The Deserted Cottage (1859)

The Deserted Cottage is a narrative poem written by William Wordsworth in 1859. The poem tells the story of a cottage that has been abandoned by its inhabitants, who have left behind only memories and traces of their former life. The narrator of the poem, who is not explicitly identified, visits the cottage and reflects on the lives of the people who once lived there.The poem is divided into three parts, each of which explores a different aspect of the deserted cottage. In the first part, the narrator describes the cottage and its surroundings in vivid detail, highlighting the beauty of the natural landscape and the melancholy atmosphere of the abandoned dwelling. In the second part, the narrator imagines the lives of the people who once lived in the cottage, piecing together their stories from the objects and artifacts they left behind. In the final part, the narrator reflects on the transience of human life and the power of memory to preserve the past.Throughout the poem, Wordsworth employs his characteristic style, using simple language and vivid imagery to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing. The Deserted Cottage is a meditation on the passage of time and the fragility of human existence, and it remains one of Wordsworth's most enduring works.Also Illustrated By John Gilbert. Engraved By The Brothers Dalziel.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.