Preface to Lyrical Ballads

Essay | William Wordsworth

What, according to Wordsworth, are the characteristics and functions of a poet?

Premium

What, according to Wordsworth, are the characteristics and functions of a poet?

Or, What instrumental roles does a poet have to play, according to Wordsworth? Discuss. 

William Wordsworth (1770-1850) is one of the most remarkable Romantic poets. In his “Preface to Lyrical Ballads” (1800), he talks clearly about the characteristics and functions of a poet. He believed that a poet is not an ordinary person. A poet must feel more, understand more, and express more than others. The poet's job is not just to write beautiful lines. His duty is to help people feel truth and beauty. Wordsworth showed that poetry is not just about style. Instead, it is about the heart, mind, and deep feelings of life.

Feels More Deeply: Wordsworth said a poet must feel more deeply than others. A poet should have a soft and sensitive heart. He should feel happiness, sorrow, love, and nature more deeply. When most people forget their feelings, a poet remembers

and keeps them alive. This deep feeling helps the poet understand others better. These strong emotions become the soul of the poet’s writing. Without deep feeling, poetry becomes dry and lifeless. So, emotion is the first and most important quality of a true poet. The author says,

“So that it will be the wish of the Poet to bring his feelings near to those of the persons whose feelings he describes.”

Thinks Clearly and Calmly: Along with feelings, a poet must also think clearly. Wordsworth believed that true poetry is born when strong feelings are remembered in peace. A poet does not just write in excitement. He waits, remembers the feeling, and then writes it with calm thought. This balance of heart and mind makes the poetry true and powerful. So, emotion and thought must work together in the poet’s mind.

Understands Human Life: According to Wordsworth, a poet understands human life better than others. He can see beauty in simple things. He notices what others ignore. A poet watches how people feel, live, and change. He uses these real-life experiences in his poems. This makes poetry close to life and easier for people to connect with. A poet shows the truth of human nature in a simple way. This truth is not always found in books but in everyday life and emotions. Wordsworth claims,

“But poets do not write for poets alone, but for men.”

Uses Simple Language: Wordsworth strongly said that a good poet uses simple and natural language. Many poets before him used big and hard words to impress readers. But Wordsworth believed that true poetry must be clear and easy to understand. A poet should use the language of common people. This makes the poem more honest and full of real emotion.

Teaches and Pleases: Wordsworth believed that a poet has two important jobs. First, he should give pleasure to the readers. Second, he should teach something true and useful. This teaching does not come like a school lesson. It comes through real feelings and beautiful thoughts. The author defines a poet as follows,

“He is a man speaking to men.”

A good poem brings joy and helps us feel more deeply. It also helps people be kinder, more thoughtful, and closer to nature.

In the end, Wordsworth showed that a poet is not just a writer. A poet is a guide, a teacher, and a deep thinker. He feels more, understands more, and expresses more. He shows beauty in life and truth in feelings. He brings poetry close to common people by using simple language. The poet’s work is to help people enjoy life and feel deeply. Wordsworth’s ideas gave a new path to poets. It also made poetry more honest and human.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to access the full content

Upgrade to Premium
From this writer
W
William Wordsworth
Literary Writer
More Topics