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Question
Explain the following line with reference to the context in about four to five sentence each.
In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts
Bring sad thoughts to the mind.
Solution
- Reference: These lines are from the poem “Lines Written in Early Spring” written by William Wordsworth.
- Context: William Wordsworth was inspired in a small woodland grove, a landscape of beauty. He came upon this spot when walking near Alford village. While sensing the blissful mood and happiness of birds, plants, creepers, and the murmuring brook, he juxtaposed what humans did to their kind in Napoleonic wars and amidst happy nature couldn’t help feeling sad. On that occasion, he said these words.
- Explanation: The poet was captivated by the celestial beauty of the woodland near Alford village. The chirping of birds, the blooming flowers, and the brooks expressed their ecstasy of being alive. But their charm, peace, and contentment made Wordsworth compare the lives of war-mongers. Suddenly he became sad.
- Comment: The poet beautifully portrays his mixed feelings.
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