In I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud and Surprised by Joy (also commonly known as 'Daffodils'), William Wordsworth uses figurative language to reveal that noticing the little things in life can change a person's perspective. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud is a poem in which Wordsworth explains how simple it was for his loneliness to be seized by his hands at the sight of beautiful daffodils. In the first stanza, the poet uses a simile to describe how lonely he feels. Wordsworth feels as if he is “wandering lonely as a cloud.” He uses the clouds as a measure to represent his loneliness. The clouds are very far from the ground, so this is how he wants the reader to imagine his feelings. Suddenly, the speaker sees a field of “golden daffodils; beside the lake, under the trees, fluttering and dancing in the wind” and his loneliness is taken away from him in a quick instant. Wordsworth constantly uses personification to compare nature to people and how they can have the same effect. It is able to portray the idea that people are not the only thing that can brighten your day; that there are many other ways to boost morale. Furthermore, realizing that the company of people is not necessary, the speaker is able to find pleasure in small and insignificant things. After seeing the daffodils, he explains that they are “stretched in an infinite line.” Wordsworth uses hyperbole to exaggerate the immense amount of cheer that daffodils bring him. He reveals that his change in perspective has given him enough happiness to last him a lifetime. Then Wordsworth reveals that daffodils are “continuous as the stars that twinkle and twinkle on the Milky Way.” Through the use of a simile, the poet is able to show the reader how abundant and beautiful the flowers are. The fact that he compares such a simple vision to a huge galaxy full of stars shows how changing the way we look at things can have a significant impact on the way people see things. In the poem Surprised by Joy, the speaker has lost a significant companion who once played a very important role in their life. He reveals that he felt empty, because "the most beautiful treasure of his heart was no longer there". He feels like his existence no longer has a purpose because his most precious possession is no longer with him. Suddenly, the speaker finds himself “surprised by joy, impatient as the wind.” Even after everything he's been through, he's still able to somehow find happiness. The poet was already convinced that there was nothing that could lift his spirit, but opening his eyes a little more proved him wrong. Even in the midst of darkness and loneliness, there is a way to ease the despondency. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In conclusion, Wordsworth uses different types of figurative language, especially personification, to show the reader how nature has the ability to present a person with more than just beauty. Many people are blinded by the things they want to see, but embracing new things could change their outlook on life in a positive way. Letting in that little bit of hope and lowering your standards can teach you a lot about new ways of experiencing the content of life.