"The World Is Too Much with Us" is a Petrarchan sonnet written by William Wordsworth. Its first eight lines (the octet) pose a question or problem, and its last six lines (the sestet) give a response or solution. The problem in this sonnet's octet is that humanity has lost its respect for and connection with nature. In the sestet, how does Wordsworth propose to address this problem?
In the sestet of "The World Is Too Much with Us," Wordsworth proposes that people should return to a state of harmony with nature by finding a deeper appreciation for its beauty and power. He suggests that we should strive to be more like ancient pagan civilizations who recognized the divinity of nature and lived in harmony with it. The closing lines of the poem express a sense of longing for this lost connection with nature: "We are out of tune; / It moves us not. –Great God! I'd rather be / A Pagan suckled in a creed outworn."
In the sestet of "The World Is Too Much with Us," William Wordsworth proposes a solution to the problem presented in the octet. He suggests that to address humanity's disconnection from nature, people should return to a more harmonious and respectful relationship with the natural world. He urges his readers to reclaim their appreciation for nature's beauty and power. Wordsworth believes that by cultivating a deeper sense of connection with nature, individuals can regain a sense of purpose and find solace from the materialistic and shallow aspects of the modern world. He concludes the poem by expressing his hope that by reconnecting with nature, people can regain their humanity and live a more fulfilling life.
