Lyrical ballads

Definition

Lyrical Ballads is a collection of poetry published in 1798 by William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, which is often credited with marking the beginning of the Romantic Movement in literature. This work emphasized emotion, nature, and the experiences of common people, contrasting sharply with the previous literary focus on reason and classical forms. The collection introduced new themes and stylistic approaches that became hallmarks of Romantic literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lyrical Ballads includes poems like 'Tintern Abbey' and 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,' showcasing a blend of narrative and lyrical styles.
2. The publication is significant for its preface written by Wordsworth, which outlined the principles of Romantic poetry and its focus on emotional depth and the beauty of nature.
3. The poems in Lyrical Ballads often feature common people as protagonists, reflecting a shift from the aristocratic themes prevalent in earlier literature.
4. The collection also experimented with language, using simple diction and exploring everyday speech to connect more authentically with readers.
5. Lyrical Ballads had a lasting influence on subsequent generations of poets, solidifying the Romantic ethos and inspiring later literary movements.

Review Questions

• How did Lyrical Ballads change the way poetry approached themes and subjects compared to earlier literary works?
  • Lyrical Ballads revolutionized poetry by shifting focus from grand themes and classical subjects to everyday life and emotional experiences. The collection highlighted the beauty of nature and the lives of ordinary people, marking a departure from the rationality and decorum of neoclassical poetry. This emphasis on personal emotion and simplicity laid the groundwork for future Romantic poets to explore similar themes.
• Analyze how Wordsworth's preface to Lyrical Ballads reflects the core principles of Romanticism.
  • Wordsworth's preface serves as a manifesto for Romanticism, articulating key principles such as valuing emotion over reason, the importance of nature, and celebrating individual experience. He argued for a more genuine use of language, advocating for simplicity that resonates with everyday speech. This vision aimed to connect readers emotionally to poetry, making it accessible while emphasizing the beauty found in natural landscapes and human feelings.
• Evaluate the impact of Lyrical Ballads on the development of modern poetry and its significance in literary history.
  • Lyrical Ballads had a profound impact on modern poetry by establishing a new framework that emphasized emotional authenticity and individual expression. Its influence extended beyond its immediate context, shaping not only Romantic poets but also paving the way for later literary movements like Symbolism and Modernism. The collection's innovative approach to subject matter and language fundamentally altered readers' expectations of poetry, making it an essential milestone in literary history.

Related terms

Romanticism:

An artistic and intellectual movement that originated in the late 18th century, characterized by an emphasis on emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature.

Wordsworth: William Wordsworth was a key figure in the Romantic Movement, known for his focus on nature, emotion, and ordinary life experiences in his poetry.

Coleridge: Samuel Taylor Coleridge was a poet and philosopher associated with Romanticism, famous for his imaginative works and his collaboration with Wordsworth on Lyrical Ballads.