Preface to Lyrical Ballads : Quotations
Preface to Lyrical Ballads is a notable literary work by William Wordsworth. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Preface to Lyrical Ballads.
Quotations
Quote 1: Definition of Poetry: “For all good poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.”
Explanation: Wordsworth says that poetry comes from strong emotions. It is not made with effort but flows naturally from the heart.
Quote 2: Words of Common Men Avoiding Poetic Diction: “My purpose was to imitate, and as far as possible, to adopt the very language of men.”
Explanation: He wanted to write poetry using simple, everyday language. He avoided the decorative and artificial words used by earlier poets.
Quote 3: No Difference between Prose and Poetry: “Poetry sheds no tears ‘such as angels weep’ but natural and human tears…”
Explanation: Wordsworth says that poetry is not magical or distant from real life. Like prose, it conveys genuine human emotions.
Quote 4: Poetry – Source of Knowledge: “Poetry is the first and the last of all knowledge – it is as immortal as the heart of man.”
Explanation: Poetry was the earliest form of knowledge, and it will remain forever. It speaks to the heart, not just the brain.
Quote 5: Definition of a Poet: “He is a man speaking to men.”
Explanation: A poet is not above others. He is an ordinary man who speaks from his heart to others with deep feelings.
Quote 6: Duty of a Poet: “But poets do not write for poets alone, but for men.”
Explanation: Poets should write for all people, not just for other poets. Their job is to give joy and meaning to everyone.
Quote 7: Poetic Truth Over All: “Poetry is the philosophic of all writings…carried alive into the heart by passions.”
Explanation: Poetry gives deeper truth than science or history. It touches the heart with emotions and not just facts.
Quote 8: Against Neo-Classical Writing: “There will be found in these volumes little of what is usually called poetic diction.”
Explanation: Wordsworth rejects the difficult, fancy language of old poetry. He chooses simple, clear words for real people.
Quote 9: Function of a Poet: “So that it will be the wish of the Poet to bring his feelings near to those of the persons whose feelings he describes.”
Explanation: A good poet tries to feel what others feel. His own emotions must match those of the people he writes about.
Quote 10: Language of Poetry is the Language of Common Men: “The poet thinks and feels in the spirit of human passions…”
Explanation: Wordsworth says that poets feel like all people do. Therefore, their language should not be significantly different from everyday language.
Quote 11: Poet of Nature: “He considers man and nature as essentially adapted to each other…”
Explanation: Wordsworth believed that humans and nature are deeply connected. The poet’s mind reflects the beauty and meaning of nature.