Q. Examine the purpose spontaneity, emotions and personality
serve in Wordsworth’s theory of poetry.
The purpose spontaneity, emotions and personality serve in
Wordsworth’s theory of poetry. , In Wordsworth's 1802 preface, he presents a
significant definition of poetry, stating that it is "the spontaneous
overflow of powerful feelings" and originates from "emotion
recollected in tranquility." This statement highlights the importance of
mood and inspiration in the creation of poetry.
The influence of Hartley can be clearly observed throughout
the poems of Lyrical Ballads. Wordsworth believed that nature held the key to
the most valuable knowledge for humanity. According to his reasoning, those
individuals who were closest to nature, such as farmers and shepherds living in
the countryside, possessed this essential wisdom. It was these individuals and
their experiences that Wordsworth turned to when depicting his poetic visions
in Lyrical Ballads. However, critics swiftly criticized his choice, suggesting
that he was incapable of distinguishing between poetry and agronomy. In
response to these criticisms, Wordsworth republished the poems and included his
infamous Preface. In this Preface, he indirectly conveyed to the critics their
own ignorance regarding the true nature of poetry, although he refrained from
expressing it explicitly.
Wordsworth asserts that poetry emerges from the genuine
emotions of the poet, and there is a sense of spontaneity in the expression of
these feelings. He emphasizes that powerful emotions are essential for the
creation of great poetry. However, it is important to note that Wordsworth does
not advocate for a chaotic or uncontrolled outpouring of emotions.
While poetry is born
from the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings, he adds a corollary that
the origin of poetry lies in the recollection of emotions in a state of
tranquility. At first glance, these two assertions may seem contradictory, but
Wordsworth's theory of poetry seeks to reconcile them. In his view, poetry is
the synthesis of powerful feelings and profound thoughts.
WORDSWORTH POETIC
PROCESS
The poetic process has four-stage for the successful
composition to take place. It is not an easy process. The four-stage of the
process are recollection, contemplation, recrudescence or renewal of the
original emotion and composition.
The poetic process, according to Wordsworth, consists of four
distinct stages that must be traversed for successful composition to occur.
This process is not an effortless one, but rather requires careful engagement
and creative effort. The four stages of the poetic process, as proposed by
Wordsworth, are recollection, contemplation, recrudescence or renewal of the
original emotion, and composition.
The first stage of
recollection
involves the poet's act of recalling past experiences and emotions. This
recollection serves as the foundation for poetic inspiration, as it enables the
poet to tap into the reservoir of memories and feelings that will fuel their
creative endeavor. Wordsworth believed that genuine poetry arises from personal
experiences and emotions, so the process of recollection is crucial in
connecting the poet with their innermost thoughts and sensations.
The stage of
contemplation.
Here, the poet engages in deep reflection and introspection, contemplating the
significance and meaning of the recollected experiences and emotions. This
contemplative stage allows the poet to delve deeper into the complexities of
their memories and emotions, extracting profound insights and connections.
Through contemplation, the poet gains a greater understanding of the subject
matter they seek to convey in their poetry.
The third stage
involves the recrudescence or renewal of the original emotion. After the initial
recollection and subsequent contemplation, the poet experiences a resurgence of
the intense emotions associated with the original experience. This
recrudescence serves as a revitalization of the poet's emotional connection to
the subject matter. It is through this renewal of emotions that the poet
rekindles the passion and intensity necessary for the creation of powerful and
evocative poetry.
The final stage of the poetic process is composition. Once
the recollection, contemplation, and recrudescence have taken place, the poet
is ready to translate their experiences and emotions into written form. This
stage involves the actual act of crafting the poem, where the poet carefully
selects words, structures, and literary devices to convey their thoughts and
emotions effectively. The composition stage requires skill, craftsmanship, and
attention to detail to create a work of art that captures the essence of the
poet's original inspiration.
It is important to note that the poetic process is not a
linear progression. It is a dynamic and iterative cycle where the poet may move
back and forth between the stages, refining their recollection, deepening their
contemplation, and further renewing their emotions as they shape their
composition. Each stage informs and enriches the others, culminating in the creation
of a poem that encapsulates the poet's experiences and emotions in a powerful
and meaningful way.
0 comments:
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.