Preface to Lyrical Ballads: Poetic Principles & Common Language
Normal ScholarWordsworth’s poetic manifesto against neo-classical artificiality.
Key Takeaways & High-Yield Points
• Definition: 'Spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings recollected in tranquility'.
• Subject matter: Humble and rustic life where the essential passions of the heart find better soil.
• Language: A selection of language really used by men.
• Rejection of poetic diction and personification of abstract ideas.
Unit 2: Romantic Poetry & Poetic Theory
Lessons in this unit: