Preface To The Lyrical Ballad by William Wordsworth

William Wordsworth:

             

             William Wordsworth (1770 – 23 April 1850) was an English Romantic poet who, with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, helped to launch the Romantic Age in English literature with their joint publication Lyrical Ballads (1798).

Introduction:

             

             The Preface to Lyrical Ballads is an essay, composed by William Wordsworth, for the second edition published in 1800 of the poetry collection Lyrical Ballads, and then greatly expanded in the third edition of 1802. It includes many topics like... 

-Ordinary life is the best subject for poetry

-Wordsworth uses common man's language

-Everyday language is best suited for poetry etc. 

Why does Wordsworth ask "What is a poet?" rather than "Who is a poet?"

Wordsworth’s choice to ask "What is a poet?" instead of "Who is a poet?" reflects his philosophical and conceptual approach to understanding the nature of poetry. By asking "What," Wordsworth is probing the essence and qualities of a poet rather than focusing on individual identities. He aims to explore the fundamental characteristics and functions of poetry and poets, considering their role, purpose, and impact in a broader, more abstract sense. This approach allows him to delve into the definition and significance of poetry itself.

*How does Wordsworth define poetry? Discuss this definition in relation to his poetic philosophy.

*Wordsworth famously said, “For all good poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.” Explain this with reference to Wordsworth’s definition of poetry.

William Wordsworth’s definition of poetry, articulated in his "Preface to Lyrical Ballads," emphasizes poetry as the expression of genuine emotions and experiences. He defines poetry as "the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" that are recollected in tranquility. According to Wordsworth, poetry arises from a deep emotional experience and is shaped by reflection and contemplation.

This definition aligns closely with Wordsworth’s poetic philosophy, which champions the idea that poetry should be a natural, sincere expression of the human experience. He believed that poets have a unique ability to convey complex emotions and universal truths through their work, allowing readers to connect with the poet’s inner world and experience profound feelings themselves.

Wordsworth also valued simplicity and directness in language, arguing that poetry should be accessible to ordinary people rather than confined to the elite. He saw poetry as a means to elevate the common experiences and emotions of everyday life, rendering them into a form that speaks to universal human truths. This perspective is evident in his emphasis on the natural world and the common experiences of rural life, which he felt were rich sources of poetic inspiration.

In summary, Wordsworth’s definition of poetry as a spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings, recollected in tranquility, reflects his belief in the importance of genuine emotional expression, simplicity, and the connection between the poet’s personal experience and broader human experience.

*Poetic Diction

Language really spoken by men in ordinary life. Wordsworth believed that poets should employ a simpler, more natural language that reflects the common speech of people, making poetry more accessible and genuine. This approach contrasts with the ornate and conventional diction that was popular in the 18th century.

Wordsworth favored colloquial diction and simple diction. He advocated for using the "language really spoken by men" to make poetry more relatable and genuine, moving away from the ornate style typical of his predecessors there were belongs to classical age. His emphasis was on clarity and emotional honesty, reflecting ordinary speech patterns and everyday experiences.

There are some major diction that was followed by Wordsworth in his poetry. 

Everyday Language: 

Wordsworth often employed common, conversational language rather than the high-flown diction of his predecessors. He aimed to write poetry that was accessible and relatable to ordinary people. For example, in "Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey," he uses straightforward language to convey deep philosophical thoughts.

Natural Imagery:

Wordsworth's diction frequently draws upon natural imagery, reflecting his Romantic interest in nature. His descriptions of natural scenes use familiar and concrete terms, as seen in "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud," where he describes daffodils with simple yet vivid language.

Emphasis on Emotion and Reflection:

Wordsworth's language often reflects personal emotion and introspection. In "The Prelude," his use of direct and unadorned language helps convey his personal experiences and philosophical insights.

Simplicity and Clarity: 

He prioritised clarity and simplicity over ornate language. This approach is evident in poems like "The Tables Turned," where he contrasts the value of book learning with the wisdom gained from nature, using clear and direct language to communicate his message.

Analyze the poem in the context of Wordsworth's poetic creed.

             

              William Wordsworth’s poetry often exemplifies his concept of poetic diction, which he believed should be written in the "real language of men" rather than in the elevated or artificial style used by earlier poets. Here are a one examples from his work:

  1) "The Prelude"

Wordsworth's autobiographical epic also reflects his belief in using ordinary language. For example:

“I was a thy little boy, who at the time / Had scarcely left his mother's arms. "

2) "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud"

In this poem, Wordsworth describes a field of daffodils with straightforward, everyday language:

“For oft, when on my couch I lie / In vacant or in pensive mood, / They flash upon that inward eye / Which is the bliss of solitude.”

               In these examples, Wordsworth's diction is simple and natural, aiming to reflect genuine human emotions and experiences rather than adhering to ornate or artificial language.

*Wordsworth describes a poet as "a man speaking to men: a man, it is true, endowed with more lively sensibility, more enthusiasm and tenderness.” Explain this with reference to your reading of Wordsworth’s views in the preface to lyrical ballad. 

In the "Preface to Lyrical Ballads," Wordsworth describes a poet as "a man speaking to men: a man, it is true, endowed with more lively sensibility, more enthusiasm and tenderness."

Communication and Connection: Wordsworth sees the poet primarily as a communicator who speaks to others. The poet's role is to convey emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a way that resonates with the readers or audience. The poet’s work should bridge the gap between individual experiences and the shared human condition.

Enhanced Sensibility: Wordsworth acknowledges that poets possess a heightened level of sensibility. This means they have a deeper emotional response to the world around them and are more acutely aware of their own feelings and the nuances of experience. This sensitivity allows poets to capture and articulate emotions with greater intensity and clarity than the average person.

Enthusiasm and Tenderness: The poet’s enthusiasm reflects their passionate engagement with life and their subject matter, while tenderness denotes a compassionate and empathetic approach to human experiences. This combination enables poets to connect with readers on an emotional level and to offer insights that are both profound and relatable.

 

*Wordsworth claims that “A poet has a greater knowledge of human nature, and a more comprehensive soul, than one supposed to be common among mankind.” Discuss this with reference to your reading of Wordsworth’s views in the preface to lyrical ballad. 

In the "Preface to Lyrical Ballads," Wordsworth’s claim that "a poet has a greater knowledge of human nature, and a more comprehensive soul, than one supposed to be common among mankind" reflects his belief in the exceptional nature of the poet’s insight and sensitivity.who has greater knowledge of human nature, and a more comprehensive soul, who rejoice, more than other men In  the spirit of life;habitually impelled to creative volition, passions to write something new. So " poet has a greater knowledge of human nature, and a more comprehensive soul, than one supposed to be common among mankind.”

Conclusion:

               

               Overall, Wordsworth’s poetic diction was designed to evoke a sense of authenticity and emotional depth, grounded in the natural world and everyday experience.