British Nature Journals: Dorothy Wordsworth

After reading the article on Dorothy Wordsworth, it makes me think about how much support she must have given her brother: support and inspiration. This is the first time I have ever read any of Dorothy's journals or biographical information. As the saying goes, "there's always a good woman behind the man." When I read Tintern Abbey, I did not realize the closeness the two shared. Her daily entries are not lengthy, but very detailed. I especially enjoy her relation of one part of nature to another: "The ivy twisting round the oaks like bristled serpents." There is also an innocence that is captured with every "Query" that she jots in her journal. It establishes her as a true observer of nature, rather than an expert of it. Reading her entries made me realize how much I wish I continued to keep up with my journals from years ago, even if I was only to write a few lines each day. Beauty in nature can be found in the smallest flower, not just the Grand Canyon. The article also reminded me of how much I enjoy William Wordsworth's poetry. Two of them, "Expostulation and Reply" and "The Tables Turned" made me more appreciative of the knowledge that Nature can provide. In "Expostulation and Reply,", the first 4 stanzas discuss the analytical approaches to learning, whereas the next four vocalize W. Wordsworth's response to this idea. Our senses are always active. We learn best by observation, not by books. Nature is the real educator. In the second poem, the sentiments are similar. This anti-institutional poem is directed at "scientists." Again, experience and observation are the best method of obtaining knowledge. Books are limited and facts should not be attained just for the sake of attaining them.