Contrary to what many critics state, Wordsworth does capture the true essence of childhood. While reading "Tintern Abbey" and "Ode: Intimations of Immorality", the reader is instantly aware that the point of view is from an adult who dreams of returning to the age when life had no worries. In the beginning lines of his "Ode: Intimations of Immorality" Wordsworth paints a picture which carries much similarity to Genesis's "Garden of Eden". For example, throughout lines 1-2, Wordsworth talks of a serene setting with a "meadow, grove, and stream". Then, he begins to further glorify his setting by mentioning that according to him it "appareled in celestial light". In many ways this is childhood. Most children have no worries and their state of mind is not troubled or disturbed in any way, much like Wordsworth's setting. Moreover, the way they see the world is not tarnished, as opposed to when they mature and the evils of the world begin to surface.
             Yet, the most important concept brought upon by Wordsworth is not only the idea of what being a child is or what it should be, but the constant yearning for an adult to return to his/her youth. By showing childhood as the only time when an individual can be truly carefree, Wordsworth creates a want in the reader to again experience life as it was-before maturity began to occur. In both poems, Wordsworth speaks of childhood as only a faint memory, which can never be duplicated in an adult life. For instance, in lines 83 and 84 of "Tintern Abbey", Wordsworth writes that childhood is "That time is past, and all its aching joys are now no more". Personally, I do not feel that Wordsworth exaggerates any part of what it means to be a child through the eyes of an adult-especially an adult whose life may prove troublesome. Though maturity heightens knowledge, I cannot say I don't miss the ignoran...