Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best” (lines 9-11). When Milton got himself out of the picture and discovered himself as part of a divine plan, he enlightened himself on how life can become plentiful. The problem was never about his sight, it was about Milton’s incapability to find God’s will up to this point.

Both poets have very deep analysis on life and their concepts provide intellectual insight on the minds of both sides. The tones of both poems begin in misery as Wordsworth and Milton question their worth, they are found lying in despair and confusion. Wordsworth and Milton allude to God, yet one cries out to Him in vanity and the other has humbly accepted his role as a tool is the hands of a divine worksman.

Therefore, this is the conclusion to the whole matter that readers can come to: it is not about man or how he boasts in his own works, it is how he subjects himself to the will of God so that he can become useful, as Milton knows this now; this is the duty of man and this is what makes life worthwhile.

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