Preface to Lyrical Ballads

Introduction:

The Preface to Lyrical Ballads, written in 1800 by William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor
Coleridge, marks a new beginning in literature. They challenge old poetry rules, promoting
everyday language, emotions of people and rejecting artificiality. It's a revolutionary
manifesto that shapes a simpler, more human-centered era in poetry.

Manifesto of Romanticism:

In the Preface to Lyrical Ballads, Wordsworth and Coleridge talk about Romanticism, a new
way of writing that started in the late 1700s. They say poetry shouldn't follow strict rules like
it did before. Instead, they think it should be about feelings, personal experiences, and the
beauty of nature. They believe poetry should come from real human emotions, not just from
following old rules. This shows a big change in what people thought was important in
writing, focusing more on expressing yourself and talking about nature.

Nature and Imagination:

In the Preface to Lyrical Ballads, Wordsworth stresses the importance of nature and
imagination in poetry. He suggests that spending time in nature can stimulate our creativity
and stir profound emotions within us. Wordsworth believes that poetry originates from the
powerful feelings we experience when we reflect on our encounters with nature. This
viewpoint underscores the Romantic notion that nature is not only a source of aesthetic
beauty but also a profound influence on human emotions and artistic expression.

Wordsworth and Coleridge's Views on Poetic Language:

Wordsworth values simple language, honesty, and connecting with everyday people in
poetry, stating "The language of poetry should be as far as possible a selection of the
language really spoken by men." Coleridge, in contrast, believes in using imaginative and
elevated language to create a heightened poetic effect, advocating for "the best words in their
best order." While Wordsworth emphasizes accessibility and sincerity, Coleridge argues for

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the transcendence of ordinary language to evoke deeper emotions and insights, leading to a
clear distinction in their views on poetic language.

Wordsworth's Definition of Poetry and the Poet:

Wordsworth defines poetry as "the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings," emphasizing

the genuine expression of emotions without artificiality. He views the poet as a sensitive
observer who finds inspiration in nature and everyday human experiences, stating, "the
principal object, then, proposed in these poems was to choose incidents and situations from
common life." In his Preface to the Lyrical Ballads, he rejects traditional poetic conventions,
advocating for a poetry that reflects the simplicity and authenticity of ordinary life.

Message about Man, Nature, and Experience in Wordsworth and Coleridge's Poetry:

Wordsworth and Coleridge both emphasize the deep bond between humanity and nature in
their poetry. Wordsworth celebrates nature's spiritual and moral significance, as seen in "I
Wandered Lonely as a Cloud." In contrast, Coleridge delves into the supernatural and
imagination, as evident in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner." Both poets convey messages
about the interconnected relationship between man, nature, and experience, despite with
different thematic focuses.

Comparison and Contrast:

Wordsworth and Coleridge have different ways of using language and poetry to express their
views on man and nature. Wordsworth focuses on simplicity and sincerity, praising nature's
ability to inspire and uplift humanity. In contrast, Coleridge explores the supernatural and
imagination, finding deeper meanings in the mysteries of the natural world. Despite these
differences, both poets share a common reverence for nature, showcasing diverse
perspectives and enriching the tapestry of poetic expression.

Conclusion:

So, Wordsworth and Coleridge's Preface changed poetry a lot. They talked about personal
feelings and nature instead of old ideas. Their ideas still matter today and have made a big

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impact on how we think about writing and expressing ourselves. They showed us a new way
to see poetry and inspired many writers.

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