Flow: Both reason and a stream are characterized by their continuous movement and flow. Just like a stream flows forward, reason continuously operates to process information, make judgments, and arrive at conclusions.
Purity: Wordsworth associates reason with purity and clarity, much like a clear and unpolluted stream. Pure reasoning allows individuals to think logically, free from biases and emotions, leading to clearer understanding.
Life-Giving Force: Reason, like a stream, is seen as a life-giving force. Just as a stream provides water for sustenance and growth, reason provides nourishment for the mind and facilitates intellectual growth and development.
Connection: Reason, akin to a stream connecting different landscapes, establishes connections between ideas, facts, and experiences. It helps individuals make associations and draw inferences, leading to a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Reflection: Wordsworth suggests that reason acts like a mirror, reflecting the true nature of things. Just as a stream reflects the sky, trees, and surroundings, reason reflects reality, allowing individuals to perceive and comprehend the world accurately.
Beauty: Wordsworth considers reason to be beautiful, akin to the aesthetic appeal of a stream. Reasoning and intellectual endeavors can be inherently pleasing and satisfying.
By drawing these parallels, Wordsworth highlights the dynamic and vital nature of reason, its ability to clarify thoughts, foster intellectual growth, and provide a clear reflection of reality, making it a vital force in human life.