Question

The Preface to Lyrical Ballads is written by ;

• A. Coleridge
• B. Wordsworth
• C. Robert Southey
• D. Byron

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Wordsworth

Preface to Lyrical Ballads: A Landmark in Romanticism

• The Preface to Lyrical Ballads is a seminal piece of literary criticism, primarily authored by William Wordsworth.
• It was first published in 1800, and later revised and expanded in 1802, serving as a theoretical manifesto for the Romantic movement in English literature.
• While Wordsworth penned the bulk of the Preface, Samuel Taylor Coleridge contributed a significant portion, particularly discussing the role of imagination and the supernatural, in his own copy of the 1800 edition. However, the widely accepted view is that Wordsworth is the principal author.
• Key Concepts Articulated by Wordsworth in the Preface:
  • The Definition of Poetry: Wordsworth famously defined poetry as "the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings." He emphasized that poetry should arise from emotions recollected in tranquility.
  • The Language of Poetry: He advocated for the use of "a selection of language really used by men," rejecting the artificial poetic diction prevalent in Neoclassical poetry. He believed that the language of common people, particularly rural folk, was more natural and expressive.
  • The Subject Matter of Poetry: Wordsworth argued that poetry should focus on the everyday lives, experiences, and emotions of ordinary people, finding the sublime in the mundane.
  • The Role of the Poet: The poet is presented as an extraordinary individual with a greater sensibility and imagination, capable of understanding and communicating the deeper truths of human experience.
  • Imagination: While Coleridge elaborated more on imagination, Wordsworth also stressed its importance in shaping poetic perception and creating new realities.
• Significance in Literary History:
  • The Preface is considered a cornerstone of Romantic literary theory, profoundly influencing subsequent generations of poets and critics.
  • It marked a significant departure from the ideals of the 18th-century Neoclassicism, championing individualism, emotion, and nature.
  • The ideas presented in the Preface laid the groundwork for the study of Romantic poetry in competitive examinations, making it a crucial text for understanding the movement.