Symholism of Nature Imagery in the Poetry of William Wordsworth and Khalil Mutran

Abstract

This thesis presents a comparative study of the symbolism of nature imagery in the poetry of the Arabic poet Khalil Mutran and the English William Wordsworth. Through focusing on two particular elements of nature, birds and flowers used recurrently by the two poets, the study sheds light on the lines of similarity and difference in the handling of these two elements in the poetry of Wordsworth and Mutran.

The study also shows how the simple use of such natural elements can be deceptive. This apparent simplicity veils a deeper highly symbolic use. Flowers and birds are no more mere beautiful appearances. They become symbols of the poet's ideas and feelings and a means of communication. The attitude of both poets to nature and its two elements, is a philosophical rather than a purely aesthetic one - a landmark of the Romantic Movement.