Lyrical ballads

Definition

Lyrical Ballads is a collection of poems published in 1798 by William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, marking the beginning of the English Romantic movement. This work is significant because it introduced a new style of poetry that emphasized emotion, nature, and the lives of ordinary people, contrasting with the formal styles of previous literary periods. The poems within Lyrical Ballads often feature simple language and natural imagery, reflecting a deep connection to the world around them.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The first edition of Lyrical Ballads included 19 poems, with Wordsworth writing most of them and Coleridge contributing several key pieces like 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.'
2. Wordsworth's preface to the second edition in 1800 served as a manifesto for Romantic poetry, outlining the principles behind their poetic approach.
3. The poems emphasize the beauty and emotional power of nature, portraying it as a source of inspiration and solace for humanity.
4. Lyrical Ballads played a crucial role in shifting the focus of poetry from aristocratic subjects to common people and everyday experiences.
5. The collaboration between Wordsworth and Coleridge established a partnership that influenced the development of modern poetry and set new standards for poetic expression.

Review Questions

• How did Lyrical Ballads reflect the core ideas of Romanticism through its themes and style?
  • Lyrical Ballads reflects Romanticism by focusing on emotions, nature, and ordinary life. The poems often celebrate natural beauty while conveying deep feelings, emphasizing the connection between humans and their environment. This departure from classical themes allows readers to experience the world through the lens of personal emotion and imagination, which are central tenets of Romantic thought.
• Discuss how William Wordsworth's views on poetry are articulated in his preface to Lyrical Ballads.
  • In his preface to Lyrical Ballads, Wordsworth articulates his belief that poetry should be rooted in everyday language and experience. He advocates for using simple words to express profound emotions, arguing that true poetry emerges from genuine feelings rather than artificial constructs. This emphasis on authenticity in both language and emotion helped redefine poetic standards during the Romantic period.
• Evaluate the impact of Lyrical Ballads on subsequent generations of poets and its lasting legacy in literature.
  • Lyrical Ballads had a profound impact on future generations of poets by establishing new norms for poetic expression centered around emotion and common life. Its focus on individual experience and nature influenced not only Romantic poets but also later literary movements such as Modernism. The collection's legacy can be seen in how it paved the way for diverse voices in poetry and shifted societal perspectives on what constitutes art, encouraging subsequent writers to explore personal narratives and emotional depth.

Related terms

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

William Wordsworth: A major English Romantic poet who collaborated with Coleridge on Lyrical Ballads and is known for his deep appreciation of nature and the human experience.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge: A poet, literary critic, and philosopher who co-authored Lyrical Ballads, known for his imaginative works and exploration of supernatural themes.