Early Life and Education
The formative years of William Wordsworth shaped his poetic sensibilities profoundly. Born in 1770 in Cockermouth, Cumberland, he grew up surrounded by the magnificent Lake District landscape that would later influence his poetry. His early education, supported by his lawyer father's extensive library, laid the foundation for his literary career. After completing his Bachelor's degree at St John's College, Cambridge in 1791, he embarked on transformative travels through France and the Alps.
Highlight: Wordsworth's sister Dorothy played a crucial role in his poetic development, maintaining journals that provided insights into his creative process.
Example: The collaboration between Wordsworth and Coleridge resulted in "Lyrical Ballads" (1798), which became a cornerstone of romanticismo inglese letteratura.
Quote: The 'Preface' to Lyrical Ballads became "the Manifesto of English Romanticism," establishing new principles for poetic composition.
Definition: Poet Laureate - the official poet appointed by the British monarchy, a position Wordsworth held from 1843 until his death in 1850.