Origin of Poetry
Poetry, according to William Wordsworth, is “the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.” It is an ancient form of expression that has been composed and recited since antiquity. The word “poetry” is derived from the Greek “po-ei-a” meaning “to make” or “create.” Today, most experts agree that it rights itself within the context of the written word rather than through song, chant, or some other medium. Throughout its long history, the purpose and definition of poetry has shifted with different periods of time and, according to some experts, this definition is still not fully resolved.
Wordsworth’s Views
Many consider Wordsworth to be one of the founders of modern poetry. His magnum opus, “The Prelude,” has been heralded as one of the most complex, emotional pieces of literature ever written. In his works and in the many letters he wrote, Wordsworth argued that the highest form of poetry is achieved when it is able to convey emotions in a powerful and effective way. He wrote, “poetry should be simple, natural, and, at the same time, sublime.” Indeed, Wordsworth considered poetry to be a form of emotional expression as well as a form of communication.
Wordsworth’s Theory of Poetry
Wordsworth firmly believed that poetry should be a reflection of deep and powerful human emotions. He argued that true poetry comes from the very depths of the poet’s soul and that these powerful emotions should be expressed honestly, with no filter. He famously wrote, “Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.” He also believed that poetry should be composed with a certain level of freedom, for that was the only way to accurately express the emotions of the poet.
Wordsworth and Imagery
Wordsworth believed that imagery was an essential tool for conveying powerful emotions. He argued that imagery should be used to capture and reflect the emotional intensity of the poet. He believed that, in order to truly understand the emotional state of the poet, it was necessary to pay close attention to all of the details of the imagery. He wrote, “There are emotions of the mind so strong, that in their very intensity they transform themselves into imagery.”
Style of Poetry
Wordsworth wrote that the style of poetry should be closely aligned with the feelings of the poet. He wrote, “Feelings are the only sources of all real poetry; they create elegant and rhythmical composition, and are the essential elements of the sublime in literature.” He argued that the style of poetry should be malleable, with the poet having the freedom to determine the best way to communicate their message.
Wordsworth’s Legacy
William Wordsworth’s literary works have stood the test of time, and his theories on poetry remain as relevant today as when he first wrote them. Wordsworth firmly believed that poetry was a powerful form of emotional expression and his works strive to capture the intensity of human emotion. He argued that poetry can be composed in a flexible manner, allowing the poet to express themselves in a unique, powerful way.
Theme of Poetry
Wordsworth believed that one of the most important aspects of poetry is its ability to convey the themes of the poet. He wrote extensively on the power of nature to evoke powerful feelings in both the poet and the reader. Wordsworth argued that themes such as love and loss, death and despair, and victory and joy should be incorporated into poetry. He wrote that true poetry should encompass a broad range of emotions and experiences and should engage both the intellect and the emotions of the reader.
Robustness of Poetry
Wordsworth also argued that poetry should have a certain level of robustness in order to ensure that it stood the test of time. He wrote that the language of poetry should be such that it can withstand the passing of many years and the changing of cultural values without becoming outdated. He argued that poetry should not rely on specific cultural references and should strive to remain relevant to future generations.
Accessibility of Poetry
Wordsworth also wrote that poetry should be accessible to the general public. He wrote that the language of poetry should not be overly erudite and that it should strive to communicate its message in a clear and concise manner. He argued that the concepts presented in poetry should be understandable by both intellectuals and laypeople alike. He believed that if poetry was to fulfill its purpose as an expressive form, it should also be easy to digest and comprehend.
Metromancer & Poetry
Wordsworth was known for his brilliant use of meter and rhyme in his works. He often employed iambic pentameter, a specific type of meter in which each line consists of five iambs, each of which involves a two-beat stress pattern. Additionally, Wordsworth often employed various forms of rhyme, such as blank verse, couplets, tercets, and quatrains, in his works. He argued that the use of meter and rhyme can further enhance the power of poetic expression by creating an emotionally powerful and harmonious structure.
Purpose of Poetry
William Wordsworth believed that the purpose of poetry was to capture and convey the powerful emotions of the poet. He argued that poetry should strive to be genuinely expressive, honest, and sublime. For Wordsworth, the highest form of poetry was achieved when it communicated powerful emotions effectively and engaged both the intellect and the emotions of the reader.
Wordsworth and Nature
Wordsworth believed that nature was one of the most powerful sources of inspiration for poets. He wrote extensively about the power of nature to evoke powerful emotions in both the poet and the reader. He believed that the beauty and fragility of nature could create a passionate connection between the poet and the natural world, thereby inspiring the poet to compose powerful works.
Wordsworth and Creativity
William Wordsworth argued that creative expression, and particularly poetry, had the power to communicate powerful emotions that could not be captured by any other form of expression. He argued that true creativity was achieved by creating a strong emotional connection between the writer and the reader, thereby allowing the reader to feel the intense emotions of the poet. He believed that poetry had the power to engender a sense of meaning in life, particularly in those moments when hope seemed lost.
