DAFFODILS
DAFFODILS
DAFFODILS
HANDOUT
DAFFODILS - WILLIAM WORDSWORTH
(GROUP 04)
MEMBERS:
POEM:
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English Literature - Tuesday Shift 02 Group 04
Lecturer: Ms. Bach Linh Trang Daffodils
In such a jocund company:
I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
- His childhood was marked by the loss of __________________ when he was only eight years
old. This early loss deeply impacted him and influenced his later poetic themes of __________,
__________, and __________.
- He began writing poetry as a young boy in Grammar School and later studied at St. John's
College, Cambridge, where he developed his interest in ___________ and __________. During
his time at university, he was exposed to the radical political and philosophical ideas of the
French Revolution, which inspired his early revolutionary fervor and belief in the power of
individual imagination.
- In his later years, Wordsworth settled in the Lake District with his wife Mary and their
children, finding __________ and __________ in the natural beauty of the landscape he so
dearly loved.
2. Career
- From 1787, William attended Hawkshead Grammar School and later studied at St. John's
College, Cambridge, where he developed a passion for poetry and literature.
- After university in 1798, he embarked on a walking tour of Europe, during which he
developed a close friendship with Samuel Taylor Coleridge. This friendship would later lead
to their collaboration on __________________ which is published anonymously. The
collection marks the beginning of the _______________ movement in English literature.
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English Literature - Tuesday Shift 02 Group 04
Lecturer: Ms. Bach Linh Trang Daffodils
- He served as ____________________ of the United Kingdom from 1843 until he died in
1850, leaving behind a rich and enduring legacy that continues to inspire readers and poets
alike with its celebration of the human __________ and the power of __________.
- Throughout his life, Wordsworth's poetry underwent various stages of evolution, from the
early revolutionary fervor of his youth to the later introspective and philosophical reflections
of his adulthood. His autobiographical epic poem, "The Prelude," traces his intellectual and
spiritual development from childhood to maturity, offering profound insights into the nature of
creativity, memory, and self-discovery.
- William Wordsworth was one of the ____________ of English Romanticism and one of its
most central figures and important intellects.
3. Works
- He wrote approximately _______ poems in his lifetime (80 years)
+ "The Excursion" (1814): This lengthy philosophical poem, published as part of "The
Recluse," explores themes of nature, ______________, and the search for meaning in life.
Through a series of conversations among characters representing different _______________
perspectives, Wordsworth examines the relationship between humanity and the natural world,
the role of imagination in shaping human experience, and the quest for spiritual fulfillment.
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English Literature - Tuesday Shift 02 Group 04
Lecturer: Ms. Bach Linh Trang Daffodils
+ Nature is a central theme in Wordsworth's poetry, and his writing style reflects his deep
____________ for the natural world. He frequently employs nature imagery and descriptions
to explore human emotions, experiences, and the relationship between the external world and
the inner self. William Wordsworth is known as a _________________, he was deeply
connected to nature, and all his poetry often directly or indirectly reflects this affinity. For
example, putting the deep meaning aside, in ‘Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern
Abbey’, he described his return to a specific spot along the banks of the River Wye, or the
poem ‘My Heart Leaps Up’ is about the simple beauty of a rainbow. In “Daffodils,” he
celebrates the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
+ Wordsworth's writing is renowned for its vivid and evocative imagery. In "Daffodils," he
skillfully uses descriptive language to paint a detailed picture of the daffodils swaying in the
__________, creating a visual image that resonates with readers. Throughout his works,
Wordsworth often draws upon sensory details to bring his natural surroundings to life.
+ Wordsworth's writing often adopts a reflective and contemplative tone. He explores profound
ideas and emotions, such as the power of ____________, the significance of solitude, and the
impact of nature on the human spirit. This introspective tone encourages readers to engage with
their own thoughts and feelings, and to contemplate the deeper meanings of life and
______________.
- As a prominent figure of the Romantic movement, Wordsworth's writing style embodies many
of the key characteristics associated with this literary period. He emphasizes individual
experience, emotions, and imagination, and often portrays the sublime and the
________________ in nature. His writing reflects a deep appreciation for the beauty and power
of the natural world, as well as a belief in the potential for personal and societal transformation.
2. Purpose
- The main aim of the poem "Daffodils" is to express how nature can profoundly
_____________ and _____________ the human spirit. Wordsworth achieves this by using the
image of a field of daffodils to demonstrate the deep impact that a natural scene can have on
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English Literature - Tuesday Shift 02 Group 04
Lecturer: Ms. Bach Linh Trang Daffodils
an individual's emotions and imagination. He effectively captures the feeling of awe and
wonder that arises from experiencing the beauty and magnificence of the natural world.
