Wordsworth's Preface to the Lyrical Ballads holds significant historical importance, serving as a pivotal moment in the evolution of English literary criticism. It acts as a boundary that delineates the end of one era and the commencement of another, representing a clear separation between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This work signifies a rebellion against the neo-classical poetry prevalent during the Augustan period.
1. In this Preface, Wordsworth challenges the conventional perspective of poetry as mere imitation, instead advocating for a romantic interpretation that sees poetry as a form of self-expression. He argues that poetry should reflect the poet's own emotions and passions rather than simply mimic the external world.
2. The Preface presents a compelling argument for simplicity in both themes and language. Wordsworth’s focus on events and experiences from everyday life aligns with the romantic ideal of valuing the ordinary. He emphasizes the importance of using “materials from common life” and employing the “language really used by men.”
3. Wordsworth highlights the significance of imagination in poetic creation, asserting that it surpasses reason. He believes that ordinary themes can become captivating through the transformative power of imagination, which elevates the commonplace to the extraordinary.
4. He adopts a romantic perspective by describing poetry as the “spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings,” underlining the emotional and imaginative dimensions of poetic work.
5. Departing from the Neo-classical tradition, Wordsworth becomes a pioneering romantic critic who articulates the process of poetic creation. While neo-classical criticism focused primarily on poetic forms, it was left to the romantics to establish a comprehensive theory of poetry, with Wordsworth taking the initial steps in this direction.
6. He also emphasizes the individuality of the poet, aligning with the romantic notion of "liberalism in literature." Wordsworth advocates for the poet's independence and creative freedom.
7. Furthermore, he characterizes the poet as someone with a deeper “enthusiasm” than the average person, a concept that resonates strongly within romantic critical theory.
8. Wordsworth critiques the poetic language of the Pseudo-classics, advocating for stylistic freedom. He argues that there is no fundamental difference between prose and verse, reinforcing his call for linguistic liberty.
9. Additionally, he encourages readers to form their own judgments about his poetry, urging them to rely on their feelings rather than the opinions of others.
In summary, Wordsworth embodies a romantic spirit in his criticism, with his Preface serving as a transitional text in the landscape of literary criticism. It dismantles traditional views while laying the groundwork for new ideas, marking a significant turning point in the field.