Discuss in detail about Wordsworth’s views on the choice of the language and the subject of poetry.
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.
Answer
Discuss in detail about Wordsworth’s views on the choice of the language and the subject of poetry.
Or, Critically examine Wordsworth’s views of poetic diction as elucidated in his “Preface to Lyrical Ballads.”
In his “Preface to Lyrical Ballads” (1800), William Wordsworth (1770-1850) shares revolutionary ideas about poetry. He argues that poetry should use simple and everyday language. He also believes the best subjects come from ordinary life. It includes farmers, nature, and village people. His views rejected traditional poetry. Wordsworth wanted poetry to be natural, emotional, and accessible to everyone. His ideas changed English literature forever.
Simple Language: Wordsworth says poetry must use everyday language. Unlike old poets who used fancy words, he writes as common people speak. This makes poetry easy to understand. He believes deep emotions are best expressed in simple words. When a shepherd or farmer reads his poems, they should feel connected. His goal is to remove the gap between poets and ordinary readers. The poet says,
“My purpose was to imitate, and as far as possible, to adopt the very language of men.”
Rural Life and Ordinary People: Wordsworth chooses the village people and nature as his main topics. He thinks city life is artificial, but rural life is pure and honest. Farmers, beggars, and children appear in his poems. Their struggles and joys reflect real human emotions. Unlike earlier poets who wrote about kings, he finds beauty in ordinary lives. This makes him a true poet of the poor and working class. The poet believes that the language of poetry is the language of ordinary men, as he says,
“The poet thinks and feels in the spirit of human passions. How then can his language differ in any material degree from that of all other men who feel vividly and see clearly?”
Nature as a Source of Truth: Nature was Wordsworth’s favorite subject. He saw it as pure, peaceful, and full of truth. Unlike crowded cities, nature inspires deep feelings and clear thoughts. Poems about lakes,Unlock this study guide now