The Characteristics and Functions of a Poet

Answer

What, according to Wordsworth, are the characteristics and functions of a poet?

In the “Preface to Lyrical Ballads” (1800), William Wordsworth (1770-1850), a prominent English poet, outlined his views on the nature and purpose of poetry. He discussed several functions of a poet, and here is a point-by-point discussion.

Expression of Emotion: Wordsworth believed poetry is a powerful medium for expressing and evoking emotions. He defines poetry based on emotion. He says,

Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility.

Poets should reflect on their emotions and experiences and express them in their work. By doing so, poetry can capture the essence of human emotions and provide the reader with a profound emotional experience.

Representation of Ordinary Life: Wordsworth advocated for poetry that focused on the experiences and feelings of ordinary people in everyday situations. He believed that the language of poetry should be close to the language spoken by common people rather than relying on artificial or highly stylized forms of expression. Wordsworth argued that poetry should seek to elevate life’s ordinary and mundane aspects and find beauty and significance in simple moments and scenes. He states,

 The principal object, then, proposed in these poems was to choose incidents and situations from common life.

Connection with Nature: Wordsworth emphasized the connection between poetry and nature. He believed that nature was a source of inspiration and solace. Poetry can capture and convey the profound emotions and spiritual experiences arising from our encounters with the natural world. Wordsworth presents this in such a way,

 Ordinary things should be presented

to the mind in an unusual aspect;

Wordsworth saw nature as a teacher. It offers valuable lessons and insights into human existence. He believed that poetry should reflect this relationship with nature.

Education and Morality: Wordsworth believed poetry had a moral and educational role in society. He argued that poetry should be instructive and guide readers toward virtuous behavior. 

It is this, that the feeling therein developed gives importance to the action and situation and not the action and situation to the feeling.

By portraying the emotions and experiences of individuals in various situations, poetry could help readers understand the moral implications of their actions and make ethical choices. Wordsworth believed poetry could foster empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding of human nature.

Reflection of the Poet’s Mind: Wordsworth emphasizes the importance of the poet’s personal experiences and perspectives in shaping their work. He believed poetry should reflect the poet’s mind. It should capture their thoughts, emotions, and observations. Wordsworth saw the poet as a person with a unique sensitivity and insight into the world. Their role was to communicate their vision through poetry. The poet’s perspective added depth and authenticity to their work. This makes it more relatable and meaningful to readers.

In termination, Wordsworth saw poetry as a powerful medium for emotional expression, a representation of ordinary life, a connection with nature, a tool for education and moral guidance, and a reflection of the poet’s mind. His ideas in the “Preface to Lyrical Ballads” helped shape the Romantic movement in poetry and had a lasting influence on understanding poetry’s function and purpose.