The Preface to Lyrical Ballads

Definition

The Preface to Lyrical Ballads is a foundational text written by William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge in 1800, outlining the principles of Romantic poetry and serving as a manifesto for the movement. It emphasizes the importance of emotion, nature, and the use of ordinary language, marking a significant shift away from the established conventions of 18th-century literature, especially the novel, which often focused on rationalism and societal norms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Preface was first published with the second edition of Lyrical Ballads in 1800 and provided critical insights into Romantic ideals.
2. Wordsworth argued that poetry should be rooted in everyday language, making it accessible to all readers rather than just the elite.
3. The text advocates for emotion over intellect, suggesting that genuine feelings are at the heart of true poetry.
4. The Preface distinguishes between 'poetic diction' and natural language, critiquing the artificiality prevalent in 18th-century poetic forms.
5. This work laid the groundwork for future Romantic poets and influenced the development of the novel by encouraging more personal and emotional narratives.

Review Questions

• How did The Preface to Lyrical Ballads redefine the role of language in poetry compared to earlier literary forms?
  • The Preface to Lyrical Ballads redefined the role of language by advocating for the use of ordinary speech instead of elevated poetic diction. Wordsworth believed that true poetry should resonate with common experiences and emotions, making it accessible to all people rather than just an educated elite. This shift was significant because it set new standards for poetic expression and influenced various literary forms, including novels, by encouraging writers to explore more relatable and authentic language.
• Analyze how The Preface to Lyrical Ballads reflects Romantic values and its impact on literary trends that followed.
  • The Preface to Lyrical Ballads reflects key Romantic values such as a deep appreciation for nature, the prioritization of emotion over reason, and a focus on individual experience. By promoting these principles, it laid the groundwork for future Romantic writers who embraced similar themes. The emphasis on personal emotion also influenced the development of prose narratives in novels, leading to richer characterizations and deeper explorations of human experience that would become hallmarks of later literary works.
• Evaluate the significance of The Preface to Lyrical Ballads within the context of 18th-century literature's transition towards Romanticism.
  • The significance of The Preface to Lyrical Ballads lies in its role as a transformative document marking the shift from 18th-century literature towards Romanticism. It challenged established norms by emphasizing emotional authenticity over rational detachment, thus reshaping how literature engaged with readers. This shift had profound implications not only for poetry but also for novels, encouraging writers to infuse their narratives with emotional depth and personal insight. As such, The Preface can be seen as a catalyst for broader literary change during this era.

Related terms

Romanticism: An artistic and literary movement that emerged in the late 18th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and the beauty of nature.

Ballad: A form of verse that tells a story, often in a simple and direct style, which was used by Wordsworth and Coleridge in their lyrical poems.

Lyrical Poetry: A type of poetry that expresses personal emotions or feelings, typically in a musical style, as exemplified in the works found in Lyrical Ballads.