Introduction: “The Ruined Cottage”
In his poem, “The Excursion,” Wordsworth touches upon the potential consequences of seasonal weather and the departure of a rural family patriarch who joins the army in “The Ruined Cottage.” In “The Ruined Cottage,” an old man tells the speaker how aggrieved he is about the tragic extinction of an entire family and shares the heart-rending story of Margaret. The narrative reveals that the husband leaves his wife and two kids in a hilly rural area to go to battle, dressed in a soldier’s uniform, and he never returns. The wife works hard to raise her kids, waiting for her husband. The elder child succumbs to a fatal disease, and the younger one dies due to hunger and the mother’s grief. Becoming merely a skeleton does not matter to her as she continues waiting for her husband, despite her constant inquiries from travelers. Beneath the surface of this simple story and the departure of the male figure lies the grim reality of natural weather changes and war, which transform the close-to-nature rural areas of the poor, leaving them at the mercy of the elements with only hope to help them survive.
Nature and “The Ruined Cottage”
As a nature enthusiast, Wordsworth explores the impact of both seasonal changes and wars on rustic folk, initially by observing an old man with his “pack of rustic merchandise” in the countryside and later by deducing the means of livelihood for Margaret and her husband through the old man’s story (Wordsworth). The old man informs Wordsworth that Margaret’s husband is an “industrious man” with a “loom” at home, consistently engaged in his “daily work till the day-light” (Wordsworth). Despite the husband’s strong work ethic, the poem depicts a rural economy devastated by “Two blighting seasons” and “the plague of war” (Wordsworth).
While there is no suggestion of the encroachment of modern industry, the old man’s narrative vividly illustrates the workings of the rural economy, relying on the patriarch’s hard work and feminine love and obedience. After suffering from a fever, the husband loses his strength, depletes his savings, and ultimately joins the army as a mercenary. His failure to return results in the long-term absence of patriarchal safety and security, leading to the loss of Margaret’s household and, ultimately, her life. This story also underscores the vulnerability of rural people living close to nature, highlighting how they are at the mercy of natural forces.
Lessons from “The Ruined Cottage”
In this rural setting abundant with natural scenes, Wordsworth imparts crucial lessons for those living close to nature. Firstly, he portrays the challenging and arduous nature of life, capable of crippling a family when the breadwinner loses his strength, as seen in the case of Margaret and her family. Secondly, the poet highlights the hardships faced by women in a close-to-nature life, particularly when their well-being is contingent on men. Margaret, left alone in the absence of her husband, finds it exceedingly difficult to sustain herself and her children. Growing crops and providing for her kids becomes a formidable task in a situation where she has nothing to rely on except for a “purse of gold,” which her husband sends only once (Wordsworth). With no further communication from him and his departure to a “distant land” (Wordsworth), the theme of feminine dependence in a rural, patriarchal setup is intricately woven throughout the old man’s narrative. The only thread keeping her alive for an extended period is the hope for her husband’s return.
Hope and “The Ruined Cottage”
Indeed, hope emerges as a potent tool for survival, as exemplified in the old man’s revelation to Wordsworth that “words of hope from her mouth” bring happiness and cheer to both of them. It appears to be the cornerstone that keeps rustic folk optimistic about life. Despite knowing from others that her husband has ventured to a distant land, Margaret sustains her hope that he will eventually return, driven by thoughts of their children. However, as the old man makes his final visit to Margaret, he discerns that she no longer believes in his “best hope” for her husband’s return (Wordsworth). This signifies a loss of hope, and ultimately, this absence of optimism becomes a contributing factor to her demise.
Conclusion: “The Ruined Cottage”
Wordsworth eloquently narrates the tragic tale of rustic folk, whose meager earnings often sustain them for a single season, making them vulnerable to the whims of nature. If nature turns against them, the loss of livelihood becomes a precursor to the loss of life. The tragedy is compounded by the complete extinction of an entire family, leaving only dilapidated walls as remnants. These remnants serve as poignant reminders to the present generation that those who choose to live in close proximity to nature are subject to its mercy and may face dire consequences if their hopes for survival falter.
However, within the lives of such individuals lies wisdom and genuine humanity, even amidst prevalent poverty. The poet discovers “That secret spirit of humanity” not only within the people, as exemplified by the old man, but also in the very atmosphere, revealing itself through every natural manifestation (Wordsworth). This highlights the resilience and innate human qualities found in those living close to nature, even in the face of adversity and hardship.
“The Ruined Cottage”: Works Cited
Wordsworth, William. “The Excursion: Book-1, The Ruined Cottage.” Genius. n. d. https://genius.com/William-wordsworth-the-excursion-book-i-the-ruined-cottage-annotated./ Accessed 16 Mar 2018.
Relevant Questions: “The Ruined Cottage”
- How does Wordsworth’s “The Ruined Cottage” explore the theme of nature and its transformative power in the context of the ruined cottage, and what insights does this provide into the human experience?
- In “The Ruined Cottage,” how does Wordsworth employ poetic language and imagery to evoke a sense of nostalgia and reflection on the passage of time, particularly in relation to the ruined cottage and its inhabitants?
- What role does the ruined cottage play as a symbol in Wordsworth’s poem, and how does its depiction contribute to the overall message or theme of the poem?
