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About this quote

What does it mean?
This refers to an idealized light and feeling that exists only in a poet's imagination.
In plain terms
It is a dreamlike vision that does not exist in the real world.
What can you take from it?
Imagination creates ideals that reality cannot match.

Where it applies

  • reading poetry
  • artistic creation
  • daydreaming

Putting it to work

  • pursue artistic dreams
  • value imaginative visions

Questions to consider

  • What dream guides your work?
  • Is reality enough for you?

Another view

Idealism can sometimes disconnect us from practical reality.

More from William Wordsworth

  1. Oft on the dappled turf at ease I sit, and play with similes, Loose types of things through all degrees.

    Permalink to quote #26
  2. Dear Child of Nature, let them rail!

    Permalink to quote #28
  3. Thou unassuming Common-place Of Nature, with that homely face, And yet with something of a grace, Which Love makes for thee!

    Permalink to quote #25

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