Wordsworth's

Defense Against His

Choice of Writing
Poetry
Introduction :
"The Preface to Lyrical Ballads" presents
Wordsworth's defense against his choice of
writing poetry. Wordsworth explains here why he
choose
(a)common language,
(b) common incident and
(c) plain style in his poetry.
Common language :
He explained why he used common language. He
said, there is no duality in common men. " in that
condition, the essential passions of the heart find a
better soil in which they csn attain their maturity,
are less under restraint, and speak a plainer and
more emphatic language".
Common Incident
Humble and rustic life has been chosen by him for the following
reasons:
 In rustic condition, human passions are arranged with the
beautiful and permanent forms of nature.
 manners of rustic life are more easily comprehended, and are
more durable.
 In humble and rustic life, the essential passions of human heart
find and unrestrained, free and pure expression.
 The essential passions of the human heart exist in a state of greater
simplicity in the common life as compared to vanity of city-life.
Plain Style
In his poetry , we will find that personifications of
abstract ideas rarely used. Because his purpose was to
imitate, to adopt very language of men. That's why he
rejects personification, metaphor and any mechanical
device. Because, " I have wished to keep the Reader in the
company of flesh and blood ".
conclusion
Wordsworth admired rustic life not only because
it looked beautiful, but because of the simplicity
and beauty that rustic life provided allowed
people to be in touch with their soul and
experience true beauty in life.