William Wordsworth and Percy B. Shelley - these names represent, more than any other does, the Romantic Period in England. Wordsworth′s Preface to Lyrical Ballads, the second version written in 1802, and Shelley′s Defence of Poetry (1821) are two basic documents of Romantic thought and aesthetics. I will here endeavour to compare them, showing both the similarities and differences between the demands and beliefs of the authors. Preparing for my paper, I was surprised to find so little literature that concentrated on this special topic. Articles and books on the relationship between these poets concentrate on biographical aspects and general differences in thought, but do not trace into their theory of poems. Much attention is paid to the generation gap, as in the book of G. Kim Blank, and I learned that it is impossible to treat my topic adequately without taking this aspect into consideration. Therefore I will first give a survey of the times and circumstances the essays were written in, then compare them, trying to apply the facts of the first chapter where it is possible.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Poets and Their Time
- The Preface and the Defence in Comparison
- The Language
- The Role of the Poet
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper compares William Wordsworth's "Preface to Lyrical Ballads" (1802) and Percy Bysshe Shelley's "Defence of Poetry" (1821), exploring their similarities and differences regarding the poets' beliefs and demands. The analysis considers the historical context of each work, acknowledging the generational gap between the authors and its impact on their respective perspectives. The study aims to contribute to the limited existing scholarship that directly compares these two foundational Romantic texts.
- The impact of the French Revolution on Wordsworth and Shelley's poetic theories.
- A comparative analysis of Wordsworth and Shelley's views on the role and function of the poet in society.
- The evolution of poetic language and style as reflected in both texts.
- The relationship between political idealism and poetic expression in the Romantic period.
- The contrast between Wordsworth's focus on the individual and internal world and Shelley's emphasis on social reform.
Chapter Summaries
The Poets and Their Time: This chapter sets the stage by examining the historical and personal contexts surrounding the creation of Wordsworth's "Preface" and Shelley's "Defence." It explores Wordsworth's disillusionment following the French Revolution, tracing his shift from radical political idealism to a focus on psychological observation and the exploration of the inner world in his poetry. The chapter contrasts this with Shelley's engagement with the political stagnation of his time, showcasing his belief in the power of poetry as a catalyst for social reform and education. The discussion highlights the generational differences influencing their perspectives and how these shape their respective approaches to poetic expression. Wordsworth's retreat to the Lake District and his exploration of simpler themes are contrasted with Shelley's more overtly political engagement.
Keywords
Romantic poetry, William Wordsworth, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Lyrical Ballads, Defence of Poetry, French Revolution, political idealism, poetic language, role of the poet, social reform, generation gap, psychological observation.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comparison of Wordsworth's "Preface" and Shelley's "Defence of Poetry"
What is the overall purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a paper comparing William Wordsworth's "Preface to Lyrical Ballads" (1802) and Percy Bysshe Shelley's "Defence of Poetry" (1821). It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords, offering a structured overview of the analysis.
What are the main themes explored in the comparison of the two texts?
The comparison focuses on the similarities and differences in Wordsworth and Shelley's beliefs and demands regarding poetry. Key themes include the impact of the French Revolution on their poetic theories, their views on the role of the poet in society, the evolution of poetic language and style, the relationship between political idealism and poetic expression, and the contrast between Wordsworth's focus on the individual and Shelley's emphasis on social reform.
What is covered in the chapter "The Poets and Their Time"?
This chapter analyzes the historical and personal contexts of both Wordsworth's "Preface" and Shelley's "Defence." It explores Wordsworth's post-French Revolution disillusionment and shift towards psychological observation, contrasting it with Shelley's continued engagement with political issues and his belief in poetry's power for social change. The generational difference between the authors and its influence on their perspectives is a central focus.
What is the scope of the comparative analysis?
The analysis directly compares Wordsworth's "Preface" and Shelley's "Defence," aiming to contribute to the limited existing scholarship that directly juxtaposes these foundational Romantic texts. It considers the historical context of each work and its impact on the authors' perspectives.
What are the key words associated with this comparative analysis?
Key words include Romantic poetry, William Wordsworth, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Lyrical Ballads, Defence of Poetry, French Revolution, political idealism, poetic language, role of the poet, social reform, generation gap, and psychological observation.
What specific aspects of poetic language and style are compared?
The analysis examines the evolution of poetic language and style as reflected in both Wordsworth's "Preface" and Shelley's "Defence," highlighting the differences in their approaches to poetic expression that stem from their differing beliefs and historical contexts.
What is the role of the French Revolution in the analysis?
The French Revolution's impact on both Wordsworth and Shelley's poetic theories is a significant theme. The analysis explores how their responses to the revolution shaped their respective views on the role of the poet and the nature of poetic language.
What is the significance of the generational gap between Wordsworth and Shelley?
The generational gap between Wordsworth and Shelley is highlighted as a crucial factor influencing their differing perspectives on poetry's role in society and their contrasting approaches to poetic expression. The analysis contrasts Wordsworth's shift away from radical idealism with Shelley's sustained engagement with political issues.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2000, The Poets and their Times: Wordsworth's - Preface to Lyrical Ballads - and Shelley's - Defence of Poetry -, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/3901
