William Wordsworth – Preface to Lyrical Ballads
The Preface to Lyrical Ballads (1800; revised 1802) is the most important critical document of English Romanticism. Written by William Wordsworth, the Preface explains the principles behind the poems in Lyrical Ballads and lays down a new theory of poetry that challenged eighteenth-century poetic conventions.
Purpose of the Preface
Wordsworth wrote the Preface to justify a new kind of poetry that:
- uses simple language
- focuses on ordinary people
- expresses genuine emotion
- reflects real human experience
The Preface is both a defence of his poems and a manifesto of Romantic poetry.
Poetry of Common Life
Wordsworth argues that poetry should deal with:
- common men
- rustic life
- ordinary incidents
Rustic life is preferred because:
- passions are more genuine
- language is simple and natural
- human emotions appear in a pure form
Language of Poetry
Wordsworth strongly rejects the artificial, ornate language of eighteenth-century poetry. He advocates the use of:
- language really used by men
- simple, direct speech
- natural expression
He argues that there is no essential difference between the language of poetry and prose, except for metre.
Definition of Poetry
Wordsworth famously defines poetry as:
“The spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings; it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquillity.”
According to this definition:
- poetry begins in emotion
- it is later reflected upon calmly
- the emotion is then expressed artistically
Emotion Recollected in Tranquillity
Wordsworth explains that poetry is not written in moments of emotional excitement. Instead:
- experience creates emotion
- memory recalls it in calmness
- the emotion is revived imaginatively
This process transforms raw feeling into art.
Role of the Poet
Wordsworth defines a poet as:
- a man speaking to men
- someone with heightened sensitivity
- a person with deeper knowledge of human nature
The poet feels more intensely and expresses emotions more powerfully than ordinary people.
Poetry vs Science
Wordsworth contrasts poetry with science:
- science seeks truth through facts
- poetry seeks truth through emotion
He believes poetry offers:
- emotional pleasure
- moral insight
- universal truth
Thus, poetry has a higher emotional value than scientific knowledge.
Use of Metre
Wordsworth defends the use of metre in poetry. Metre:
- adds pleasure
- controls emotional excess
- distinguishes poetry from prose
Metre helps balance strong emotions and creates artistic harmony.
Function of Poetry
According to Wordsworth, poetry should:
- give pleasure
- cultivate sympathy
- strengthen moral feeling
- connect man with nature
Poetry educates emotions rather than intellect.
Romantic Principles in the Preface
- importance of emotion
- celebration of nature
- value of imagination
- rejection of artificial rules
- focus on individual experience
Critical Significance
- foundation of Romantic literary criticism
- challenged neoclassical poetry
- influenced later poets and critics
- redefined poetry and poetic language
Criticism of Wordsworth’s Theory
- language of poetry cannot be identical to prose
- emotion alone cannot create poetry
- rustic life is sometimes idealised
Despite criticism, the Preface remains a landmark text.
Quick Revision Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Author | William Wordsworth |
| Work | Preface to Lyrical Ballads |
| Year | 1800 (revised 1802) |
| Main Idea | New theory of Romantic poetry |
| Key Definition | Poetry = emotion recollected in tranquillity |
| Language | Language really used by men |
| Importance | Manifesto of Romanticism |
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