Essay Questions

How does the character of B. Wordsworth reflect the themes and ideas of the Romantic movement in literature?

The character of B. Wordsworth in the story of the same name reflects the themes and ideas of the Romantic movement in literature in several ways. B. Wordsworth introduces himself to the narrator as a poet, claiming to be the brother of William Wordsworth, a famous Romantic poet. He tells the narrator that he is working on a project to write a line of poetry each month that will eventually be "the greatest poem in the world." This reflects the Romantic idea of the artist as a visionary, driven by a deep sense of inspiration and a desire to create works of enduring beauty and meaning.

Additionally, B. Wordsworth's relationship with nature and his emphasis on emotion and intuition reflect key themes of the Romantic movement. B. Wordsworth takes the narrator on various excursions that seem designed to teach the boy how to engage with the world on a meaningful, emotional level. He encourages the boy to observe and appreciate the natural world, and to cultivate a sense of wonder and introspection. This reflects the Romantic emphasis on nature as a source of inspiration and beauty, and on emotion and intuition as crucial components of the creative process.

How does the narrator's relationship with B. Wordsworth change over the course of the story "B. Wordsworth"?

The narrator's relationship with B. Wordsworth changes significantly over the course of the story "B. Wordsworth." When the narrator first meets B. Wordsworth, he is simply a strange man who has come to watch the bees in the yard. The narrator is initially curious about B. Wordsworth, but there is no real sense of connection between the two. However, as the story progresses, the narrator becomes increasingly drawn to B. Wordsworth, spending more and more time with him and learning about his life. The narrator comes to see B. Wordsworth is a kind and wise figure, and he becomes emotionally invested in the older man's well-being. This relationship reaches its peak when the narrator visits B. Wordsworth on his deathbed, at which point he is deeply affected by the older man's words and actions. Despite B. Wordsworth's request for the narrator not to visit again, the narrator is left with a sense of loss and sadness when he leaves, demonstrating the depth of their connection.

How does the story "B. Wordsworth" explore the theme of identity?

The story "B. Wordsworth" explores the theme of identity through the character of B. Wordsworth and his relationship with the narrator. B. Wordsworth introduces himself to the narrator as "Black Wordsworth," the brother of "White Wordsworth," or William Wordsworth, a 19th-century English Romantic poet. However, it is later revealed that B. Wordsworth made up this story and that he is not actually related to William Wordsworth. This revelation calls into question B. Wordsworth's identity and the extent to which it was based on a constructed persona.

Additionally, B. Wordsworth's identity is closely tied to his artistic sensibility and his relationship to the natural world. He presents himself to the narrator as a poet and encourages the boy to cultivate an appreciation for nature and emotion. In this way, B. Wordsworth's identity is shaped by his artistic approach to the world, and his sense of self is closely tied to his ability to create and find meaning in the world around him. The story suggests that identity is not fixed, but rather is constantly evolving and shaped by our relationships, experiences, and the way we choose to engage with the world