William Wordsworth, a central figure in the Romantic movement, established himself as a poet of the common man through his influential work "Preface to Lyrical Ballads," which he wrote in 1800 as an introduction to a collection of poems co-authored with Samuel Taylor Coleridge. In this preface, Wordsworth articulates his poetic philosophy and aims, emphasizing a departure from the prevailing neoclassical norms and a shift towards the depiction of everyday life and the experiences of ordinary people.
One of the key ways Wordsworth appears as a poet of the common man is through his emphasis on the language of ordinary people. He advocates for a language that is simple, unadorned, and closely aligned with everyday speech. Wordsworth argues that poetry should be written in the language "really used by men," and he denounces the artificial and elevated diction often found in the poetry of his time. By using the language of common people, Wordsworth seeks to bridge the gap between the poet and the general audience, making his poetry accessible and relatable.
Moreover, Wordsworth's focus on rustic life and nature contributes to his portrayal as a poet of the common man. He expresses a preference for rural settings and the simplicity of rural life over the complexities of urban existence. Wordsworth believes that nature is a source of profound inspiration and that it can elicit genuine emotions in the poet and the reader. Through the depiction of scenes from nature and rural life, Wordsworth aims to connect with the common man's experiences and evoke a sense of universality in his poetry.
Wordsworth's conception of poetry as an expression of the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings also aligns with his identity as a poet of the common man. He rejects the notion that poetry should be overly calculated or contrived, advocating instead for a sincere and passionate expression of emotion. In doing so, he captures the essence of human experience in a way that resonates with a broad audience. This emphasis on genuine emotion helps break down the barriers between the poet and the common man, creating a shared emotional experience through poetry.
Furthermore, Wordsworth's belief in the redemptive power of the imagination contributes to his portrayal as a poet of the common man. He sees the imagination as a unifying force that enables individuals to transcend the ordinary and experience a heightened sense of awareness. By celebrating the imaginative capacities of the common man, Wordsworth suggests that poetry has the potential to elevate and enrich the lives of all people, regardless of their social status or education.
In conclusion, Wordsworth emerges as a poet of the common man in his "Preface to Lyrical Ballads" through his advocacy for a language rooted in everyday speech, his focus on rural life and nature, his emphasis on genuine emotion, and his belief in the redemptive power of the imagination. Through these principles, Wordsworth sought to create poetry that spoke directly to the hearts and experiences of the common people, marking a significant departure from the literary conventions of his time and laying the groundwork for a more democratic and inclusive approach to poetry.