Heaven lies about us in our infancy! Shades of the prison-house begin to close upon the growing boy.

Summary

This quote, from William Wordsworth's poem "Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood," suggests that in our infancy, we are closest to heaven and possess a certain innate purity and innocence. However, as we grow older, a sense of confinement and limitation starts to overshadow our lives. The "shades of the prison-house" refer to the societal constraints and expectations that gradually restrict our freedom and imagination as we transition into adulthood. Wordsworth highlights the contrast between the blissful freedom of childhood and the oppressive nature of the world's influence in shaping our perception and experiences.

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