Discuss the significance of Wordsworth’s description of Milton’s soul as like a star that “dwelt apart.”

Discuss the significance of Wordsworth’s description of Milton’s soul as like a star that “dwelt apart.”

William Wordsworth’s (1770-1850) poem “London, 1802” (1807) calls out to the poet John Milton. He wishes he is still alive to help England in its time of need. Wordsworth uses a special image to describe Milton’s character. He says Milton’s soul was like a star that “dwelt apart.” This description is very meaningful and helps us understand how Wordsworth saw Milton and what he hoped Milton could bring back to England.

Purity and Guidance: A star is bright and pure. Wordsworth says,

“Thy soul was like a Star,”

By comparing Milton to a star, Wordsworth shows us that he thinks Milton was very good and moral. Stars also help people find their way. Wordsworth is saying that Milton could guide England back to being a better place, just as stars guide travelers at night.

Uniqueness and Inspiration: Stars stand out in the night sky because they are different from everything else; they shine. Saying Milton’s soul “dwelt apart” means Milton was different from other people. He did not just follow everyone else but stood out because of his strong character and ideas. This made him someone who could inspire others to be better.

Lasting Impact: Even though stars are far away, their light reaches us. Wordsworth feels that, like a star, Milton’s work and ideas could still reach and influence people in Wordsworth’s time. He believes that Milton’s writings and thoughts had a lasting power that could help fix the problems of England.

In this poem, Wordsworth uses the image of a star to express great respect for Milton. He hopes that remembering Milton’s virtues could revive those same good qualities in England.