William Wordsworth's poem "Three Years She Grew" is a lyrical ballad that explores complex themes of nature, growth, and human connection. It was published in 1800 as part of the "Lyrical Ballads," a collection of poems co-authored with Samuel Taylor Coleridge. This poem is often regarded as a seminal work of Romantic literature, embodying many of the key principles of the Romantic movement, including a deep appreciation of nature, a focus on the individual, and the importance of emotional expression.
Here, we will delve into the rich symbolism present in "Three Years She Grew," examining how Wordsworth uses nature, the elements, and human experience to convey deeper meanings and themes in the poem.
1. Nature as a Symbol of Growth and Transformation
Nature plays a central role in the poem as a symbol of growth and transformation. Throughout the poem, the persona describes the natural world as a nurturing and transformative force. One of the most prominent examples of this symbolism can be seen in the opening lines:
"Three years she grew in sun and shower; Then Nature said, 'A lovelier flower On earth was never sown; This Child I to myself will take; She shall be mine, and I will make A Lady of my own.'"
Here, "Nature" is personified as a maternal figure who nurtures and cares for the young girl as she grows. The growth of the girl is compared to the growth of a flower, emphasizing the idea that human development is intricately connected to the natural world. This symbolism reinforces the Romantic notion that nature is a powerful force that shapes and influences the human experience.
2. The Brook as a Symbol of Time
In the third stanza of the poem, Wordsworth introduces the image of a brook, which serves as a symbol of the passage of time and the inevitability of change:
"The floating clouds their state shall lend To her; for her the willow bend; Nor shall she fail to see Even in the motions of the Storm Grace that shall mould the Maiden's form By silent sympathy."
The brook, with its "floating clouds" and "willow bend," reflects the ebb and flow of life and time. It also represents the idea of continuity and permanence in nature, contrasting with the fleeting nature of human life. The mention of "silent sympathy" suggests that the girl's growth is harmoniously linked to the natural world, emphasizing the idea that nature is a silent but powerful force that guides her development.
3. The Mountain as a Symbol of Majesty and Eternity
In the seventh stanza, the persona speaks of the girl's connection to a mountain, which symbolizes majesty and eternity:
"The stars of midnight shall be dear To her; and she shall lean her ear In many a secret place Where rivulets dance their wayward round, And beauty born of murmuring sound Shall pass into her face."
The mountain and the stars, both symbols of grandeur and timelessness, serve to emphasize the girl's connection to the sublime aspects of nature. The idea of "beauty born of murmuring sound" suggests that her beauty is not superficial but deeply rooted in her connection to the natural world. The mountain, in its steadfastness, represents the eternal aspect of nature and the enduring influence it has on human life and character.
4. The Rainbow as a Symbol of Hope and Promise
The poem's final stanza introduces the rainbow as a symbol of hope and promise:
"A rock whereon her living image Will catch the light with purple-dyed Pendence: the lovely hues combined In such a way that each to each May call as well a chastening speech, That calls a chiding to her ear."
The rainbow is described as being reflected in a rock where her "living image" can catch the light. This image suggests that the girl's essence is connected to the natural world, and the rainbow symbolizes the promise of a bright and hopeful future. The rainbow's "chastening speech" and "chiding" suggest that nature's influence can be both gentle and corrective, guiding the girl toward a virtuous and meaningful life.
5. The Child as a Symbol of Innocence and Potential
The girl herself serves as a symbol in the poem, representing innocence and human potential. At the beginning of the poem, she is portrayed as a child full of potential:
"This Child I to myself will take; She shall be mine, and I will make A Lady of my own."
The child represents the untapped potential of youth and the promise of future growth. As the poem progresses, her growth and transformation are symbolic of the broader human experience. Wordsworth uses her as a representation of the individual's journey through life, with all its challenges, lessons, and potential for growth.
6. Time as a Symbol of Change and Loss
While much of the poem emphasizes the continuity of nature and its positive influence on the girl's growth, there is also a recognition of the inevitability of change and loss. This can be seen in the lines:
"Time, faithful to that natural bond, Had done what Nature would not do— No place of earth could I discover more Fit for the love of such a little flower!"
These lines acknowledge the passage of time and the girl's eventual departure from this world. Despite the nurturing influence of nature, the girl's life is not exempt from the changes and losses that are inherent in the human experience. Time is a symbol of both growth and impermanence, underscoring the transitory nature of life.
7. The Poet as a Symbol of the Observant and Reflective Individual
The persona in the poem, often assumed to be Wordsworth himself, serves as a symbol of the observant and reflective individual. The persona's role is to witness and reflect upon the girl's growth and her connection to nature. Through his observations, the persona gains insight into the profound relationship between the human experience and the natural world. This mirrors the Romantic idea that the individual, through introspection and contemplation, can gain a deeper understanding of the world and its interconnectedness.
8. The Sympathetic Nature as a Symbol of Spiritual Connection
Throughout the poem, there is a recurring theme of "sympathy" between the girl and nature. This sympathy represents a spiritual connection between the individual and the natural world. Wordsworth believed in the concept of the "sublime" in nature, where experiencing the grandeur of the natural world can evoke profound emotions and a sense of unity with the universe. This connection between the girl and nature symbolizes the spiritual dimension of the Romantic movement, where nature is a source of inspiration and spiritual renewal.
In conclusion, William Wordsworth's "Three Years She Grew" is a deeply symbolic poem that explores the relationship between nature, growth, and the human experience. Nature serves as a nurturing and transformative force, while elements like the brook, the mountain, and the rainbow symbolize various aspects of life's journey. The girl herself represents innocence and potential, while time symbolizes both change and loss. The poem underscores the Romantic belief in the spiritual connection between the individual and the natural world. Through its rich use of symbolism, the poem invites readers to contemplate the profound relationship between human existence and the natural world, emphasizing the enduring influence of nature on the human spirit.
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