explain what each poem means, and what it is telling readers about the people/ideologies/values of the Romantic period.

Question

The Poem Options: "Barbauld & “To a Little Invisible Being”, " Wordsworth & “We Are Seven”, or "Browning & “The Cry of the Children”.

Choose 2 of the poems and explain what each is literally saying. Then, explain what each poem means, and what it is telling readers about the people/ideologies/values of the Romantic period. Which poem affected you most? Why? Use evidence and examples.

Answer 1

Sure, I can provide some insights on the two poems you have mentioned:

"Wordsworth & “We Are Seven”:

In this poem, Wordsworth tells the story of a man who meets a young girl and asks her how many siblings she has. The girl replies that she has seven siblings, but two of them have died. The man insists that she only has five siblings alive, but the girl insists that her siblings are still with her in different ways. The poem explores the themes of childhood innocence, imagination, and the connection between life and death.

In terms of the Romantic period, the poem is reflective of the period's interest in childhood, nature, and the human experience. Wordsworth, a key figure in the Romantic movement, sought to use poetry to connect with everyday people and explore common human experiences. "We Are Seven" is a great example of this, as it explores the perspective of a young child and the way in which children view life and death differently than adults. The poem also celebrates the idea of imagination and the ways in which we can find solace in our memories and in the natural world.

"Browning & “The Cry of the Children”:

In "The Cry of the Children," Browning writes about the plight of child laborers in 19th-century England. The poem is written from the perspective of the children themselves, who are forced to work long hours in dangerous conditions. Browning uses powerful imagery to describe the children's suffering and to highlight the cruelty of the industrial system that exploits them.

In terms of the Romantic period, "The Cry of the Children" is a response to the harsh realities of the Industrial Revolution and the way in which it dehumanized people, especially children. The poem reflects the Romantic interest in the plight of the common people and the need for social reform. Browning uses the power of poetry to give voice to the voiceless and to challenge the systems of power that oppress them.

Of the two poems, "The Cry of the Children" affected me more because of its powerful imagery and emotional impact. The poem is a reminder of the importance of social justice and the need to stand up against injustice and oppression.