UNIT 3: WILLIAM WORDSWORTH: “SIMON LEE”

William Wordsworth’s Life

William Wordsworth was born in 1770 in Cockermouth, Cumberland, near the Lake District in England. He had a close bond with his sister Dorothy, who was also a poet. After the deaths of their parents, Wordsworth attended school in Hawkshead, where he found inspiration in the beauty of nature. His experiences in nature and his belief in a “Living Spirit” shaped his poetic genius, as seen in his autobiographical poem “The Prelude.” While studying at St. John’s College in Cambridge, he became politically conscious and was influenced by the ideals of the French Revolution. However, he grew disappointed with its excesses. In later years, Wordsworth turned to nature for solace and held a strong belief in its loyalty to humanity. Despite facing financial distress and early criticism, his perseverance paid off, and he became recognized as one of England’s greatest poets. Wordsworth passed away in 1850 and was buried in Grasmere.

William Wordsworth’s Work

William Wordsworth, a famous English poet, wrote many important poems. Here are some of his notable works:

1. “Lyrical Ballads” (1798): This collection, written with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, changed English poetry. It includes poems like “Lines Written in Early Spring” and “Tintern Abbey,” which celebrate nature and the bond between people and the natural world.

2. “The Prelude” (1850): Wordsworth’s most important poem tells his life story. It explores his experiences, memories, imagination, and the power of nature.

3. “Ode: Intimations of Immortality” (1807): This philosophical poem reflects on losing childhood innocence and the soul’s immortality. It emphasizes nature’s influence and the lasting impact of childhood experiences.

4. “The Excursion” (1814): This long narrative poem discusses moral and social issues through stories of characters from rural England. It explores nature, spirituality, and the human condition.

These poems reveal Wordsworth’s poetic style: vivid nature descriptions, profound thoughts, and a deep appreciation for the connection between people and the natural world. His poetry continues to inspire readers today.

Summary of the Poem-

In the poem “Simon Lee” by William Wordsworth, the poet narrates the story of an old, poor man named Simon Lee. The poem portrays Simon Lee as a humble and hardworking individual who has fallen on difficult times. Wordsworth describes Simon Lee’s physical conditions and his struggles to perform manual labour due to his age.

Despite his hardships, Simon Lee is depicted as a resilient and kind-hearted person. The poem celebrates his strength of character and highlights his value as a member of the community. Wordsworth acknowledges the importance of recognizing and appreciating the contributions of individuals like Simon Lee, who may not have wealth or social status but possess intrinsic worth. The poem concludes with Wordsworth expressing gratitude for the opportunity to witness Simon Lee’s resilience and the impact he has on others. It serves as a reminder to cherish the dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their circumstances.

Question and Answer

Q.1. What is the central idea of the poem “Simon Lee”? (in around 50 words)

Answer- The central idea of the poem “Simon Lee” by William Wordsworth is the importance of showing kindness and compassion to others. The poem portrays an elderly man named Simon Lee who is weak and struggling. The narrator helps Simon Lee and demonstrates the power of empathy. The poem highlights how acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life, emphasizing the significance of caring for others and creating a more compassionate society.

Q.2. What does the poet mean when he says, ‘‘When Echo bandied round and round, / The halloo of Simon Lee.

Answer- The phrase is taken from the poem “Simon Lee” by William Wordsworth. The poet is talking about Simon Lee, an old man in the poem. The phrase means that when Simon Lee used to shout or call out during hunting, his voice would bounce back and forth, echoing through the area. It suggests that his voice had a strong impact and could be heard echoing all around. This shows that Simon Lee had a connection with nature and could create echoes with his powerful calls while hunting.

Q.3. Discuss the life and works of William Wordsworth.

Answer- William Wordsworth was born in 1770 in Cockermouth, Cumberland, near the Lake District. He had a close bond with his sister, Dorothy, who was also a poet. After their parents’ deaths, Wordsworth attended school in Hawkshead, where he found solace and inspiration in nature. His experiences there shaped his understanding of the natural world and influenced his poetry.

His time at St. John’s College in Cambridge was less fulfilling, and he became politically aware during visits to France, inspired by the ideals of the French Revolution. However, he grew disillusioned with the Revolution’s violence and turned to nature for solace. He believed that nature could bring comfort and never betray mankind.

Wordsworth faced financial difficulties throughout his life but remained dedicated to his writing. Eventually, he gained recognition as England’s greatest poet. He passed away in 1850 and was buried in Grasmere.

Wordsworth’s notable works include “Lyrical Ballads” (1798), featuring poems like “Simon Lee,” “Lines Written in Early Spring,” and “Lines Composed A Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey.” Other significant works include “The Prelude,” “Poems, in Two Volumes” (1807), and “The Daffodils” (also known as “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud”).

