William Wordsworth (1770-1850)
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William Wordsworth, born on April 7, 1770, in Cockermouth, Cumberland, England, is heralded as one of the foremost Romantic poets. His love for nature, combined with profound philosophical reflections, gave rise to some of the most enduring poetry in the English language. Wordsworth's early years in the picturesque Lake District, surrounded by its rugged beauty, played a pivotal role in shaping his poetic sensibilities. The death of both parents by the time he was 13 had a profound impact, deepening his bond with his siblings, especially his beloved sister, Dorothy Wordsworth, who became a lifelong confidante and muse.
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In 1798, in collaboration with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Wordsworth published "Lyrical Ballads," a collection that was to become a cornerstone of English Romanticism. This work, which included the now-famous preface where Wordsworth defined poetry as the "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings," challenged the then-prevailing notions of poetic diction and subject. Wordsworth asserted that poetry should be written in the language of the common man and draw on everyday experiences. His own contributions, such as "Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey," showcased this philosophy, merging keen observations of nature with profound emotional and philosophical insights.
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Throughout his life, Wordsworth's deep connection to nature was evident in poems like "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" (often known as "Daffodils") and "The World is Too Much with Us." For him, nature was not just a passive backdrop; it was alive, filled with a divine presence, and offered profound lessons for humanity. This reverence for nature was combined with a critique of industrialization and its detrimental effects on both the environment and the human spirit.
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By the time of his death on April 23, 1850, Wordsworth had left an indelible mark on English literature. His elevation of the everyday, his profound connection to nature, and his emphasis on the emotional and spiritual experience of the individual made him a defining voice of the Romantic era. He also served as the Poet Laureate of England from 1843 until his death, a fitting recognition for a man who had dedicated his life to the poetic arts.
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​The Lake District poets, often referred to as the "Lake Poets," comprised a group of early 19th-century English poets, including William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and Robert Southey. Residing in the picturesque Lake District in Northwest England, they were united not only by their geographical location but also by shared philosophical and poetic ideals. Their works are emblematic of the Romantic era, with a profound emphasis on nature, individual emotion, and a deep-seated reverence for the natural world's beauty and lessons. Drawing inspiration from the majestic landscapes surrounding them, the Lake Poets profoundly influenced English poetry by valuing personal experience, emotional depth, and a connection to the natural environment in their works.
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Read:
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45521/i-wandered-lonely-as-a-cloud
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/51001/lines-written-in-early-spring
https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/composed-by-the-side-of-grasmere-lake-1806/
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Discuss:
1. What do you think the last stanza of "I Wandered Lonely as a a Cloud" means?
2. The third poem may seem strange - but think about the image of clouds mirrored in the calm waters of a lake. Write a short (4 lines, maybe) poem about that image. It doesn't have to rhyme.