1. PREFACE TO LYRICAL BALLADS
William Wordsworth
1802
Anna Turato 5C a. s

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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