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About this quote

What does it mean?
Nature claims a child as her own, promising to shape her into something beautiful through natural growth.
In plain terms
Nature says it will raise this girl to be a lovely flower.
What can you take from it?
Nature can shape a child's growth like a gardener.

Where it applies

  • parenting
  • education
  • observing children

Putting it to work

  • support natural growth
  • protect children
  • appreciate simplicity

Questions to consider

  • How does nature shape children today?
  • Who should shape a child's character?

Another view

Nature's role is metaphorical, not literal in parenting.

More from William Wordsworth

  1. She lived unknown, and few could know When Lucy ceased to be; But she is in her grave, and, oh, The difference to me!

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  2. A slumber did my spirit seal; I had no human fears: She seemed a thing that could not feel The touch of earthly years. No motion has she now, no force; She nei…

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  3. She dwelt among the untrodden ways Beside the springs of Dove, A maid whom there were none to praise And very few to love:

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