The Task

Matthew Nunez 1B

Task: (1785)
William Cowper’s “The Task” is a work that describes how nature frames itself into beautiful pictures of it’s own design. Cowper describes how the point of view of the spectator is directed by nature. “Conducts the eye along its sinuous course” (165). In viewing the nature around him, he sees how the streams, clouds and vales encapsulate the world around him and creates something in which humans can find enjoyment from. Cowper’s thoughts of nature are positive and he even includes humans and villagers in his description, which suggests that Cowper saw the symbiotic relationship of nature and mankind.