Lyrical ballads

Definition

Lyrical Ballads is a collection of poems published in 1798 by William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, marking the beginning of the Romantic movement in English literature. This work introduced a new approach to poetry that emphasized emotion, nature, and the common man, setting a foundation for the characteristics of Romanticism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lyrical Ballads was initially published anonymously, leading to some confusion about the authorship until Wordsworth and Coleridge claimed it as their own.
2. The collection includes Wordsworth's famous poem 'Tintern Abbey,' which reflects his thoughts on nature and memory.
3. Coleridge's contribution includes 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,' which showcases his fascination with the supernatural and explores complex themes such as guilt and redemption.
4. The preface to the second edition of Lyrical Ballads (1800) outlines Wordsworth's poetic philosophy, advocating for poetry that speaks to everyday experiences and emotions.
5. Lyrical Ballads played a crucial role in shifting literary focus from neoclassical ideals to Romantic ideals, influencing countless poets and writers in the 19th century.

Review Questions

• How did Lyrical Ballads reflect the political and social changes occurring during the Romantic period?
  • Lyrical Ballads captured the spirit of the Romantic period by emphasizing themes of emotion and nature, which resonated with the political and social changes of the time. The late 18th century was marked by revolutions and a growing awareness of individual rights, which Wordsworth and Coleridge embraced by focusing on ordinary people and their experiences. This shift in perspective from classical ideals to more relatable subjects reflected the changing values of society during this transformative period.
• Discuss how Lyrical Ballads established new principles in Romantic philosophy and aesthetics as articulated in Wordsworth's preface.
  • In his preface to Lyrical Ballads, Wordsworth outlined key principles of Romantic philosophy, advocating for poetry that arises from genuine emotion and connects with readers' everyday experiences. He emphasized simplicity in language and form, breaking away from the ornate style of neoclassical poetry. This focus on authenticity and emotional resonance set new aesthetic standards for Romantic poetry, allowing it to address deeper psychological and existential questions through a more personal lens.
• Evaluate the impact of Lyrical Ballads on subsequent poetic innovations and experimentations during the Romantic era.
  • Lyrical Ballads had a profound impact on subsequent poetic innovations by challenging traditional poetic forms and encouraging experimentation with style and subject matter. The success of this collection paved the way for later Romantic poets to explore themes such as nature, individual experience, and spirituality in innovative ways. Poets like Keats, Shelley, and Byron drew inspiration from Wordsworth's focus on personal emotion and Coleridge's imaginative narratives, leading to a rich diversity of poetic expression that defined the Romantic era.

Related terms

Romanticism:

An artistic and intellectual movement that originated in the late 18th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature.

Ballad: A form of verse, often set to music, that tells a story in a simple and direct manner, typically featuring themes of love, tragedy, or folklore.

Imagery: Descriptive language used in literature to create visual representations in the reader's mind, enhancing the emotional and sensory experience of a poem.