Q.4. How was Simon Lee in his youth and what is his present condition?

Answer- In the poem “Simon Lee” by William Wordsworth, Simon Lee is portrayed as having experienced a significant decline in his condition as he aged. In his youth, Simon Lee was described as a strong and capable man. He used to work as a huntsman and was involved in the activities of hunting and calling out to the hounds. He possessed vitality and physical prowess during his younger years.

However, in the present condition described in the poem, Simon Lee is portrayed as an elderly man facing the challenges of old age. He has become feeble and weak, struggling with physical tasks. The poem emphasizes his poverty and the difficulties he faces in performing everyday activities. Overall, the contrast between his youthful vigor and his current state highlights the theme of aging and the struggles that come with it.

Q.5. Comment on these lines

“I’ve heard of hearts unkind, kind deeds / With coldness still returning; / Alas! the gratitude of men / Hath oftener left me mourning”.

Answer– In these lines from the poem “Simon Lee,” the speaker reflects on their experiences of encountering unkindness from others despite performing kind deeds. They express disappointment and sadness, remarking that the gratitude they expected from people often eluded them, leaving them in a state of mourning.

In simpler terms, the speaker has witnessed acts of kindness being met with coldness or indifference. They feel saddened because many times, the people they helped did not show gratitude in return. This lack of gratitude from others has left the speaker feeling sorrowful and disappointed.

Q.6. Explain with reference to the context.

But O the heavy change! – bereft

Of health, strength, friends, and kindred, see!”

Answer– In the poem “Simon Lee,” these lines describe the drastic change in Simon Lee’s life. The speaker reflects on how Simon Lee has been greatly affected by various losses. Simon Lee is portrayed as being deprived or “bereft” of four things: health, strength, friends, and kindred (family or relatives). These losses have had a profound impact on Simon Lee’s well-being and overall condition.

The phrase “O the heavy change!” expresses the speaker’s lament or sadness at witnessing the significant decline in Simon Lee’s circumstances. Simon Lee’s life has undergone a dramatic transformation, marked by the absence of good health, physical strength, companionship, and family support. This emphasizes the weightiness and magnitude of the change, highlighting the challenging and burdensome nature of Simon Lee’s current situation.

Q.7. “Oh! the heavy change”- What is the heavy change mentioned above by the poet? (Within 100 words)

Answer– The phrase “Oh! the heavy change” in the poem “Simon Lee” refers to the profound and challenging transformation that has occurred in Simon Lee’s life. The poet is expressing deep sorrow and empathy for Simon Lee’s circumstances. The heavy change represents the significant loss and deprivation that Simon Lee has experienced. It encompasses the physical decline of his health and strength, as well as the absence of friends and family support. This phrase captures the weight and impact of the changes that Simon Lee has endured, emphasizing the difficult and burdensome nature of his present situation.

Q.8. How does Wordsworth reflect the infirmity of old age in his poem, Simon Lee? (Within 120 words)

Answer– In the poem “Simon Lee,” William Wordsworth uses simple language to show the difficulties and limitations that come with getting older.

Wordsworth describes Simon Lee as weak and feeble, struggling to perform physical tasks. He mentions how Simon Lee has trouble bending down and carrying heavy objects. These descriptions highlight the loss of strength and mobility that often come with age.

Additionally, Wordsworth shows that Simon Lee is poor, which adds to the portrayal of the challenges of aging. Simon Lee faces hardships in his daily life due to his limited resources and physical abilities.

Through these descriptions and events, Wordsworth effectively conveys the limitations, physical struggles, and hardships that come with growing old in a way that is easily understandable.

Q.9. Discuss William Wordsworth as a poet of nature with reference to his poem, “Simon Lee”. (Within 200 words)

Answer– William Wordsworth is renowned as a poet who celebrated and deeply connected with nature. His poem “Simon Lee” exemplifies his poetic exploration of the natural world.

In the poem, Wordsworth depicts Simon Lee, an elderly man who has a close bond with the natural environment. Wordsworth emphasizes Simon Lee’s connection with nature by portraying him as a huntsman, someone intimately involved in the outdoor world. The poem highlights Simon Lee’s experiences amidst the beauty and serenity of nature.

Wordsworth’s descriptive language brings nature to life in the poem. He vividly portrays the landscape, the sounds of the hounds, and the beauty of the natural surroundings. Through his words, Wordsworth captures the tranquillity and power of the natural world, showcasing his deep appreciation for it.

