The Conflict between Youth and Maturity Author William Wordsworth believed that innocence and youth could not coexist with experience and maturity. In his poem titled “We Are Seven,” he substantiates his opinion when the adult speaker in the poem encounters a young eight year old girl. Enamoured by her beauty and innocence, he approaches the girl as she plays on the countryside. First the man inquires about her family asking, “How many may you be?” (14) …showed first 75 words of 420 total…

…showed last 75 words of 420 total…himself to the little girl, drops down to her level and stubbornly argues a point to the girl that she presently, at her age, just does not understand. This seems to reflect a possible role reversal since the man continues to harass her demanding approval of his beliefs. William Wordsworth solidifies his opinion in regards to the clash of youth and maturity since the speaker never was enlightened by the innocence of the young girl.