There is a metaphor in "The child is father ...". The poet compares childhood to be the father of man. This shows that childhood has a great influence on man's whole life. It is the base of manhood. He believes that the foundation of manhood are laid in childhood. It is those inclinations and tendencies which exist in a person in his childhood, which are further developed and become deep-rooted as he grows in years. Therefore, this love for the objects of nature must be instilled in the child from his early years. In this manner, these fine qualities gradually get mature as his age advances. The poet means that men are the children of the past. Here, the poet teaches the reader the importance of nature love.