Furthermore, Wordsworth’s depiction of Simon Lee’s struggles and eventual solace in nature emphasizes his belief that nature can provide comfort and inspiration to individuals. The poem reflects Wordsworth’s larger philosophy of finding spiritual and emotional nourishment in the natural world.

Overall, “Simon Lee” exemplifies Wordsworth’s status as a poet of nature, showcasing his ability to beautifully capture the essence of the natural world and its profound impact on human existence.

Q.10. What inspired William Wordsworth to write the poem, Simon Lee?

Answer– The inspiration behind William Wordsworth’s poem “Simon Lee” is believed to be a real-life encounter and observation of an elderly huntsman named Simon Lee.

Q.11. Write very briefly about William Wordsworth’s view of Nature.

Answer– William Wordsworth had a profound appreciation for nature. He believed that nature was a source of spiritual and emotional nourishment for humans. Wordsworth saw nature as a powerful force that could heal and inspire individuals. He found solace and tranquillity in the beauty and harmony of the natural world. Wordsworth’s view of nature emphasized its ability to connect people to something greater than themselves and to evoke deep emotions and contemplation.

Q.12. Discuss Simon Lee with reference to Wordsworth’s use of language. (Within 175 words)

Answer– In the poem “Simon Lee,” William Wordsworth demonstrates his skillful use of language to bring the character and setting to life.

Wordsworth’s choice of language in describing Simon Lee is rich in detail and creates a vivid image of the elderly huntsman. He employs words such as “aged,” “feeble,” and “bereft” to convey Simon Lee’s physical and emotional state. These words evoke a sense of vulnerability and hardship, emphasizing the challenges of old age.

Furthermore, Wordsworth’s descriptions of the natural environment surrounding Simon Lee demonstrate his mastery of language. He uses phrases like “sylvan pleasures,” “verdant trees,” and “sweetest flowers” to paint a picturesque scene and evoke a sense of beauty and tranquillity. Through his carefully chosen words, Wordsworth captures the essence of nature and its impact on Simon Lee’s life.

Overall, Wordsworth’s use of language in “Simon Lee” is precise and evocative, allowing readers to deeply engage with the character and setting. His choice of words brings both the struggles of aging and the serenity of nature to life, showcasing his skill as a poet.

Q.13. Discuss the style and language employed by William Wordsworth in the poem “Simon Lee”. (Within 175 words)

Answer- In the poem “Simon Lee,” William Wordsworth employs a straightforward and descriptive style of writing, characterized by simplicity and clarity. His language is accessible and uses everyday words, making it relatable to a wide range of readers.

Wordsworth’s language in the poem is precise and evocative. He carefully chooses words that create vivid imagery and convey the emotions and experiences of the characters. For example, he uses words like “aged,” “feeble,” and “bereft” to portray Simon Lee’s physical and emotional state, effectively eliciting sympathy and understanding from the readers.

Additionally, Wordsworth’s language is rich in natural imagery. He describes the beauty of the natural surroundings using phrases like “verdant trees” and “sweetest flowers,” creating a sense of tranquillity and harmony with nature.

Overall, Wordsworth’s style and language in “Simon Lee” are characterized by simplicity, clarity, and vividness. He effectively conveys the emotions and experiences of the characters through carefully chosen words, while also incorporating nature imagery to enhance the overall impact of the poem.

Q.14. Who was Simon Lee?

Answer- Simon Lee was an elderly huntsman who inspired William Wordsworth’s poem titled “Simon Lee.”

Q.15. Name the volume from which the poem titled Simon Lee has been taken.

Answer- The poem titled “Simon Lee” has been taken from the volume called “Lyrical Ballads” by William Wordsworth.

Q.16. What were Simon Lee’s activities as a huntsman? What does the poet say about his present condition?  (In around 175 words)

Answer– Simon Lee, as described by the poet in the poem, was an active huntsman in his youth. He engaged in hunting activities, which likely involved calling out to the hounds and pursuing game in the natural surroundings. The poet highlights Simon Lee’s past involvement in hunting, emphasizing his connection to the outdoors and his ability to navigate the landscape.

However, in the present, the poet portrays Simon Lee’s condition as difficult and challenging. The poet mentions that Simon Lee has experienced a “heavy change” and is now bereft of health, strength, friends, and kindred. This suggests that Simon Lee has aged and faced significant hardships in life. His physical abilities have declined, and he may struggle with his daily activities. The poet’s words evoke a sense of sympathy and compassion for Simon Lee’s current situation.

Overall, the poet presents Simon Lee’s past as an active huntsman and contrasts it with his present condition, highlighting the challenges and limitations that come with aging and the impact it has had on Simon Lee’s well-being.