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

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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 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

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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 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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