My Heart Leaps Up
By William Wordsworth
My heart leaps up when I behold
A rainbow in the sky:
So was it when my life began;
So is it now I am a man;
So be it when I shall grow old,
Or let me die!
The child is father of the man;
And I could wish my days to be
Bound each to each by natural piety.
Understanding “My Heart Leaps Up”
“My Heart Leaps Up,” often referred to as “The Rainbow,” is a deceptively simple yet profoundly impactful poem by William Wordsworth, first appearing in 1807 within his Poems in Two Volumes. It is a concise expression of his Romantic philosophy, a celebration of nature’s enduring power and its formative influence on the human spirit. The poem is not just about witnessing a rainbow; it is about the continuous connection between childhood wonder, adult understanding, and the cyclical nature of life itself. The poem is noteworthy for its directness and its embodiment of Wordsworth’s belief that nature provides moral guidance and spiritual nourishment.
Summary and Central Idea
The poem recounts the speaker’s joyous reaction to seeing a rainbow. This joy, he emphasizes, is not a new feeling. It is a sensation that has been with him since childhood, continues to resonate in his adulthood, and is a feeling he wishes to experience throughout his life, even to the point of welcoming death rather than losing that connection. The central idea is the continuity of the human spirit and its link to the natural world. Wordsworth suggests that the innocence and wonder of childhood are essential to a meaningful life and that a deep connection with nature sustains and enriches the soul. The famous line, “The child is father of the man,” encapsulates this idea—our early experiences shape who we become, and preserving that childlike wonder is vital to our well‑being.
In-Depth Analysis of Poetic Devices
Repetition and Anaphora
Wordsworth skillfully employs repetition to reinforce the poem’s core message. The repeated use of “So” at the beginning of several lines—“So was it when my life began; So is it now I am a man; So be it when I shall grow old”—creates a rhythmic and emphatic effect. This anaphora highlights the consistency of the speaker’s emotional response to the rainbow across the different stages of his life. It is not just a momentary pleasure; it is a constant source of joy and inspiration. The repetition mirrors the cyclical nature of life and the enduring power of nature itself.
Imagery and Sensory Detail
Although brief, the poem relies on powerful imagery. The image of “A rainbow in the sky” is vivid and immediately evokes a sense of beauty, hope, and wonder. This is not merely a visual description; the rainbow symbolizes something deeper—a connection to the divine, a promise of renewal, and the inherent goodness of nature. The phrase “My heart leaps up” is a brilliant example of synesthesia, blending physical sensation with emotional response. We do not simply see the rainbow; we feel its impact on our very being.
Paradox and “The child is father of the man”
Perhaps the most famous line in the poem, “The child is father of the man,” is a striking paradox. It seemingly inverts the traditional relationship between parent and child. However, Wordsworth suggests that the innocence, imagination, and natural piety of childhood are foundational to the development of a mature and virtuous adult. The man does not create the child; rather, the qualities nurtured in childhood shape the man he becomes. It is a profound statement about the importance of early experiences and the need to retain a childlike wonder throughout life. Consider how the line emphasizes the formative power of early experiences—the child lays the groundwork for the man who will eventually emerge.
Enjambment and Flow
The use of enjambment, where a phrase or sentence continues onto the next line without punctuation, contributes to the poem’s natural and flowing rhythm. For instance, the line “The child is father of the man; And I could wish my days to be” seamlessly connects these ideas. This technique mimics the continuous flow of life and the unbroken connection between the speaker, nature, and his past. It avoids a choppy or abrupt reading, creating a sense of organic movement.
Diction and Tone
The poem’s language is deliberately simple and direct. Wordsworth avoids ornate or complex vocabulary, opting for words that are accessible and emotionally resonant. This simplicity reinforces the poem’s core message—the enduring power of natural joy. The tone is one of reverence, wonder, and heartfelt gratitude. The speaker is not merely observing the rainbow; he is deeply moved by it, and his words reflect that emotional intensity.
Analyzing Literary and Poetic Devices
Symbolism
The rainbow itself is a rich symbol. Traditionally, it represents hope, promise, and divine grace. In Wordsworth’s poem, it symbolizes the enduring beauty of nature, the cyclical nature of life, and the speaker’s lifelong connection to the natural world. The child symbolizes innocence, imagination, and a pure connection to nature. The man represents the culmination of these experiences, shaped by the joys and lessons of childhood.
Assonance and Consonance
While subtle, Wordsworth employs assonance—repetition of vowel sounds—and consonance—repetition of consonant sounds—to enhance the poem’s musicality. For example, the repetition of the “o” sound in “So” and “old” and the repetition of the “ch” sound in “child” add to the poem’s lyrical quality. These sounds create a sense of harmony and reinforce the poem’s overall theme of natural beauty.
Free Verse and Structure
While not strictly free verse, the poem lacks a traditional rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. This gives it a sense of naturalness and spontaneity. The single stanza mirrors the continuity of the speaker’s experience—a seamless connection between past, present, and future.
Quotable Lines
The following lines are particularly resonant and can be used to illustrate the power of nature and the importance of preserving childlike wonder:
The child is father of the man;
And I could wish my days to be
Bound each to each by natural piety.
These lines encapsulate the poem’s central message and serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring connection between humanity and the natural world.
“My Heart Leaps Up” is a testament to Wordsworth’s genius. Through simple language and evocative imagery, he captures a profound truth—that our connection to nature is essential to our well‑being and that the joys of childhood should be cherished throughout life. The poem remains a timeless celebration of the beauty of the natural world and the enduring power of the human spirit.