- Furthermore, the poem delves into the theme of the relationship between nature and the
____________________. Wordsworth suggests that encounters with nature can provide solace
and joy, even during moments of solitude or sadness.
- To summarize, the writing style of "Daffodils" can be characterized as simple and centered
around the _______________ of nature. Its purpose is to convey how nature possesses the
power to bring about transformation and explore the connection between the external world
and the inner emotional experiences of the poet. It is the celebration of nature, the exploration
of the human mind and emotions, the transcendence of time and space, the embodiment of
Romantic ideals, the embrace of simplicity and gratitude, and the power of poetry as a
communicative medium.
III. STRUCTURE
1. Form
- The form of "Daffodils" is relatively simple. The poem consists of __________ sestets (six-
line stanzas), adding up to twenty-four lines in total.
- It is told in the __________ tense until the last stanza, allowing the reader to imaginatively
participate in the speaker's memories.
- For example,
• The daffodils appear unexpectedly to the speaker, mirroring their sudden introduction
in line 4.
• Lines 3 to halfway through line 17 focus on describing the daffodils in detail. This
description highlights their lively movement, beauty, and abundance.
• Line 17 marks a major change in the poem—the speaker introduces a broader context
for why they feel the experience of the daffodil is important.
2. Meter
- The meter in "Daffodils" is consistently iambic _______________, with a few careful and
deliberate exceptions. Generally, the iambic tetrameter has an almost walking pace in line with
the poem's main set-up: the speaker "wandering" in the countryside, similar to purposeful but
unhurried footsteps.
- The first variation of the iambic tetrameter occurs in line 6, in which the first foot is substituted
for a dactyl:
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English Literature - Tuesday Shift 02 Group 04
Lecturer: Ms. Bach Linh Trang Daffodils
- This change emphasizes the _______________ contained in the word "fluttering," making it
sudden. Likewise, the three syllables in the first foot have an almost waltz-like feel, anticipating
the use of "dancing" throughout the poem.
- Line 7 provides the next disruption of the meter, with an extra syllable in "continuous" making
the line literally longer, which mimics the long line of daffodils.
- Line 12 has a trochee substituted in the first foot, serving a very similar function to the earlier
substitution in line 6 and making the meter of the mirror the motion of the daffodils.
3. Rhyme Scheme
- The rhyme scheme follows a clear formula throughout the poem. Each stanza follows its own
ABABCC scheme:
Stanza 1: ABABCC
Stanza 2: ABABCC
Stanza 3: ABABCC
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English Literature - Tuesday Shift 02 Group 04
Lecturer: Ms. Bach Linh Trang Daffodils
A poet could not but be gay,
Stanza 4: ABABCC
- In the first stanza, all of the end words relate to nature. This helps to establish the outdoor
setting of the poem and makes it clear that the natural world is a key part of the poem's meaning.
- Similarly, the first four end words in the final stanza all help to establish the speaker's sense
of _______________ (though now indoors). This solitude isn't portrayed negatively, but rather
as part of the imaginative process.
=> The rhymes, then, help the reader sense the shift in mood as the poem moves from relaying
the memory of the daffodils to showing why that memory is important.
- The last couplet allows for the poem to end fittingly on the star of the show—the daffodils
themselves.
“And dances with the daffodils.”
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English Literature - Tuesday Shift 02 Group 04
Lecturer: Ms. Bach Linh Trang Daffodils
IV. SETTING
- The poem “Daffodils” was also known with the title “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud”. It was
a _____________ poem written by William Wordsworth in 1804. It was first published in 1807
in Poems in Two Volumes, then it was released in 1815 in “Collected Poems” with four stanzas.
“Daffodils” is considered as one of the most ______________ poems of the Romantic Age.
- It was inspired by an April 15, 1802, event, in which Wordsworth and his ____________,
Dorothy, came across a “long belt” of daffodils on a walk near Ullswater Lake in England. The
poet was wandering in the _____________ and enjoying the fascinating nature around him,
when suddenly he saw a crowd of ____________ daffodils by the lakeside. The daffodils was
so beautiful that he was compelled to gaze at these flowers playing with pleasure in the wind.
