Abstract
There is one poem that fits no category in the volume, either those from Germany in 1799 or those from Grasmere in 1800, and like many exceptions, it has rule-proving properties. Nothing is known about the genesis of the ‘Song for the Wandering Jew’, except that it may refer to the Jews William and Dorothy saw being ill treated in Hamburg. It reminds us of Wordsworth’s ability to say something completely different from what he seems to be saying or from what he usually says—his ability, marked in the preface, to admit to doubts and qualifications that, if taken seriously would upset his entire train of thought: ‘If this be but a vain belief, yet oh!’.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
