William Wordsworth's "Preface to Lyrical Ballads," published in 1800, is a seminal document that laid the foundation for the Romantic movement in English literature. In this preface, Wordsworth articulates his revolutionary ideas about poetry, particularly the language and its relationship to human emotions and nature.
Wordsworth begins by expressing his dissatisfaction with the poetic diction of his time. He criticizes the artificial and overly ornate language that was prevalent in 18th-century poetry, referring to it as a "gaudiness and inane phraseology." He argues that this elevated and artificial language was a barrier between the poet and the common people, preventing poetry from expressing the genuine sentiments and experiences of everyday life.
To counter this, Wordsworth proposes a new approach to poetry, one that emphasizes simplicity, natural language, and a close connection to ordinary human experiences. He advocates for the use of a language "really used by men," a language that reflects the thoughts and emotions of the common people. Wordsworth believes that such a language is best suited to convey the profound truths and universal emotions that lie at the core of human existence.
The poet, according to Wordsworth, should choose incidents and situations from common life, but invest them with a certain level of poetic dignity. This elevation of ordinary subjects, what he calls "the selection of the incidents and situations from common life," is crucial for Wordsworth. It is through these everyday experiences that the poet can tap into the universal emotions that connect all human beings.
Furthermore, Wordsworth introduces the concept of the "real language of men." He argues that this language is not the language of uneducated individuals but the language that is used by people in moments of intense emotion. It is the language that bursts forth spontaneously in moments of joy, sorrow, or passion. By employing this real language, the poet can capture the authenticity and immediacy of human experience.
Wordsworth's emphasis on the language of poetry is closely tied to his view of nature. He believes that nature is a source of inspiration that can evoke powerful emotions in individuals. By using a language that is close to the language of everyday speech, the poet can bridge the gap between the human mind and the emotional power of nature. Wordsworth's poetry often explores the idea of a sublime and transformative connection between the individual and the natural world, and his language reflects this intimate relationship.
In conclusion, Wordsworth's opinions about the language of poetry in his "Preface to Lyrical Ballads" are revolutionary and mark a significant departure from the poetic conventions of his time. He advocates for a simpler, more natural language that is rooted in the experiences of common people. By doing so, he seeks to create poetry that is not only accessible to a wider audience but also capable of expressing the profound and universal emotions that define the human experience. Wordsworth's ideas have had a lasting impact on the development of English poetry and continue to influence poets to this day.