British Romanticism

William Wordsworth 1770-1850 Born in Cockermouth, Cumberland, England Mother died 1778 Attended St. John’s College, Cambridge Had affair with Annette Vallon “Vaudracour and Julia” for lover and daughter William Wordsworth came to know a lot of sorrow in his life. He was born on April 17, 1770 in Cockermouth, Cumberland, England. His mother died in 1778 when William was eight years old, and his father died five years later. Wordsworth continued his education at St. John’s College in Cambridge. In 1791, he visited France. While there, he had an affair with Annette Vallon; the result was an illegitimate daughter named Caroline. Wordsworth tried to hide the affair, but they are the basis of his poem “Vaudracour and Julia.”

Definition of Poetry “the spontaneous overflow of powerful feeling, recollected in tranquility” As opposed to reason

English Lake District

Losses and Triumphs Married Mary Hutchinson Five children Lived with sister Dorothy Brother John died at sea Lost friendship with Coleridge Two children died Granted honorary Doctor of Civil Law degrees Wordsworth later married Mary Hutchinson, and they had five children together. Wordsworth’s sister Dorothy lived with Wordsworth for much of his life even after he and Mary were married. Wordsworth and Mary’s marriage was tested with many sorrowful events. Wordsworth’s brother John was lost at sea in 1805. Wordsworth had fought with and lost the friendship of Samuel Coleridge in 1810. However, later in life, Wordsworth and Coleridge reconciled their friendship and toured the Rhineland together. In 1812, two of Wordsworth’s children died. But Wordsworth’s life was not all gloom and doom. He was granted an honorary Doctor of Civil Law degree from Durham University in 1838. Oxford awarded him the same honor the following year.

Viva La France! Supporter of the French revolution In France 1791-1792 fell in love, was a fervent “democrat” and fathered a daughter

Wordsworth in Despair Named Poet Laureate Death of third child, Dora Stopped writing poetry Abandoned Romantic beliefs Died in 1850 at Rydal Mount Buried at St. Oswald’s Church, Grasmere Further accolades came when Wordsworth was named Poet Laureate in 1843. Yet, once again, sorrow invaded Wordsworth life. In 1847, a third child died, a daughter named Dora, and Wordsworth stopped creating poetry altogether. Late in his life, Wordsworth abandoned his views concerning Romanticism and became a conservative, patriotic man. Wordsworth died in 1850 at Rydal Mount. His body is buried at St. Oswald’s Church in Grasmere.

Wordsworth’s Works Wordsworth used “real language of men” Lyrical Ballads “Tintern Abbey” Wordsworth used “real language of men” Marked as the beginning of the Romantic Period Writes about marginal people; culturally speaking with using their language, deals with children, he is not going by contract of writing, doesn’t care if his poetry is read—poetry is from the inside of the poet Wordsworth was close friends with Samuel Coleridge. Together they produced Lyrical Ballads in 1798. The volume contains one of Wordsworth’s most famous poems, “Tintern Abbey,” along with Coleridge’s famous “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” Ironically, the volume did not list Wordsworth or Coleridge as the authors. The second edition, published in 1800, listed only Wordsworth as the author. In the preface to this volume, Wordsworth discusses a principle of Romanticism: He chose to use the “real language of men,” which contrasted from the stiff, formal words of common 18th century poetry. Also in the preface, Wordsworth defines poetry as “the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings from emotions recollected in tranquility.”

Works and Themes Recurring themes in Wordsworth’s poetry The Prelude Poems in Two Volumes The Lake Poets: Wordsworth, Coleridge, Southey With the trials that Wordsworth endured, it’s no wonder that his poems contain common themes of death, endurance, separation, and abandonment. His masterpiece is considered to be The Prelude, which Wordsworth finished in 1805 and had originally named “poem to Coleridge.” Wordsworth refused to publish this work during his lifetime; it was actually his wife Mary who published it after Wordsworth’s death in 1850. She changed the name of the work to The Prelude. Wordsworth published Poems in Two Volumes in 1807. Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Robert Southey lived in the Lake District and worked together; they became called the Lake Poets.

“Tintern Abbey” Tintern Abbey: in the title describes it’s the day before Bastille Day (9 years later). Title seems more like a journal entry, the words “Tintern Abbey” aren’t even mentioned in the poem. Represents the decrepit or collapses religion (abbey). A new explanation of human suffering—a justification. Wordsworth’s sister is on the journey with him He had it in his head for 4-5 days 

“Tintern Abbey” Conversation poem—goes into philosophy of meaning of life. Speaks of past 5 years with his breakdown, and love with French women. Spots of time—particular settings and times that are restorative (energy wells) with memories from what he once experienced

“Ode: on Intimations” Describe the format. What used to be isn’t any longer Look at the changes in each stanza What does “intimation” mean? Wordsworth says childhood memories and the changes are results of? What does Wordsworth suggests about a child? What does “The child is father of the man” suggest? What is the central image?