Lines Written in Early Spring & Lines Inscribed on a Cup Formed From a Skull

The Romantic era was marked by a profound connection to nature and the human experience. William Wordsworth and Lord Byron, were pivotal figures of this period, and expressed their views within their works: Lines Written in Early Spring and Lines Inscribed upon a Cup Formed from a Skull. Through comparing these poems, focusing on their themes, use of imagery, and emotional resonance, to explore how nature and the human experience is presented by Byron and Wordsworth.

Lines Written in Early Spring had Wordsworth reflecting on the harmony between nature and humanity, lamenting on the moral decay of mankind. Through his questioning of humanity's trajectory, "What man has made of man." Through this, Wordsworth presents that the central theme of the poem is the contrast between the innocence of nature and the corruption of society. His critiques aren't about individual actions but are instead about the collective corruption of humanity. This is contrasted by his presentation of nature, “And Tis' my faith that every flower enjoys the air it breathes.” In this Wordsworth views nature as remaining untainted and idyllic, a stark reminder to him of how humanity’s aspirations that they've failed to maintain. This contrasts Byron’s Lines Inscribed on a Cup Formed from a Skull, which delves into existential themes, contemplating mortality and the inevitable decay that awaits all living things. Within the line "Why not leave each his head?” The skull serves as a memento mori, a reminder of death's omnipresence and the fleeting nature of human existence, but within this context reflects Byron questioning the rituals and societal norms associated with Death. It embodies his proactive efforts at challenging the conventional morbidity of death and suggests a more holistic view on mortality & encompassing his philosophical outlook .

Wordsworth employs gentle and pastoral imagery to evoke a sense of peace and beauty in nature, "Through primrose tufts, in that green bower, / The periwinkle trailed its wreaths." The use of pastoral imagery through “primrose tufts and periwinkles” symbolises a perfectly balanced world, which allows him to use nature as a mirror through which he can reflect on the innocence humanity once had.

Byron's imagery is stark and morbid, using the skull as a powerful symbol of mortality: "Start not—nor deem my spirit fled: / In me behold the only skull / From which, unlike a living head, / Whatever flows is never dull."

Wordsworth’s use of tone within his poem, elicits a sense of nostalgia and sorrow, mourning the disconnection between humanity and nature. As the intention of the speaker is to be contemplative and melancholic, inviting readers to reflect on the simplicity and purity of the natural world. In contrast, Byron’s tone is more defiant and cynical. His approach to the subject of death with a sense of dark humor, challenges societal norms around the reverence of the human body after death.

While both poets utilize their Romantic sensibilities to explore different facets of the human experience, Wordsworth’s focus is on the loss of innocence and the purity of nature, whereas Byron confronts the stark realities of mortality with a biting wit. The comparison of these poems highlights the diversity of thought and expression within the Romantic movement, showcasing how two contemporaries can offer profoundly different perspectives on life and death.