Dorothy Wordsworth and the Writing of Resolve

Dorothy Wordsworth’s Grasmere journal is a document of shared life at Dove Cottage. But it was begun as response to, and way coping with, absence. The first entry the journal, for 14 May 1800, records that Wordsworth’s1 brothers William John (the latter whom present cottage from January to September 1800 help set up their home) had off on trip Yorkshire. stayed behind and, mournful parting with especially, her walk back home drawn out by need sit often gather herself: ‘I sate long time upon stone margin lake, & after flood tears my heart easier’.2 During another these extended sittings, she made profound decision: Sate down very often, tho’ cold. I resolved write till W J return, about keeping resolve because will not quarrel myself, shall give Wm Pleasure when he comes again. (GJ, p. 1)