An Eco-discourse Analysis of the Nature Poem from the Perspective of Transitivity System - A Case Study of Wordsworth's I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud

Abstract

Ecological discourse analysis, as an emerging discipline, aims to reveal the role of language in ecology. The transitivity system serves as a theoretical foundation, which helps to explore the ecological ideas implied in ecological discourse. William Wordsworth, a British Romantic poet, is famous for his poetry depicting natural scenery. I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud is a representative work of his nature poems. Based on the transitivity system of systemic functional linguistics, this paper conducts a deep analysis of Wordsworth's nature poem I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud from the perspective of ecological discourse analysis, exploring the basic path of the poet's expression of his ecological view through language. On the one hand, the poet regards the relationship between humans and all things in nature as a harmonious and equal dialogue partnership. He wants to advocate respect for nature, awe of nature, and oppose anthropocentrism, promoting the ecological idea of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, which reflects his positive ecological view. On the other hand, by studying Wordsworth's ecological ideas, readers can be guided to establish a healthy ecological view, enhance their sense of ecological responsibility, and promote people's love for nature and friendship with nature.