Theme

The main theme of the poem “The World Is Too Much with Us” by William Wordsworth is that of modernity versus the natural world. This theme is enhanced with the motifs of consumerism and spirituality (religion).

Modernity versus the Natural World

The speaker in the poem is disappointed by the modern society he lives in, brought about by the Industrial Revolution. He describes this new society using the motif of consumerism. His world is focused on “getting and spending” (l. 2) and it is “out of tune” (l. 8) with nature. While the poet admits that modernity may seem like a “boon” (l. 4) and be, thus, beneficial, it is actually also something “sordid”, which disgusts idealistic persons.

Using mythological symbols, the poet implies that nature is more accustomed to the divine and the spiritual than people. For this reason, the speaker in the poe...