She gave me eyes, she gave me ears; And humble cares,and delicate fears; A heart, the fountain of sweet tears; And love, and thought, and joy.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker credits a female figure, likely his mother, with giving him his capacity for emotion, thought, and joy.
- In plain terms
- She gave him the ability to feel, love, and think deeply.
- What can you take from it?
- Our emotional capacity often comes from those who raised us.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who gave you the capacity to feel deeply?
Another view
It attributes all emotional traits to one person, ignoring individual agency.
More from William Wordsworth
Behold, within the leafy shade, Those bright blue eggs together laid! On me the chance-discovered sight Gleamed like a vision of delight.
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