His sister, Dorothy later wrote in her journal as a reference to this walk: “I never saw daffodils
so beautiful they grew among the mossy stones about and about them, some rested their heads
upon these stones as on a pillow for weariness and the rest tossed and reeled and danced and
seemed as if they verily laughed with the wind that blew upon them over the lake, they looked
so gay ever dancing ever changing…”. And “Daffodils” expressed the poet’s
________________, love and praise for a field blossoming with daffodils.
- The poem opens with a _______________ tone. "I wandered lonely as a cloud" paints a
picture of _______________ and potentially low spirits.
- The mood begins to shift with "When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils."
The words "crowd" and "host" suggest grandeur, hinting at a transformation.
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English Literature - Tuesday Shift 02 Group 04
Lecturer: Ms. Bach Linh Trang Daffodils
- The mood explodes into _______________ joy. The author is overwhelmed by the sheer
number – "Ten thousand saw I at a glance" – and liveliness – "Tossing their heads in sprightly
dance" – of the daffodils.
- The playful competition with the waves – "The waves beside them danced; but they Out-did
the sparkling waves in glee" – adds to the lightheartedness.
- The author feels compelled to be happy – "A poet could not but be gay In such a jocund
company" – highlighting the inspirational power of the scene.
- There's a subtle shift as the speaker becomes completely absorbed – "I gazed— and gazed—
but little thought." They are lost in the moment, not yet pondering the experience's deeper
meaning.
- However, a hint of contemplation emerges – "What wealth the show to me had brought" –
suggesting the experience holds more than just immediate joy.
- “For oft, when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood" – The poem jumps to the
future, hinting at a sense of peaceful nostalgia. Even in times of low spirits ("vacant" or
"pensive mood"), the memory of the daffodils offers comfort.
- “They flash upon that inward eye": The image of the daffodils flashing in the mind's eye
suggests a vivid and uplifting memory, leaving a lasting impression of peace.
- In overall, the poem starts with a ______________________ that quickly blossoms into awe
and exuberant joy upon encountering the daffodils. It then transitions into a moment of quiet
contemplation before ending with a sense of nostalgic peace, highlighting the transformative
power of nature and the lasting positive impact of the experience. However, the subtle shift in
stanza 5 suggests that the mood is not simply a linear progression. The author’s emotional
journey is more _______________, with moments of reflection woven into the overall tapestry
of joy.
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English Literature - Tuesday Shift 02 Group 04
Lecturer: Ms. Bach Linh Trang Daffodils
2. Tone
- The opening lines establish a dreamy, wandering tone with the poet depicting himself alone
like a solitary cloud floating over the landscape.
- But then the tone shifts to one of delighted surprise and joy at unexpectedly coming across
the "crowd" and "host" of golden daffodils beside the lake.
- The tone shifts from celebratory joy to a more pensive, _______________ appreciation.
While words like "glee" and "jocund company" maintain a sense of happiness, the poet's tone
becomes more introspective as he "gazed—and gazed" and contemplated the deeper "wealth"
this experience with nature brought him. It's a tone of tranquil, philosophical reflection after
the initial awestruck reactions of the previous stanzas.
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What wealth the show to me had brought:”
- In the final stanza, the tone becomes more _______________ and serene as the poet reflects
on how the memory of this experience provides him lasting inner joy and "bliss of solitude."
There is a calmness and _______________ recalling how his "heart with pleasure fills" when
the daffodils "flash upon that inward eye."
- So while the overall tone starts lonely and wandering, it transitions to amazed delight at
nature's ____________, personified energy and mirth, a sense of the sublime vastness, and
finally a serene, joyful _______________ of the experience. The poem captures the full
experience of being awestruck by natural beauty.
VI. THEME
Contact with nature can evoke profound emotions and inspire the human spirit
This theme is evident throughout the poem. The author's initial feelings of
___________ and __________ ("I wandered lonely as a cloud") are replaced by a sense of joy
and connection upon encountering the daffodils. The beauty of the natural world can uplift the
human spirit and provide comfort in times of emotional disorder.
Moreover, the poem's imagery and language further support the theme:
A host, of golden daffodils;
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English Literature - Tuesday Shift 02 Group 04
Lecturer: Ms. Bach Linh Trang Daffodils
The imagery of the "golden" daffodils dancing in the breeze evokes a sense of energy
and dynamism, reinforcing the idea that nature has the power to captivate and inspire.
________________: Nature has the ability to provide comfort and peace to those
who seek it. The poem also emphasizes the theme of solitude and contemplation. The poet
initially feels pensive and alone while wandering, “I wandered lonely as a cloud”, but upon
encountering daffodils, his mood transforms into one of joy and amazement.
