International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Nature as Teacher and Healer: Wordsworth’s Ecological Vision in English Romantic Poetry

Nature occupies a central position in English Romantic poetry, where it is frequently presented not merely as physical landscape but as a source of moral insight, emotional healing, and spiritual awakening. Among the Romantic poets, William Wordsworth stands out for his sustained and profound engagement with the natural world. His poetry transforms nature into a living presence that educates the human mind, shapes moral consciousness, and nurtures spiritual growth. This paper re-examines Wordsworth’s poetry to explore how nature functions as a moral and spiritual guide in his poetic vision. Through close reading of selected poems, including Tintern Abbey, The Prelude, Ode: Intimations of Immortality, and The Tables Turned, the study demonstrates that Wordsworth presents nature as a formative force that influences human perception, memory, and imagination. The article further investigates the relationship between nature, childhood experience, memory, and the growth of the poetic mind, showing how Wordsworth constructs a lifelong bond between human beings and the natural environment. The paper also situates Wordsworth’s ideas within the broader Romantic response to industrialisation and modernity, highlighting his concern for emotional balance and spiritual harmony in an increasingly materialistic world. By analysing the interconnections between nature, childhood experience, moral awareness, and spiritual reflection, the article highlights the continuing relevance of Wordsworth’s ecological and humanistic vision in contemporary literary and environmental studies.