The Manifesto of English Romanticism
Wordsworth's "Preface" to the second edition of "Lyrical Ballads" (1800) is considered the Manifesto of English Romanticism. It marked a radical departure from the poetic conventions of the 18th century, which primarily used elevated language.
Vocabulary: Poetic diction refers to the linguistic style and vocabulary used in poetry.
Wordsworth proposed that poetry should be a revolutionary act in ordinary language. As part of the first generation of Romantic poets, he sought to theorize about poetry and strongly objected to the use of elevated language (poetic diction).
Example: Instead of using lofty phrases, Wordsworth might describe a simple scene like "I wandered lonely as a cloud" to convey profound emotions.
For Wordsworth, the subject matter of poetry should deal with everyday situations, and the language should be simple. He believed that this choice brought poetry closer to real life and human passions. In his view, the poet was "a man among men, writing what interests mankind."
Man and Nature
Wordsworth shared Jean-Jacques Rousseau's faith in the goodness of nature and the innocence of children. He was particularly interested in the relationship between the natural world and human consciousness.
Highlight: Wordsworth's poetry often focuses on the poet's response to natural objects rather than mere descriptions.
In Wordsworth's pantheistic view, man and nature are inseparable. He saw nature as encompassing both inanimate objects and human nature, believing it could teach man to love and act morally.
The Importance of Senses and Memory
Nature, for Wordsworth, was closely linked to sensory perceptions. He particularly emphasized the sensibility of the eye and ear in his poetry.
Example: In poems like "Daffodils," Wordsworth uses vivid sensory details to convey the impact of nature on the human spirit.
Influenced by the associationist David Hartley, Wordsworth believed that one's moral character develops during childhood as a result of pleasurable and painful physical experiences. He was deeply interested in how his relationship with nature grew and influenced him over time.
Quote: "Memory is a major force in the process of growth of the poet's mind."
Recollection in Tranquility
Wordsworth gave "imagination" the significance of loving observation of nature. He used "imagination" as a synonym for "intuition" but never admitted a divorce between it and reality.
Quote: "All genuine poetry takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility"
This famous statement suggests that poetry arises from emotions that are remembered and contemplated in a state of calmness, allowing for a deeper understanding and expression of the original experience.
The Poet's Task and Style
Wordsworth believed that the poet possesses a greater sensibility and the ability to penetrate the heart of things. Through imagination, the poet becomes a teacher who shows others how to understand their feelings.
Highlight: Wordsworth saw the poet's task as drawing attention to the ordinary aspects of life and revealing their extraordinary nature.
In doing so, Wordsworth revolutionized poetic language and subject matter, paving the way for the Romantic movement in English literature and influencing generations of poets to come.