Common language

Definition

Common language refers to the use of everyday speech and vocabulary in literature, making poetry and prose accessible to a broader audience. This concept emphasizes the importance of writing in a way that resonates with the ordinary experiences and feelings of people, rather than relying on elaborate or archaic language. In the context of poetic theory, it reflects a desire to connect with readers on a personal level and elevate the significance of simple, relatable themes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wordsworth championed common language as part of his poetic theory, advocating for poetry to be written in the language of common people.
2. He believed that using simple language would enable readers to better connect with the themes and emotions expressed in poetry.
3. Wordsworth's focus on common language also aimed to break down barriers between high art and everyday life, democratizing literature.
4. In 'Lyrical Ballads', he utilized common language to convey profound truths about nature, human experience, and emotion.
5. The shift towards common language in poetry represented a broader movement within Romanticism to celebrate ordinary life and its significance.

Review Questions

• How did Wordsworth's emphasis on common language influence the accessibility of poetry for his readers?
  • Wordsworth's emphasis on common language made poetry more relatable and accessible to a wider audience. By using everyday speech and simple vocabulary, he removed barriers that often alienated readers from traditional poetry. This approach allowed individuals from different backgrounds to engage with profound emotions and themes, fostering a deeper connection between the reader and the text.
• In what ways did Wordsworth's use of common language challenge existing literary conventions of his time?
  • Wordsworth's use of common language challenged the prevailing literary conventions that favored ornate diction and classical references. By prioritizing the speech patterns of ordinary people, he sought to validate everyday experiences as worthy subjects for poetry. This departure not only reshaped poetic form but also encouraged other writers within the Romantic movement to explore similar themes, thereby revolutionizing how literature was created and perceived.
• Evaluate the impact of Wordsworth’s focus on common language in his major works on the development of modern poetry.
  • Wordsworth's focus on common language significantly influenced the development of modern poetry by establishing a precedent for authenticity and relatability in literary expression. His insistence on using everyday vernacular encouraged future poets to draw inspiration from real-life experiences and emotions, fostering a diverse range of voices in literature. This shift towards accessibility has paved the way for contemporary poets to experiment with form and content while maintaining a strong connection to their audience, ultimately shaping the trajectory of poetic expression in modern times.

Related terms

Lyrical Ballads: A collection of poems published by Wordsworth and Coleridge that marked a shift toward using common language in poetry, focusing on nature and rural life.

Romanticism:

An artistic and literary movement that emphasized emotion, individualism, and the beauty of nature, often utilizing common language to convey these ideals.

Imagery: Descriptive language used to create mental pictures, which can be made more effective when employing common language that resonates with everyday experiences.