Lake School

Definition

The Lake School refers to a group of English Romantic poets, primarily William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who were active in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. They are known for their emphasis on nature, emotion, and the imagination in their poetry, often reflecting on personal experiences and the beauty of the natural world, which contrasts with the industrial changes occurring in society at the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Lake School poets advocated for a return to nature as a source of inspiration and truth, reacting against the industrialization and urbanization of their time.
2. Wordsworth's belief in the 'spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings' emphasizes the importance of emotion in creating poetry that resonates with readers.
3. Coleridge's use of supernatural elements in his works, such as 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,' showcases the blend of imagination and nature that defines Lake School poetry.
4. The Lake School poets were instrumental in developing themes of childhood and innocence, suggesting that children possess a natural connection to the world that adults often lose.
5. Their poetry often includes a deep appreciation for rural life and landscapes, reflecting their belief that nature has a restorative power for the human spirit.

Review Questions

• How do the themes of nature and emotion manifest in the works of Wordsworth and Coleridge as representatives of the Lake School?
  • In the works of Wordsworth and Coleridge, themes of nature and emotion are central to their poetic expressions. Wordsworth often reflects on personal emotions tied to his experiences in nature, suggesting that natural landscapes evoke deep feelings that connect humanity to a larger existence. Coleridge complements this with his imaginative narratives that incorporate supernatural elements tied to natural settings, exploring how these experiences can inspire profound emotional responses.
• Discuss the significance of 'Lyrical Ballads' in shaping the direction of English Romantic poetry and its connection to the Lake School.
  • 'Lyrical Ballads,' published by Wordsworth and Coleridge, is significant because it represents a departure from traditional poetic forms and subjects. The collection focuses on everyday experiences and emotions, showcasing how common people can be sources of poetic inspiration. This aligns with Lake School ideals by emphasizing authenticity, emotional depth, and a connection to nature, ultimately influencing subsequent generations of poets in their approach to literature.
• Evaluate the impact of industrialization on the themes presented by Lake School poets and how they sought to counteract its influence through their work.
  • Industrialization greatly impacted Lake School poets as they witnessed rapid changes in society that often devalued nature and human connection. In response, Wordsworth and Coleridge used their poetry to advocate for a return to natural beauty and emotional authenticity as remedies for the alienation brought about by industrial progress. Their works highlight the stark contrast between pastoral landscapes and industrialized settings, urging readers to recognize the restorative power of nature amidst societal change, thereby shaping Romantic ideals around nature's significance in human life.

Related terms

Romanticism: An artistic and literary movement that emphasized emotion, nature, individualism, and the sublime, emerging in the late 18th century as a reaction against the Enlightenment's focus on reason.

Sublime: A concept in aesthetics referring to an experience of beauty that inspires awe or wonder, often found in nature, and frequently explored by Romantic poets.

Lyrical Ballads: A collection of poems published in 1798 by Wordsworth and Coleridge, which marked a significant shift towards Romantic poetry, focusing on common people and the emotional experiences tied to nature.