Wordsworth's definition of poetry

                    Wordsworth's definition of poetry

Wordsworth is rightly considered as greatest poet of Romantic Age, not merely due to his large number and variety of poetry but also because he is the founder-father of substantial amount of poetic theory which is the base of romantic credo. Wordsworth defines all good poetry as ‘the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings’. Wordsworth goes on to say that poetry takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility. While tracing and explaining the course of poetry from its moment of origin, Wordsworth explains:

                              “The emotion is contemplated till,

                                by a species of reaction, the

                                tranquility gradually disappears, and

                                an emotion, kindred to that which was

                                the subject of contemplation,

                                is gradually produced, and does itself

                                actually exist in the mind.”

            In this mood successful composition generally begins, and in a mood similar to this, it is carried on.

            According to Wordsworth the process of creating poetry emerges through four stages:

a)     Recollection,

b)    Contemplation,

c)     Recordescence,

d)    Composition.

      Wordsworth believes that our continued influx of feelings are modified and directed by our thoughts which are indeed the representation of our past thought. In his view, sensibility is not enough to ensure a good poetry, it must be directed by calm mind.

     

       Wordsworth further observes that in the process of composing poetry mind should be in a state of enjoyment. He observes that his memory is habitually consulted, it will not only supply a poet with his most valuable materials but will also do for him best part of his work. The best illustration for Wordsworth’s poetic theory is clearly traceable in his simple poem ‘The Daffodils’.