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 aimed to elevate the common language of poetry by focusing on everyday experiences and emotions, moving away from the ornate style that dominated previous literary periods. It is celebrated for its emphasis on nature, individualism, and the exploration of human emotions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The first edition of Lyrical Ballads featured 19 poems, with Wordsworth's 'Lines Written a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey' and Coleridge's 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' being some of the most notable pieces.
2. Wordsworth's preface to the second edition of Lyrical Ballads is considered a manifesto of Romanticism, where he articulates his theories on poetry and the importance of emotion.
3. The collection was revolutionary because it used simple language and subjects drawn from everyday life, which was a stark contrast to the elevated language used in earlier poetry.
4. The collaboration between Wordsworth and Coleridge set the stage for many later Romantic poets, influencing their themes of nature, individual experience, and emotional depth.
5. Lyrical Ballads laid the groundwork for future movements in literature that favored personal expression and emotional authenticity over strict adherence to form.

Review Questions

• How did Lyrical Ballads redefine poetic language and subject matter compared to previous literary traditions?
  • Lyrical Ballads redefined poetic language by prioritizing simplicity and accessibility over ornate expression. Wordsworth and Coleridge chose subjects rooted in everyday life, appealing to common experiences rather than aristocratic or historical themes. This approach allowed them to connect more authentically with readers, thus establishing a new standard for poetry that valued personal emotion and individual perspective.
• In what ways did Wordsworth's preface to Lyrical Ballads serve as a manifesto for Romantic ideals?
  • Wordsworth's preface to Lyrical Ballads articulated key Romantic ideals, emphasizing the importance of emotion and the natural world in poetry. He argued that poetry should reflect genuine feelings rather than adhere strictly to form. This work challenged prevailing notions about art, advocating for the inclusion of ordinary experiences and championing nature as a source of inspiration, thus shaping the direction of Romantic literature.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Lyrical Ballads on subsequent literary movements and how it influenced modern poetry.
  • Lyrical Ballads had a profound impact on subsequent literary movements by laying the groundwork for modern poetry that prioritizes personal expression and emotional authenticity. Its emphasis on common language and relatable subjects opened doors for poets who sought to explore individual experiences. This shift towards valuing emotion over form has continued to resonate in contemporary poetry, leading to various forms like free verse that allow greater freedom in expression.

Related terms

Romanticism: A literary and artistic movement that emphasized emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature as a reaction against the industrial revolution and rationalism.

Free verse: A type of poetry that does not adhere to traditional meter or rhyme schemes, allowing poets more freedom to express their thoughts and emotions.

Nature poetry: A genre of poetry that focuses on the beauty and power of nature, often reflecting on its impact on human emotions and experiences.