William Wordsworth, one of the greatest poets of the Romantic era,
believed that poetry should be accessible to all, especially to the common man.
In his preface to Lyrical Ballads, Wordsworth explicitly states that his poetry
is meant for the common man and that it should be written in the language that
they use in their everyday lives. He believed that poetry should not only be
beautiful but should also be truthful, and that it should reflect the
experiences and feelings of ordinary people.
Wordsworth's focus on the common man can be seen in his choice of
subject matter. His poetry often explores the experiences and emotions of
ordinary people, such as shepherds, farmers, and laborers. He believed that
these individuals, who were often overlooked by society, had valuable insights
into the human experience and that their stories deserved to be told. By giving
voice to these individuals in his poetry, Wordsworth was able to connect with
his readers on a deeper level and to create a sense of empathy and
understanding.
Another way in which Wordsworth appears as a poet of the common
man is through his use of language. He rejected the formal, artificial language
of traditional poetry and instead chose to write in the language of the common
people. He believed that poetry should be written in the language that people
actually spoke, rather than in an elevated or artificial language that was
inaccessible to most readers. By using common language in his poetry,
Wordsworth was able to make his work more accessible and relatable to his
readers, particularly to those who may not have had a formal education.
In addition to his focus on the common man and his use of common
language, Wordsworth also believed that poetry should be rooted in the natural
world. He believed that nature was a source of inspiration and that it provided
a way for people to connect with the world around them. By writing about the
natural world and its beauty, Wordsworth was able to create a sense of wonder
and awe in his readers, as well as a sense of connection to something larger
than themselves.
Overall, Wordsworth's preface to Lyrical Ballads reflects his
belief that poetry should be accessible to all, especially to the common man.
By focusing on the experiences and emotions of ordinary people, using common
language, and grounding his work in the natural world, Wordsworth was able to
create poetry that was relatable and meaningful to a wide range of readers. His
emphasis on truthfulness and the importance of reflecting the experiences of
ordinary people helped to shape the Romantic movement and continues to
influence poets to this day.
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