Preface to Lyrical
Ballads - William Wordsworth
Preface to Lyrical Ballads is an essay written by the English Romantic poet
William Wordsworth. In 1798, Wordsworth and S.T.Coleridge wrote the poetry
collection ‘Lyrical Ballads. In which nineteen poems were written by Wordsworth
and four by S.T.Coleridge.
William Wordsworth’s "Preface to Lyrical Ballads" (1800) was published in his second edition.It serves as a manifesto for Romanticism, articulating a new poetic philosophy that emphasizes the importance of personal emotion and natural expressions. Wordsworth and Coleridge sought to redefine the nature of poetry and its purpose by rejecting the artificial, highbrow neoclassical conventions. Wordsworth’s ‘Preface’ includes his definition of poetry and the poet, his views on language and meter, the subject matter of poetry and the overall purpose and function of poetry.
Definition of poetry
William Wordsworth defined poetry as the "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility", emphasizing that poetry arises from deep emotion, nurtured by reflection in a calm state, and expressed in the language of common people to provide pleasure and moral insight, connecting humanity with nature.This definition, outlined in his Preface to Lyrical Ballads, marked a significant shift towards Romantic ideals, prioritizing sincerity, nature, and the common man in poetry.
Poetic Diction and Language
Wordsworth states, “the
language of poetry is to be taken from the common speech of men”. He sought to
bridge the gap between the poet and the reader, asserting that the use of everyday
language would enhance the emotional impact of poetry. By employing a diction
that resonates with the reader’s own experiences, Wordsworth aimed to foster a
deeper connection between the poet’s work and the audience. He believed that
poetry should reflect the truths of human existences of the people. Wordsworth saw
nature as a profound source of inspiration and emotion. He believed that by
using simple and natural language, poets could convey the beauty and majesty of
the natural world.
Wordsworth also acknowledged the
importance of rhythm and meter. While he advocated for a simpler language, he
did not dismiss the significance of form in poetry. He understood that the
musicality of verse plays a crucial role in enhancing the emotional experience
of the reader. For Wordsworth, the ideal poetic diction should be harmonious,
allowing the language to flow naturally and resonate with the emotional content
of the poem.
Wordsworth believes that Fancy makes things
exact and definite, while imagination leaves everything vague and indefinite.
Fancy perceives the essential unity of man, God and Nature way, the imagination
edits his view of reality through later reflection.
This ‘Preface’ not only serves as a
cornerstone of Romantic literature but also continues to influence the modern
poetic thought. Wordsworth’s emphasis on the emotional and moral power of
poetry underscores its enduring significance as a means of exploring and
understanding the human condition.
