Wordsworth’s Choice of Language and Subject in Poetry

Answer

Discuss in detail about Wordsworth’s choice of language and subject in poetry, considering him a poet of the common man.

William Wordsworth (1770-1850) is a leading figure in the Romantic movement. He is renowned for his revolutionary approach to poetry. He emphasized simplicity in language and subject matter to make poetry more accessible to ordinary people. Wordsworth’s belief in the importance of nature and human emotion is evident in his works. His poetry often explores the experiences of common people. He draws inspiration from everyday life and the natural world.

Simplicity of Language: Wordsworth believed that poetry should be written in the language of ordinary people. He rejected the complex and ornate language of previous poetic traditions and used simple, direct words to convey profound ideas and emotions. This approach made his poetry easy to understand and relatable. Wordsworth Says: 

Such a language, arising out of repeated experience and regular feelings, is a more permanent, and a far more philosophical language.

For instance, in his famous poem, “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud,” Wordsworth uses plain language to describe the beauty of a field of daffodils. The simplicity of his words allows readers to visualize the scene easily and feel the emotions he experienced. 

Focus on Common People: Wordsworth’s poetry often focuses on the lives of ordinary people. Wordsworth  says,

But Poets do not write for Poets alone, but for men.

He believed that the experiences and emotions of common people were worthy of poetic exploration. This was a radical idea at the time, as most poetry focused on the lives of the wealthy and powerful. 

In “The Solitary Reaper,” Wordsworth describes a simple Highland girl reaping grain in a field. Through this poem, Wordsworth highlights the beauty and significance of a moment in an ordinary person’s life.

Connection with Nature: Nature is a central theme in Wordsworth’s poetry. He believed that nature profoundly influenced the human soul and could inspire deep emotional responses. His poetry often describes the beauty of the natural world and its impact on the human spirit.

Emphasis on Emotion: Wordsworth believed that poetry should express genuine emotions. He argued that poets should write from their experiences and feelings rather than relying on artificial or exaggerated emotions. This emphasis on authentic emotion is evident in much of his work. Dominated by the powerful passion of Romanticism, Wordsworth has put some questions. 

What is meant by the word poet? What is a poet? To whom does he address himself? And what language is to be expected from him?

In the next lines, he disclosed his questions. 

He is a man speaking to men, who has a greater knowledge of human nature.

Thus, Wordsworth nicely decorated the qualifications and functions of a romantic poet in his preface to the lyrical ballads.

Influence on Later Poetry: Wordsworth’s focus on simplicity, nature, and the lives of ordinary people had a significant impact on later poetry. He paved the way for other Romantic poets, such as Samuel Taylor Coleridge and John Keats, who also emphasized emotion and nature in their work. His ideas about the role of the poet and the purpose of poetry continue to influence modern literary thought.

In termination, William Wordsworth’s choice of language and subject matter revolutionized poetry. By using simple language and focusing on the experiences of common people, he made poetry accessible to a wider audience. His emphasis on nature and genuine emotion resonates with readers, making his work timeless. Wordsworth’s contributions to poetry demonstrate the power of simplicity and the beauty of everyday life.