Abstract

In this dissertation, I examine the ontological dimensions of Wordsworth's attempt to write "the first genuine philosophic poem." To find a basis for a truly symbolic language, to establish a workable epistemology, to develop a model of spiritual growth, and, most important, to theorize a reconciliation between the two philosophical extremes of idealism and natural philosophy and, in so doing, achieve an "ideal-realism"--these were Wordsworth's goals. The critical tradition, set chiefly by Coleridge, emphasizes Wordsworth's lack of philosophical rigor. This conventional interpretation customarily stresses epistemological confusions and sees Wordsworth's "system" of thought as based, rather haphazardly, on natural philosophy and empiricism. In this light, critics often think that Wordsworth had no plan at all for fusing the two disciplines of poetry and philosophy. Wordsworth was more thorough than we have generally thought and created his "system" by emphasizing ontology and taking into account shortcomings in Coleridge's philosophical formulations. ;Epistemological and ontological theories of our own time offer new perspectives on The Excursion. De Man's concept of "undecideability" is extremely useful for revealing how Wordsworth defined himself against Coleridge and created his own unique metaphysics of presence; Heidegger's thinking the ontological difference is crucial for understanding Wordsworth's model of spiritual development; and Heidegger's and Derrida's attempts to overcome the metaphysical tradition are invaluable for considering the relationship between the Wanderer and the Solitary. In this way, I argue against the Coleridgean perspective, against the tradition it has created, and for a greater sensitivity to Wordsworth's attempt to fuse poetry and philosophy in The Excursion