Lyric

Definition

A lyric is a type of poetry that expresses personal emotions or thoughts, often in a musical or song-like manner. It is characterized by its focus on the speaker's feelings and experiences rather than a narrative or story. The lyric form became especially significant in the Romantic era, where it was used to explore themes of nature, emotion, and the human experience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lyrical poetry emphasizes the expression of personal feelings and emotions, distinguishing it from narrative forms that tell a story.
2. William Wordsworth, through his theory and works, helped redefine the lyric genre by emphasizing simplicity, common language, and a connection to nature.
3. The publication of 'Lyrical Ballads' in 1798 marked a turning point in poetry, as it focused on everyday life and common people, broadening the scope of lyrical expression.
4. Romantic poets often used the lyric form to connect deeply with nature and highlight individual experience as a means of transcending societal norms.
5. 'Lyrical Ballads' established a new standard for lyrical poetry that inspired later poets to embrace personal emotion and subjective experience in their work.

Review Questions

• How does the definition of lyric poetry differ from narrative poetry, particularly in the context of Romantic literature?
  • Lyric poetry is distinct from narrative poetry in that it focuses primarily on expressing personal emotions and thoughts rather than telling a story with characters and plot. In Romantic literature, this distinction becomes even more pronounced as poets like Wordsworth sought to capture the depth of human experience through intimate reflections on nature and self. The shift towards the lyrical allowed for a more subjective exploration of feelings, which was pivotal in shaping Romantic ideals.
• In what ways did Wordsworth's poetic theory contribute to the evolution of the lyric form in his major works?
  • Wordsworth's poetic theory emphasized the use of everyday language and themes drawn from common life, which transformed the traditional lyric form. He believed that poetry should connect deeply with nature and express genuine human emotion. By employing these principles in his works, such as those found in 'Lyrical Ballads,' Wordsworth expanded the emotional range and accessibility of lyrical poetry, encouraging poets to express their personal experiences more authentically.
• Evaluate the impact of 'Lyrical Ballads' on subsequent generations of poets regarding their approach to the lyric genre.
  • 'Lyrical Ballads' had a profound impact on future generations of poets by establishing new standards for lyrical expression that prioritized personal emotion over traditional subjects. This collection challenged previous poetic conventions by celebrating the ordinary and exploring individual experiences deeply rooted in nature. The successful implementation of these ideas encouraged later poets to embrace similar themes in their own work, leading to an ongoing evolution of lyrical poetry that reflects personal truth and emotional authenticity.

Related terms

Elegy: A form of lyric poetry that reflects on loss, mourning, or lamentation, often dedicated to someone who has died.

Sonnet: A 14-line lyric poem that typically follows a specific rhyme scheme and structure, often exploring themes of love and beauty.

Ballad: A form of narrative poetry that tells a story, but can also incorporate lyrical elements to convey emotions and themes.