William Wordsworth
In "Preface to Lyrical Ballads," William Wordsworth explores what he believes to be the search for truth in art. His claim rests on the assertion that "all good poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (Wordsworth 19). Wordsworth clearly equates the creation of poetry as an outward expression of an inner emotion or experience. His theory supports the fact that poetry is not simply something that is to be written but that it be read and understood by every man. This paper will examine how Wordsworth reaches this conclusion and successfully proves his points.
Wordsworth begins his "preface to Lyrical Ballads" by focusing on issues of style. He claims, "Humble and rustic life was generally chosen, because, in that condition, the essential passions of the heart find a better soil in which they can attain their maturity, are less under restraint, and speak a plainer and more emphatic language" (18). He believes that feelings "coexist in a state of greater simplicity" (18) and, as a result, are "more accurately contemplated, and more forcibly communicated" (18). From this perspective, Wordsworth is aiming the success of poetry as an art form at the human experience. His premise depends on the notion that poetry is meant to be a communication tool first and foremost. As a result, it is the responsibility of the poet to express him or herself in a manner appropriate. Wordsworth is correct in assuming that unless readers can gain pleasure from reading something they do not understand, the poet should descend from his or her "supposed height" and "express himself as other men express themselves" (23). This statement lies at the very heart of Wordsworth's notion.
In fact, Wordsworth rails against the poetry of the day that lended itself to social vanities. The object of poetry, according Wordsworth, is to relate to the experiences of the common man in a language that was used by common...
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