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How is Wordsworth's Conception of a Poet Different from that of the Neo-classicists?

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How is Wordsworth's conception of a poet different from that of the Neo-classicists?

William Wordsworth (1770-1850) had a very different idea about poets than the Neoclassicists. The Neoclassicists thought poets should follow rules. However, Wordsworth believed that a poet should feel deeply. They should write from the heart. He wanted poets to be close to nature and real life. His view brought a significant change in English poetry.

Feelings over Rules: Neo-classicists followed strict rules in poetry. They believed a poet must write with reason and balance. But Wordsworth said a real poet

is full of strong feelings. He thought poetry comes from emotions. For him, the poet feels deeply and shares those feelings in simple words. The poet says,

“There will be found in these volumes little of what is usually called poetic diction.” 

Heart and Imagination: Neoclassicists valued learning and skill. They saw poets as clever writers. But Wordsworth said a poet is someone with a soft heart and strong imagination. A real poet sees beauty in simple things. He feels more than others and shares this feeling through poetry.

Closer to Common People: Neo-classical poets often wrote about kings, nobles, and city life. Their language was also hard and decorative. Wordsworth did not like this. He believed a true poet should write about simple people and nature. The poet believes that the language of poetry is the language of ordinary men, as he says,

“The poet thinks and feels in the spirit of human passions. How then can his language differ in any material degree from that of all other men who feel vividly and see clearly?”

In conclusion, Wordsworth's idea of a poet was new and different. He did not follow the old rules of the Neo-classicists. He thought a poet should feel deeply. He also should live simply and write clearly. His goal was to bring poetry close to real life. 

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William Wordsworth
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