PREFACE TO LYRICAL BALLADS PREFACE TO LYRICAL BALLADS
PREFACE TO LYRICAL BALLADS
PREFACE TO LYRICAL BALLADS It was written in 1800 by W. Wordsworth. l It was considered the manifesto of Romanticism in English and European culture. l In his preface Wordsworth explaned their intentions and aims. l This preface was to become one of the most famous documents of literary criticism in English literature. l
In “Preface to Lyrical Ballads” Wordsworth explain his point of view on different topics: The subject of poetry. l The language of poetry. l The identity of the poet. l The creative act of the poet. l
THE SUBJECT OF POETRY The poem should deal with incidents and situations from common life. l Thanks to imagination, ordinary things should be presented to the mind in a inusual way. l Low and rustic life was generally chosen, because in that condition, the essential passions of the heart find a better soil in which they can attain maturity. l
THE LANGUAGE OF POETRY The language “really used by men” is adopted. l A language of common life convey feelings and notions in simple and unelaborated expressions. l A simple language is accordingly more permeant than a philosophical one. l
THE IDENTITY OF THE POET The poet is a man speaking to men. l It is a man with more lively sensibility, more enthusiasm and tenderness than others men. l He has a greater knowledge of human nature, and more comprehensive soul, than are supposed to be common among mankind. l
THE CREATIVE ACT OF THE POET l Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquillity. Irene Fattori 5 C
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