
In the Poem “Nuns Fret Not at Their Convent’s Narrow Room” Wordsworth uses multiple examples of people and creatures in their workplace to help convey the meaning of the poem. The professions Wordsworth uses are chosen specifically because they seem to be a prison of some sort to the typical reader. Wordsworth also uses a metaphor that references a flower called a foxglove bell. The examples of professions and the bee metaphor are used to communicate the meaning of the poem which is: Although most people may see a workspace as a prison, or uncomfortable, others thrive in the environment and do not see it as such. 

In the poem Wordsworth includes a numerous examples of people whose workplace may seem like a prison of sorts. He does this for a reason. Wordsworth specifically selects certain professions to help drive the meaning of the poem home. The first and most powerful example Wordsworth uses is the Nun. Wordsworth writes, “Nuns fret not at their convent’s narrow room”(line 1) In this example the poet is describing the mindset of catholic nuns while they devote their lives to others. These nuns swear to Poverty, Chastity and Obedience. From the perspective of the average person, a nuns’ vows seem to be imprisoning. Wordsworth contrasts this idea by saying that the nuns “fret not”, or don’t worry, about the restrictions placed on them by their vows. The nuns actually use their restrictions to help them find more meaning in what they love. The nuns actually set the seemingly restricting regulations on themselves to get more out of their life. Wordsworth also uses this example as the title of the poem because it is the most relatable and powerful example of the meaning of the poem. 

In addition to examples, Wordsworth also include a powerful metaphor that helps clear up the meaning of the work a little bit more. The metaphor used in the poem supplements the examples given at the beginning of the poem. Immediately following the last example is a transition into the metaphor. Wordsworth writes “bees that soar for bloom, high as the highest peak of Furness-fells, Will murmur by the hour in foxglove bells:” (line 5). This metaphor is referring to bees that, in a search for blooming flowers, will be flying around in foxglove bells. This metaphor connects to, and helps elucidate, the meaning of the poem. The Foxglove Bells referenced in the metaphor are actually a poisonous flower. This is the detail that relates the metaphor to the meaning of the poem. Although the Foxglove Bells are poisonous to most creatures, the bees thrive in them and rely on them to survive. What, to most, would look like danger, to the bees, is a meaning to life.

The examples along with the metaphor combine to help the reader understand the meaning of the poem as a whole. These are not the only examples Wordsworth uses to help convey the meaning of the poem. In the last half of the poem Wordsworth describes in his own words what the meaning of the poem is. He also gives a personal example of how restrictions set by oneself can help open more doors in life and give you more freedom in your thought than ever possible without the restrictions in place. Wordsworth writes “‘twas pastime to be bound within the sonnet’s scanty plot of ground.” (line 10). By saying this he is referring to how a sonnet’s structure may seem “scanty”, or insufficient, for one to truly express their thought. However, to him, the sonnets restrictions are fun and allow him to go deeper into his thought than he could without the restrictions. This personal example is then followed up by a quote that reads “Pleased if some souls (for such there needs must be) Who have felt the weight of too much liberty, Should find brief solace there, as I have found.” (Wordsworth line 12). When Wordsworth says this he is saying that too much liberty is uncomfortable. When you have too much freedom your brain cannot comprehend all of the possible thoughts. Your thought process is stretched thin like a blanket trying to cover everything there is to think about. However, when restrictions are put on your thought process, you are able to focus all your thought onto one topic and you can really get deeper into the meaning of what you are doing. 

In the poem “Nuns Fret Not at Their Convent’s Narrow Room” Wordsworth includes a number of examples along with a metaphor and a personal example to help the reader understand the meaning of the poem which is: In order to truly understand and find meaning in what you are doing, you must put restrictions on yourself to help focus your mind and get deeper into your thought. The example of the Nun describes how a nun, although in what seems to be a prison, is actually comfortable because she is able to focus on what she truly believes. The metaphor with the bee describes how insects who live amongst deadly flora, are able to find meaning in life. Wordsworth’s personal example using sonnets shows how without restricting yourself you will not be able to dig as deep into your thought. There is one more quote that sums up the meaning of the poem; that quote is “In truth, the prison into which we doom ourselves, no prison is.” (line 8). In other words, what may seem like a prison to others may just be a set of restrictions that help us indulge in deeper thought and understanding. All of these features help construct the meaning of the poem. 