The Attitudes of Wordsworth Toward Religion

In reading Wordsworth’s poetry, one notices the frequency of words that have religious overtones: the church spire, chapel bells, the cross, the hermit, the nun in her cell. These images may edify or inspire the reader with hope or holy fear. But further observation reveals implications of another kind: the pompous mass, idolotry, popish deceit, and romish treachery. Upon examination of the poetry in which we find these patterns of imagery, the reader discovers that Wordsworth, who is reputed to be a worshipper of Nature, has very definite attitudes toward the Church of England, the Protestant Dissenting Churches, and toward Roman Catholicism. As one turns from the poetry to the letters, memoirs, journals, and miscellany of the poet, his friends and relatives, he discovers that Wordsworth’s concern for religious institutions is deeper than his poetry of nature indicates.

Grantor dc:publisher

Creighton University

Year dc:date.issued

1965

Author dc:creator

• Pox, Mary Gabriel R.S.M.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Harrington, R.C. S.J.

Statement dc:rights

• A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University and to ProQuest following the publishing model selected above.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10504/109645

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:cdr.creighton.edu:10504/109645