Similarities in some poems

There are obviously plenty of similarities in Wordsworth's poems because he, of course, wrote them all, but I found "Simon Lee," "Anecdote for Fathers," and "Old Man Traveling," to be particularly comparable. They all tell some sort of story or the remembrance of a particular scene, they all begin with a description of the subjects and circumstances of poem, and they all end with some type of revelation.

In "Simon Lee," Wordsworth describes poor old Simon Lee and his life that is near its end because he works beyond his strength. Wordsworth then informs the reader that, even though he/she may expect a story to be related, he will not tell a tale - but "perhaps a tale you'll make it," (80). He invites the reader into the poem. He then describes the scene where he encounters Simon Lee and takes out the root of the tree with one blow after Simon Lee has struggled with it. Wordsworth is struck by the sadness he feels about the gratitude he receives from Simon Lee after such a simple favor. He gives great significance to such a small exchange.

In "Anecdote for Fathers," Wordsworth describes his son, describes their walk, then centers in on a particular moment. He asks his son whether he likes the house at Kilve by the sea or where they are at Liswyn farm. The boy says he prefers Kilve, but does not know why. When asked further by his father why he prefers Kilve, the boy sees a weather vane and says he prefers Kilve because it doesn't have a weather vane. Again, from this small exchange, Wordsworth finds profound meaning; he learns from the innocence of this child. He appreciates the boy's simplistic thinking, away from rationality or logic. Perhaps on another level, the weather vane could represent a less "natural" place to be, but I don't think the boy thought of that. Wordsworth probably did, though.

In "Old Man Travelling," again the subject of the poem, a man, is described. He is walking in deep thought. He is "by nature led/ To peace so perfect," (12). He appears to be very composed, patient, and peaceful. When Wordsworth asks what the object of the man's journey is, the man replies that he is going to say goodbye to his dying son. Although Wordsworth doesn't explicitly state his revelation, it is clear what he thinks. This man appeared to be so at ease, composed, one with nature, yet his son is about to die.