Question

According to Wordsworth, poetry is the ‘spontaneous overflow of _______’?

• A. Artistic talent
• B. Complex thoughts
• C. Philosophical ideas
• D. Powerful feelings

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Powerful feelings

According to William Wordsworth, poetry is the “spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings”. This idea appears in his 1800 Preface to Lyrical Ballads, where he explains his poetic philosophy.

He also adds that poetry "takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility." This means that deep emotions, when reflected upon calmly, give rise to genuine poetry.

This concept was central to the Romantic movement, emphasizing emotion, nature, and individual experience over rigid poetic forms and traditions.