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How does Wordsworth define poetry? Discuss this definition in relation to his poetic philosophy.




William Wordsworth Wikipedia

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How does Wordsworth define poetry

William Wordsworth defines poetry as:

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

(From the Preface to Lyrical Ballads, 1802)

He also defines poetry as:

"The breath and finer spirit of all knowledge... the impassioned expression that is in the countenance of all science."

(From the Preface to Lyrical Ballads, 1802)

In other words, Wordsworth sees poetry as:

- A natural and emotional response to experience
- A reflection on and shaping of those emotions through contemplation
- A expression of the deepest human feelings and experiences
- A way to capture and convey the essence of nature, human nature, and the world around us
- A fusion of emotion, imagination, and intellect

For Wordsworth, poetry is not just a literary form, but a way to connect with the world, ourselves, and others on a deeper level.


William Wordsworth defines poetry as "the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility" (Preface to Lyrical Ballads). This definition is central to his poetic philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of nature, emotion, and the individual experience.

For Wordsworth, poetry is not just a matter of technical skill or intellectual exercise, but an expression of the deepest human emotions and experiences. He believes that poetry should originate from a genuine emotional response to nature, people, or events, and then be refined and shaped through contemplation and reflection.

The phrase "spontaneous overflow" suggests a natural, unforced expression of feelings, while "emotion recollected in tranquility" implies a later reflection on those feelings, in a calm and peaceful state. This definition highlights Wordsworth's emphasis on the importance of nature, the individual's emotional response to it, and the need for contemplation and reflection in the creative process.

In his poetic philosophy, Wordsworth also emphasizes the importance of:

1. Nature: as a source of inspiration, comfort, and spiritual renewal.
2. Emotion: as the foundation of poetry, and the key to authentic expression.
3. Imagination: as the faculty that shapes and transforms experience into poetry.
4. Simplicity: in language and style, to convey the essence of human experience.
5. The individual: as the central figure in poetry, with their unique experiences and perspectives.

Wordsworth's definition of poetry and his poetic philosophy have had a significant influence on Romantic poetry and beyond, shaping the way we think about the role of poetry in capturing and expressing the human experience.

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