Reshma Bilakhiya: B.C:Wordsworth Preface to the Lyrical Ballad

Bridge Course

This blog is a response to bridge course of Wordsworth's Preface to the Lyrical Ballads by Dr. Dilip Barad Sir, the Department of English,MKBU. In this blog I am going to explain how French Revolution influenced Wordsworth's romanticism.

Introduction

Preface to the Lyrical Ballads is an important literary manifesto written by Willam Wordsworth, often considered the foundational document of the Romantic movement in English literature focuses on individualism, nature, and the power of emotion in poetry.

Now let's explain how French Revolution influenced Wordsworth's Romanticism:

Q - (i)Response of how French Revolution influenced Wordsworth's romanticism?

Response: Certainly, the influence of the French Revolution on William Wordsworth and the development of Romanticism in his poetry can be explored in more detail. The French Revolution, which began in 1789 and continued into the early 19th century, had a profound impact on Wordsworth's thinking and literary works. Here's a more in-depth explanation of this influence:

1. Initial Enthusiasm:

At the outset of the French Revolution, Wordsworth, like many intellectuals of his time, was enthusiastic about the revolutionary ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. These principles resonated with the Romantic emphasis on individual freedom and social justice. Wordsworth saw the revolution as a symbol of hope for a better world.

2. Natural Innocence and Purity:

A central theme in Wordsworth's poetry is the idea of natural innocence and purity. The upheaval of the French Revolution, which sought to overturn the established order, mirrored Wordsworth's belief in the innate goodness of humanity when uncorrupted by society. He believed that individuals, like nature, possessed inherent beauty and goodness.

3. Nature as a Source of Inspiration:

Wordsworth's deep connection with nature is a hallmark of Romanticism, and the tumultuous events of the French Revolution reinforced his belief in the restorative power of the natural world. He found solace in nature as a counterbalance to the social and political turmoil of the era. Nature, in his poetry, often represents a source of spiritual and emotional renewal.

4. Emotion and Subjectivity:

The Romantic movement placed a strong emphasis on individual emotion and subjectivity. The intense emotions, fervor, and passion that characterized the French Revolution resonated with Wordsworth and influenced his poetic style. His poetry delves into the inner emotional landscapes of individuals, exploring their joys, sorrows, and hopes.

5. Spirit of Revolution:

While Wordsworth was initially sympathetic to the French Revolution's goals, he, like many others, became disillusioned with its violence and excesses. However, the spirit of revolution and the idea of challenging the established order left a lasting impact on his work. He continued to believe in the potential for personal and societal transformation.

6. The Sublime and the Beautiful:

The dramatic events of the French Revolution contributed to the Romantic fascination with the sublime (awe-inspiring and overwhelming) and the beautiful. Wordsworth's poetry often explores these themes, portraying nature as both a sublime force and a source of beauty. The revolutionary events served as a backdrop to his exploration of these aesthetic concepts.

Conclusion:

The French Revolution played a multifaceted role in shaping Wordsworth's Romantic poetry. It influenced his beliefs about human nature, the power of individual emotion, the importance of nature, and the potential for societal transformation. While he initially embraced the revolutionary ideals, his evolving views and the turbulent events of the era continued to inform his poetic vision, ultimately contributing to the development of Romanticism as a literary movement. Wordsworth's exploration of these themes in his poetry helped define the Romantic era and its enduring legacy in literature.

# For more better understanding you can watch these videos given: