William Wordsworth and Percy B. Shelley - these names represent, more than any other does, the Romantic Period in England. Wordsworth′s Preface to Lyrical Ballads, the second version written in 1802, and Shelley′s Defence of Poetry (1821) are two basic documents of Romantic thought and aesthetics. I will here endeavour to compare them, showing both the similarities and differences between the demands and beliefs of the authors. Preparing for my paper, I was surprised to find so little literature that concentrated on this special topic. Articles and books on the relationship between these poets concentrate on biographical aspects and general differences in thought, but do not trace into their theory of poems. Much attention is paid to the generation gap, as in the book of G. Kim Blank, and I learned that it is impossible to treat my topic adequately without taking this aspect into consideration. Therefore I will first give a survey of the times and circumstances the essays were written in, then compare them, trying to apply the facts of the first chapter where it is possible.
Table of Contents
0 Introduction
1 The Poets and Their Time
2 The Preface and the Defence in Comparison
2.1 The Language
2.2 The Role of the Poet
3 Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the influence of historical circumstances on the poetic theories of William Wordsworth and Percy Bysshe Shelley. It addresses how their distinct approaches to language and the role of the poet reflect their respective generations' engagement with Romantic ideals, democratic principles, and political change.
- Romanticism in English literature
- Comparative analysis of poetic manifestos
- Evolution of language and poetic expression
- Political impact and vision of the poet
Excerpt from the Book
2.1 The Language
William Wordsworth talks about the importance of language right from the beginning of his preface: In the forth paragraph he claims that “language and the human mind act and re-act on each other” (Wordsworth, Preface 142), first without going into detail. He deplores the “gaudiness and inane phraseology of many modern writers” (ibd.) and introduces the reader to his alternative concept. “Incidents and situations from common life” (ibd.), as well as “language really used by men” (143) are chosen, because “in that condition . . . elementary feelings co-exist in a state of greater simplicity” (ibd.), and therefore it is easier to contemplate them. Wordsworth hopes to find basic feelings, not influenced by fashion and vanity (which he considers to be phenomena of urban life), and he believes that “a language, arising out of repeated experience and regular feelings [the language of rural life, my note], is a more permanent” (ibd.) than that of contemporary poets.
Summary of Chapters
0 Introduction: The introduction establishes the significance of Wordsworth and Shelley for Romantic aesthetics and identifies the research gap regarding their comparative poetic theories.
1 The Poets and Their Time: This chapter analyzes how the political climate, specifically the fallout from the French Revolution, shaped the personal and poetic development of both authors.
2 The Preface and the Defence in Comparison: This chapter provides a detailed comparison of the two texts, divided into discussions on linguistic theory and the envisioned societal role of the poet.
2.1 The Language: This section explores how Wordsworth and Shelley viewed the function and evolution of language as a tool for poetic expression.
2.2 The Role of the Poet: This section examines the differing concepts of the poet as a figure within the community versus a visionary creator.
3 Conclusion: The conclusion synthesizes the findings, highlighting both the distinct modernist/romantic differences and the shared underlying motivations of the two poets.
Keywords
Romanticism, Wordsworth, Shelley, Preface to Lyrical Ballads, Defence of Poetry, Poetic Theory, Language, Imagination, French Revolution, Visionary, Aesthetics, Literature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper explores and compares the Romantic poetic theories found in Wordsworth’s "Preface to Lyrical Ballads" and Shelley’s "Defence of Poetry" within their historical contexts.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The main themes include the influence of the French Revolution on poetic thought, the nature of language in poetry, and the social role of the poet.
What is the central research question?
The work aims to identify the similarities and differences in the demands and beliefs of Wordsworth and Shelley, particularly regarding how their respective eras influenced their aesthetics.
Which methodology is employed in this study?
The author uses a comparative literary analysis, tracing the poets' theoretical arguments against their biographical and historical backgrounds.
What does the main body of the text discuss?
The main body examines the poets' attitudes toward language, their rejection of neo-classical principles, and their evolving definitions of the poet's function in society.
How are the key concepts of the study defined?
The study characterizes these authors through key terms such as egalitarianism, visionary power, permanence, and the function of imagination.
How does Wordsworth’s perception of language differ from Shelley’s?
Wordsworth advocates for "language really used by men" to achieve simplicity and permanence, while Shelley views language as a creative, ever-evolving force that poets must refresh to maintain social relevance.
In what way does the author categorize Shelley’s view of the poet?
The author identifies Shelley’s view as modernist, portraying the poet as a near-divine creator and prophet who reveals the image of the world through the power of imagination.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2000, The Poets and their Times: Wordsworth's - Preface to Lyrical Ballads - and Shelley's - Defence of Poetry -, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/3901
