What Does Wordsworth advise His Sister Dorothy in “Tintern Abbey”?

Answer

What does Wordsworth advise his sister Dorothy in “Tintern Abbey”? 

In “Tintern Abbey” (1798), Wordsworth (1770-1850) talks to his sister, Dorothy, and gives her some advice about life and nature. He loves his sister very much and wants her to be happy, even in difficult times.

Love Nature: Wordsworth advises his sister Dorothy to hold onto her deep love for nature, even as she grows older. The poet knows that her feelings for nature may change as she grows older. She might not feel the same wild, joyful excitement she feels for nature now.

The poet advises not to fear this change. Instead, he wants Dorothy to remember their time together in the Wye Valley, where they both felt nature’s beauty. When life gets hard or lonely, she can think back to these peaceful moments—the green woods, rolling hills, and gentle river—and nature will calm her mind. He says to Dorothy:

“Nature never did betray

The heart that loved her;…”

Nature is a Teacher: Wordsworth also tells his sister that nature is not just for beauty—it is a wise friend. Even if she stops feeling that carefree excitement of youth, nature will teach her quieter, deeper things: kindness, patience, and nature’s connection to life. He calls nature a healer that can mend sadness and stress. 

Find Him in Nature: Wordsworth also asks Dorothy to remember him through nature. He hopes that when she looks at these landscapes in the future, she will feel his love and presence, even if he is no longer alive. This way, their bond and their shared memories of nature will keep them close forever. Lastly, he wants Dorothy to pass this wisdom to others.

In short, Wordsworth advises his sister to keep loving nature. Nature will always be there for her—in fear, pain, grief, or loneliness. When the poet is no more, she will find him in nature.