1. William Wordsworth Believed in creating one’s own reality: “Pre-life” Ideal Realm – one with nature, imagination, wonder and awe Real World – harsh and feared, nature is against us, reality embraced Childhood Adulthood IMAGINATION REFLECTION

2. William Wordsworth Believed in creating one’s own reality. I.Early Years – A.Born in 1770 in England B.Parents died during his boyhood C.Spend much of his time playing out in nature

3. William Wordsworth II.Growing Up – A.Deeply troubled by Rationalism B.Had an emotional understanding of the world

4. William Wordsworth III.Writings – A.Wrote Lyrical Ballads with Coleridge B.His poetry came from a “spontaneous overflow” of emotions C.Used simple language of common people (at the time!) D.Used concrete stories from life E.Emotion + Tranquility = Poetry F.Created MAJOR change in poetry 1.In England: Most important poet 2.In America: Influenced Emerson & Thoreau

5. Emotion + Tranquility = Poetry Steps - 1.Have emotions about an experience in your life. 2.Leave and go be at peace with yourself and your emotions. 3.Return to the place of your experience so that you fully appreciate the experience. 4.You are then able to write poetry. Summary: Have an experience; feel it and live it. Walk away and think about it. Return to it (either in mind/body)…then, write it.

6. “Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey” The Wye

7. Also Tintern Abbey…Obviously in ruin! (COWS)

8. Goodrich Castle (just down the river…) My Room

9. William Wordsworth Homework – Create an “emotional experience” of your own this evening: Write about your “happy place”. Where is it? What do you see, hear, taste, smell, or feel/touch while you are there?