PREFACE TO LYRICAL BALLADS William Wordsworth 1802 Anna Turato 5C a. s. 2009 - 2010
Manifesto of Romanticism The “Preface to Lyrical ballads” is considered the Manifesto of English and European Romanticism In the Manifesto the features of the Romanticism are outlined The Manifesto deals with the poet’s intentions and aims in writing poetry
The Content Incidents and situations from common, low and rustic life Ordinary things should be presented in an unusual way Feelings and emotions should be conveyed in simple and unelaborated expressions
The Language A selection of language really used by men Familiar, plain and simple language like everyday speech A language deprived of the vulgarities and artificialities of any kind of language
The poet A man speaking to men A man endued with a more lively sensibility, enthusiasm and tenderness than common men He has a greater knowledge of human nature He has a more comprehensive soul than common men He is driven to create passions where he does not find them
Poetry Wordsworth defines it as born from “An Emotion recollected in tranquillity” Poetry is the “Spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings” Poetry’s ultimate goal is pleasure