Wordsworth's preface to the Lyrical Ballads

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This task based on the thinking activity. Thinking on the various points about Wordsworth and try to explain such important things about the topic. This thinking activity task assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad sir. In this task you can find view on the French Revolution and how it's influenced Wordsworth's Romanticism.

French Revolution :

The French Revolution (1789-1799) was a transformative period of political and social upheaval in France. It was ignited by economic hardship and social inequality. Key events include the storming of the Bastille, the Reign of Terror led by the radical Jacobins, and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. The revolution brought about the end of the monarchy, the establishment of the First French Republic, and significant social reforms. Its impact extended to art and culture, inspiring Romanticism. The revolution's principles of liberty and equality left a lasting global legacy, symbolizing the fight for democracy, human rights, and social justice. 

HOW FRENCH REVOLUTION INFLUENCED WORDSWORTH'S ROMANTICISM ?

The French Revolution had a profound influence on William Wordsworth and the development of Romanticism in his poetry. Wordsworth's poetry underwent a significant transformation during this period, and here are some key ways in which the French Revolution influenced his Romanticism:

1. Embrace of Nature : The Enlightenment ideas and the revolutionary spirit emphasized reason and individual freedom, which Wordsworth saw reflected in the natural world. He became deeply connected to nature and believed it to be a source of moral and spiritual renewal. This connection with nature became a central theme in his poetry, as he sought to express the sublime and transcendent qualities of the natural world.

2. Celebration of Individualism : The French Revolution championed the rights and freedoms of the individual, which resonated with Wordsworth. He emphasized the importance of individual experience and emotion in his poetry, often portraying ordinary people and their everyday lives. This focus on the individual's inner feelings and experiences became a hallmark of Romantic poetry.

3. Critique of Society : The French Revolution's upheaval and social change prompted Wordsworth to reflect on the social and political issues of his time. He became critical of the societal norms and institutions that he saw as oppressive. This critique of society is evident in poems like "The Tables Turned," where he encourages people to seek wisdom in nature rather than conforming to conventional education.

4. Return to Simple Language : Wordsworth, influenced by revolutionary ideals of equality and accessibility, championed the use of simple, everyday language in poetry. He believed that poetry should be easily understood by ordinary people and should convey genuine human emotions. This departure from the ornate language of the previous era was a hallmark of Romantic poetry.

5. Focus on Imagination and Emotion : The Romantic movement emphasized the power of imagination and emotions as essential elements of human experience. Wordsworth's poetry often explored the inner workings of the human mind and the emotional response to nature and life's events. This emphasis on the subjective and emotional aspects of human existence was influenced by the revolutionary fervor of his time.

In summary, the French Revolution's ideals of individualism, freedom, and social change played a significant role in shaping Wordsworth's Romanticism. His poetry reflected a deep connection with nature, celebrated the individual, critiqued societal norms, embraced simplicity in language, and explored the inner world of emotions—all of which were influenced by the revolutionary spirit of his era.

WRITE BRIEF NOTE ON THE SELF-CONTADICTORY OBSERVATION OF  IN PREFACE TO LYRICAL BALLAD.

In the preface to "Lyrical Ballads," an important poetry book, William Wordsworth said something that might confuse you at first. He talked about how poetry should use everyday language that people really use. But then he also said that poetry needs its own special language.

"The Thorn" Poem by William Wordsworth :

In the preface to "Lyrical Ballads," William Wordsworth makes a self-contradictory observation about poetry and its relation to ordinary language. He initially argues for a plain and straightforward use of language in poetry, emphasizing the use of "the real language of men." However, in the poem "The Thorn," which is included in the same collection, Wordsworth employs an intricate and elevated style of language, seemingly contradicting his earlier statement.

This contradiction highlights the complexity of Wordsworth's poetic philosophy. While he advocates for simplicity and the use of common language to connect with everyday people, he also recognizes that certain themes and emotions may demand a more elevated and ornate expression. In "The Thorn," the use of elevated language serves to convey the intensity of the speaker's emotions, even though it departs from the plain style he had advocated. This contradiction underscores Wordsworth's belief in the flexibility of language in poetry, where the choice of language should ultimately serve the emotional and thematic needs of the poem.

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