Three Years she Grew in Sun and Shower

Name: Three Years she Grew in Sun and Shower
Author: William Wordsworth

The poem explores the relationship between a girl and nature, depicting her growth and development over three years. Nature personifies itself, claiming the girl as its own and promising to nurture her into a beautiful being. The girl is envisioned as a harmonious part of the natural world, embodying joy, grace, and vitality. Nature vows to be both her guiding force and source of inspiration, allowing her to experience the beauty and tranquility of her surroundings. As the girl matures, she is portrayed as playful and spirited, akin to a fawn, and is deeply connected to the elements around her. The imagery emphasizes her bond with the landscape, where even the clouds and stars are depicted as companions. The poem suggests that her experiences with nature will shape her character and essence, imbuing her with a sense of wonder and delight. However, the tone shifts dramatically with the revelation of her untimely death. The speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitable loss that accompanies love and beauty. The serene landscape becomes a poignant reminder of her absence, leaving the speaker with memories of their time together. The final lines encapsulate the themes of transience and the enduring impact of love, as the speaker grapples with the void left by her departure. The work ultimately juxtaposes the vibrancy of life with the sorrow of loss, highlighting the profound connection between humanity and the natural world.

By William Wordsworth · First published 1798 · Genre: Romantic Poetry, Nature Poetry, Lyric Poetry · 399 words

First lines

Three years she grew in sun and shower, Then Nature said, "A lovelier flower On earth was never sown; This Child I to myself will take; She shall be mine, and I will make A Lady of my own.

"Myself will to my darling be Both law and impulse; and with me The Girl, in rock and plain, In earth and heaven, in glade and bower, Shall feel an overseeing power To kindle or restrain.

What this Textopian page supports

Three Years she Grew in Sun and Shower is listed on Textopian as a poem by William Wordsworth, dated 1798 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: William Wordsworth
Date: 1798 CE
Language: English
Genres: Romantic Poetry, Nature Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Elegy, Childhood Literature
Length: 399 words
Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Three Years she Grew in Sun and Shower by William Wordsworth
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Three Years she Grew in Sun and Shower?
How does this poem by William Wordsworth fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Romantic Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Romantic Poetry — The poem embodies the characteristics of Romanticism, focusing on nature, emotion, and the idealization of childhood.
Nature Poetry — Nature plays a central role in the poem, with vivid imagery and personification of natural elements.
Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal feelings and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Elegy — The poem reflects on loss and memory, particularly in the context of Lucy's death.