Lecture Notes on William Wordsworth

Overview of William Wordsworth

• Renowned as the greatest English Romantic poet.
• Primarily focused on nature in his writings.
• Served as Poet Laureate of England in his later years.

Early Life

• Born in the Lake District, England, known for its natural beauty.
• Grew up with three brothers, allowed to explore the countryside freely.
• Developed a deep appreciation for nature's sights and sounds during his childhood.
• Interacted with local people like shepherds and cottagers, who inspired his poetry.

Education and Dissatisfaction

• Attended Cambridge University but found the environment unstimulating.
• Longed for travel, particularly to Italy and the mountains.

Impact of the French Revolution

• Visited France at age 21 during the French Revolution, which profoundly affected him.
• Became a supporter of revolutionary ideals, seeing it as a chance for societal renewal.
• Fell in love with Annette Vallon, a French woman, and had a daughter named Caroline.
• Economic struggles and parental opposition led to their separation.
• Emotional turmoil from personal conflicts and political loyalties almost caused a nervous breakdown.

Major Works and Influence

• The Prelude: An autobiographical poem detailing his experiences and feelings.
• Lyrical Ballads: A collection of poems which marked a significant shift in poetic themes:
  • Focused on ordinary people rather than nobility.
  • Employed simple language instead of classical diction.
  • Considered the start of modern poetry, emphasizing personal feelings and reactions.

Collaboration with Samuel Taylor Coleridge

• Co-authored Lyrical Ballads with Coleridge, who contributed themes of the exotic and supernatural.
• Strong friendship marked by collaboration, but also conflict leading to a 20-year estrangement.

Posthumous Recognition

• After Wordsworth's death in 1850, his sister Dorothy published The Prelude, an extensive narrative poem.
• Wordsworth intended to title it "Poems of Coleridge," honoring their friendship and collaboration.
• The poem is regarded as Wordsworth's best work and a tribute to their literary partnership.