She was a Phantom of Delight

Mary Wordsworth wasn’t pretty or bookish, but she was kind and vital, and William loved her.

Written 1804

King George III 1760-1820

‘Country Couple’ (detail), by Alfred Wordsworth Thompson.

By Alfred Wordsworth Thompson (1840-1896), via Wikimedia Commons. Public domain.

‘Country Couple’ (detail), by Alfred Wordsworth Thompson (1840-1896). Essayist and critic Thomas de Quincey (1785-1859) spoke frankly about Mary Wordsworth. She was, he said, “a woman neither handsome nor even comely”, and had what he termed “a considerable obliquity of vision”, which was a nice way of saying that she had a squint. His overall impression, however, was one of lively health, and “a sunny benignity — a radiant graciousness — such as in this world I never saw surpassed”. She was not in any way an intellectual; what de Quincey called “blue-stocking loquacity” was not her style. Thomas Clarkson, the anti-slavery campaigner, said that he heard her say “God bless you!” and not much else. But it seemed to suit William.

Introduction

This poem is a look back over how William Wordsworth’s love for his wife Mary had developed over time. “The germ of this poem” he admitted “was four lines composed as a part of the verses on the Highland Girl. Though beginning in this way, it was written from my heart, as is sufficiently obvious.”

by William Wordsworth 1770-1850

She was a Phantom of delight
When first she gleamed upon my sight;
A lovely Apparition, sent
To be a moment’s ornament;
Her eyes as stars of Twilight fair;
Like Twilight’s, too, her dusky hair;
But all things else about her drawn
From May-time and the cheerful Dawn;
A dancing Shape, an Image gay,
To haunt, to startle, and way-lay.

I saw her upon nearer view,
A Spirit, yet a Woman too!
Her household motions light and free,
And steps of virgin-liberty;
A countenance in which did meet
Sweet records, promises as sweet;
A Creature not too bright or good
For human nature’s daily food;
For transient sorrows, simple wiles,
Praise, blame, love, kisses, tears, and smiles.

And now I see with eye serene
The very pulse of the machine;
A Being breathing thoughtful breath,
A Traveller between life and death;
The reason firm, the temperate will,
Endurance, foresight, strength, and skill;
A perfect Woman, nobly planned.
To warn, to comfort, and command;
And yet a Spirit still, and bright
With something of angelic light.

by William Wordsworth 1770-1850

From The Complete Poetical Works of William Wordsworth Volume 4 (1904, 1910).

Précis

William Wordsworth recalled meeting his wife Mary for the first time. The impression was of eyes and hair like a starry night, but everything else was sunshine. On better acquaintance, he appreciated her lightness and her appealing imperfections. Today, he said, he feels more of her earthy warmth, yet still sees the bright spirit he met that first day.

Questions for Critics

1. What is the author aiming to achieve in writing this?

2. Note any words, devices or turns of phrase that strike you. How do they help the author communicate his ideas more effectively?

3. What impression does this passage make on you? How might you put that impression into words?

Based on The English Critic (1939) by NL Clay, drawing on The New Criticism: A Lecture Delivered at Columbia University, March 9, 1910, by J. E. Spingarn, Professor of Comparative Literature in Columbia University, USA.

Jigsaws

Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.

William and Mary married in 1802. In 1804 he wrote this poem. It is about Mary.

See if you can include one or more of these words in your answer.

IBefore. IITribute. IIIWife.

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