This contrast between being alone and surrounded by nature highlights the stimulating
and reflective qualities of natural beauty, showing that nature can offer solace and comfort to
those who look for it. The poet appreciates being alone and cherishes the spiritual space of
being solitary with his imagination.
That brings us to the third theme:________________________: How nature can
evoke emotions and shape our perception of the world.
The poem is based on the poet being alone at home. The poem ends with him being
alone, but not feeling sad. The memory of the daffodils he experienced continues to bring him
joy, even though the experience is over. He can recall the scene in his mind's eye during
moments of solitude, which shows how nature can have a lasting impact on our memory and
imagination.
The poem "Daffodils" delves into various themes related to the beauty and significance
of nature, the relationship between __________________, and the positive impact of natural
beauty on the human spirit. It encourages readers to contemplate their experiences with nature
and how it can enhance and vitalize their lives.
- From the first stanza, readers can easily imagine the time and the _____________ the poet
wrote the poem. It was inspired by a walk he took with his sister Dorothy around Lake
Ullswater.
- _____________: the use of “as” not only considers the poet himself as a cloud but also
indicates straightly his emotions at that time “lonely as a cloud”.
Line 3 -4:
Line 5-6:
Stanza 2:
Line 7-8
- _____________: “as stars”. The stanza begins with a simile depicting the daffodils as stars to
compare the shape and numbers of daffodils to a bank of stars “Milky Way”
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Lecturer: Ms. Bach Linh Trang Daffodils
*Daffodils are kind of plants that have yellow flowers and a crown shaped as a trumpet =>
That’s why star was the best image choice to infer a daffodil
- The comparison to stars provides new insight that the author is trying to make us things of
____________ or other heavenly beings.
Line 9-10
Line 11-12
- _____________: “ten thousand” => the readers will immediately visualize there are
uncountable daffodils that he saw and they are attractively beautiful.
- ______________: “toss” and “dance” is only the actions that human do. They “toss” their
head because the heads of the daffodils tends to be heavier and larger so it bobs (moves up and
down slightly) in a breeze.
Stanza 3:
Line 13-14
- “But they…….in glee”. The waves also dance in the breeze but the daffodils seems to be
happier and more vibrant than the waves. The waves just rippled and sparkled.
=> William got him out of his soul and placed him in a higher state in which the soul of nature
and the soul of a man were united into a single _______________.
Line 15-16:
“A poet could not but be gay,
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English Literature - Tuesday Shift 02 Group 04
Lecturer: Ms. Bach Linh Trang Daffodils
In such a jocund company:”
- Diction: "Gay" means happy or lighthearted, further emphasizing the speaker's positive mood.
"Jocund" is a term for joyful, adding a touch of formality to the _______________ of the
daffodils.
Line 17-18
- Repetition: “gazed and gazed” => emphasize the non-stopped looking at the natural beauty
of the flowers and for a long time but he didn’t realize how amazing this gift he received from
this view.
Stanza 4:
Line 19-20
- “Oft”: It means short but for often or many times. It is an archaic word whose purpose is to
describe the author’s feelings about the ____________ image of the daffodils.
Line 21-22
“They flash upon that inward eye
- Personification: “________”. The flower itself can not flash => actively recall a sudden and
vivid appearance of the daffodils in his mind.
- _______________: “bliss of solitude”. It’s difficult for a person to share his/ her own spiritual
vision completely with others => a form of “solitude” but its truth and beauty make it “blissful”
in his mind.
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English Literature - Tuesday Shift 02 Group 04
Lecturer: Ms. Bach Linh Trang Daffodils
“And then my heart with pleasure fills,
- _______________: “heart – dance”. Our emotions come from the heart. His use of
personification is want to tell us that when the heart is filled with happiness, with love =>it can
also dance like people do.
=> Summary: These figures of speech all contribute to the poem's overall effect of capturing
the beauty and uplifting emotions especially, the use of personification strongly expresses the
_______________________ showing a ______________to the natural world through a kind
of flower called Daffodil.
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English Literature - Tuesday Shift 02 Group 04
Lecturer: Ms. Bach Linh Trang Daffodils
Nhiều khi nằm dài trên gối tôi ngẫm
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English Literature - Tuesday Shift 02 Group 04
Lecturer: Ms. Bach Linh Trang Daffodils
Trái tim như được làm mới
---------------THE END----------------
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