Wordsworth's Theory of Poetry
With Special Reference to the Second Edition of Lyrical Ballads (1800)
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Historical Background
- Definition of Poetry
- Poetic Process
- Subject Matter of Poetry
- Language of Poetry
- Concept of the Poet
- Function of Poetry
- MCQs
- Answer Key
I. Introduction
II. Historical Background
Wordsworth’s theory of poetry emerged as a reaction against the Neo-classical tradition of the eighteenth century, which emphasized reason, rules, and artificial poetic diction. Influenced by the French Revolution and democratic ideals, he sought to give voice to common humanity and individual emotion. The growing impact of industrialization and urbanization also led him to idealize rural life and nature. These historical forces shaped his emphasis on simplicity, natural language, and sincere emotional expression in poetry.
III. Definition of Poetry
William Wordsworth’s theory of poetry is mainly explained in the Preface to Lyrical Ballads (1800). According to Wordsworth, poetry is “the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility.” Poetry begins with strong emotions experienced by the poet, which are later recalled in a calm and reflective state. He believed that poetry should deal with common life and ordinary people, using simple, natural language rather than artificial poetic diction. For Wordsworth, the poet is a man of heightened sensibility who communicates deep emotions and universal truths through sincere expression.
IV. Poetic Process
According to William Wordsworth, the poetic process consists of a gradual movement from emotion to artistic creation. It begins with powerful emotions arising from real experiences of life and nature. These emotions are not expressed immediately; they are recollected in tranquility, that is, remembered in a calm and reflective state of mind. During this reflection, the poet’s imagination and contemplation give shape and order to the emotions. Finally, the refined emotions flow out naturally in the form of poetry. Thus, the poetic process involves experience, recollection, reflection, and spontaneous expression of feeling in a harmonious and meaningful way.V. Subject Matter of Poetry
Wordsworth believed that the subject of poetry should be common life and ordinary human experiences. He believed that the lives of humble rural people provide the best material for poetry because their feelings are simple, sincere, and closely connected with nature. Wordsworth emphasized emotions, passions, and moral values rather than heroic or artificial themes. Nature, childhood, memory, and the inner life of man are central subjects. Through these simple subjects, poetry expresses universal human truths and deep emotional experiences.
VI. Language of Poetry
According to William Wordsworth, the language of poetry should be simple, natural, and close to the language of common men. He strongly opposed artificial poetic diction and ornate expressions used by earlier poets. Wordsworth believed that poetry should use everyday speech, especially the language spoken by ordinary rural people, because it is sincere and emotionally genuine. However, this language should be purified of vulgarity and arranged in a rhythmic and imaginative form. For Wordsworth, simplicity and clarity in language make poetry more powerful and meaningful.
VII. Concept of the Poet
According to William Wordsworth, a poet is “a man speaking to men” endowed with more lively sensibility, deeper emotions, and greater imaginative power than ordinary people. The poet possesses the ability to feel intensely, to reflect deeply, and to communicate universal human experiences. He also has a close relationship with nature and uses his heightened awareness to give pleasure and moral insight through poetry.
VIII. Function of Poetry
According to William Wordsworth, the chief function of poetry is to give pleasure by awakening noble emotions and thoughts. Poetry refines human feelings, strengthens moral values, and creates sympathy among people. It acts as a source of emotional and spiritual education rather than mere instruction. Wordsworth believed that poetry has a healing and uplifting power, bringing joy, consolation, and harmony to the human mind. Through sincere expression of feeling, poetry deepens our understanding of life and nature.
MCQs: Wordsworth’s Theory of Poetry
- Wordsworth’s theory of poetry is mainly expressed in:
A. The Prelude
B. Tintern Abbey
C. Preface to Lyrical Ballads
D. Biographia Literaria - The second edition of Lyrical Ballads was published in:
A. 1798
B. 1799
C. 1800
D. 1805 - Poetry is defined by Wordsworth as:
A. Imitation of nature
B. Intellectual exercise
C. Spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings
D. Ornamentation - “Emotion recollected in tranquillity” refers to:
A. Immediate emotional outburst
B. Calm reflection on past emotion
C. Logical analysis
D. Mechanical writing - Wordsworth preferred which life as poetic subject?
A. Court life
B. Urban life
C. Rustic life
D. Aristocratic life - Wordsworth rejected:
A. Nature
B. Imagination
C. Poetic diction
D. Emotion - The language of poetry should be:
A. Ornamental
B. Artificial
C. Real language of men
D. Classical - Prose and poetry differ mainly in:
A. Grammar
B. Vocabulary
C. Theme
D. Metre - The poet is described as:
A. A prophet
B. A philosopher
C. A man speaking to men
D. A ruler - Wordsworth believed poetry gives:
A. Wealth
B. Pleasure
C. Power
D. Fame - Wordsworth belonged to:
A. Classicism
B. Victorianism
C. Romanticism
D. Modernism - Rustic life is preferred because it is:
A. Luxurious
B. Artificial
C. Close to nature
D. Educated - The Preface to Lyrical Ballads is considered:
A. A poem
B. A manifesto of Romanticism
C. A play
D. A novel - Wordsworth emphasized poetry should give:
A. Knowledge
B. Discipline
C. Pleasure
D. Wealth - Wordsworth’s theory stresses:
A. Rules and form
B. Technique alone
C. Emotion and imagination
D. Ornamentation
Answer Key
1. C
2. C
3. C
4. B
5. C
6. C
7. C
8. D
9. C
10. B
11. C
12. C
13. B
14. C
15. C
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