Exploring Aliterations and Anaphora in William Wordsworth’s 'I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud'

Introduction

William Wordsworth's I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud, often called Daffodils, is one of the most celebrated poems in the English language. While the poem is replete with vivid imagery and profound sentiment, it does not feature anaphora or alliteration in the same way as some other poetic works. In this article, we will explore the text to see if any examples of anaphora or alliteration can be found, and if not, understand the impact of such literary devices on the poem’s meaning and style.

Anaphora in 'I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud'

One of the rhetorical devices used in literature is anaphora, which is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of several clauses or sentences. In the poem Poems Written in Eviction Time by Walt Whitman, anaphora is evident through the phrase "* * * for you * * *".

By contrast, I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud by Wordsworth lacks anaphora. The opening lines of the poem do not show any repeated phrase at the beginning of successive lines. For instance:

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o’er vales and hills,

Here, there is no repetition of a phrase at the beginning of successive lines, making this poem an exception to the use of anaphora in the examined works.

Alliteration in 'I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud'

Another stylistic device often used in poetry is alliteration, the repetition of a letter sound at the beginning of words close together. While Wordsworth's poem does not feature anaphora, it does contain some instances of alliteration.

In the poem, the following examples of alliteration can be observed:

“I wondered lonely as a cloud”: The repetition of the 'l' sound in 'lonely' and 'cloud'. “high o’er vales and hills”: The repetition of the 'o' sound in 'o'er', 'vale', and 'hills'. “beside the lake beneath the trees”: The repetition of the 'b' sound in 'beside', 'lake', 'beneath', and 'trees'.

The repetition of consonant sounds like 'l', 'o', and 'b' creates a musical quality, making the poem more rhythmic and enhancing the sensory experience for the reader.

Further Analysis

Wordsworth's poem, while lacking anaphora, is a masterful example of how imagery and sentiment can be conveyed through precise language. The use of the anaphora and alliteration discussed above are subtle yet effective in their role. Even though these devices are not as prominent as in other works, they contribute to the overall richness and depth of the poem.

For example, the line 'high o’er vales and hills' draws the reader up into a visual and emotional landscape, while the alliterative ‘beside the lake beneath the trees’ further grounds the reader in the setting. In this way, the poem creates a vivid and engaging narrative.

Conclusion

While I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud does not feature anaphora, it does vividly demonstrate an effective use of alliteration. These devices, though not as striking as in some other poems, contribute to the poem's overall impact by enhancing the sensory experience and creating a more immersive poetic journey for the reader.

Understanding and appreciating these literary techniques is key to a deeper engagement with poetry. Whether it’s the repetition of phrases or the repetition of sounds, each device serves to strengthen the message and enhance the emotional resonance of the text.

Keywords: anaphora, alliteration, daffodils