Ideas and Style of Two of Wordsworth's Poems Reflect His Beliefs About Good Poetry Essay Example
Wordsworth's beliefs about good poetry are reflected in the main ideas and style of writing found in his poems; such as The Solitary Reaper and I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud. The essence of his poems follow Romantic themes that reject industrialisation, celebrate individuality, hold nature and its beauty in high respect, and encourages readers to observe their surroundings in solitude. It also includes his personal beliefs such as the notion of reflection and the reproduction of strong emotions existing permanently in the mind. Wordsworth's style is simplistic and literary techniques such as personification and hyperboles are used to aid in expressing his convictions.
The Solitary Reaper depicts a sight that would have been common in the area and time period in which Wordsworth was in. Romantic ideals such as comfort in solitude and individuality are the main themes conveyed in this poem.
In the first stanza, Wordsworth utilises the imperative “behold” to involve readers in the importance to observe their surroundings and happenings. The repetition of synonyms alluding to solitude - "single", "solitary", "by herself" and “alone” - places emphasis on the concept of seclusion. Rather, the poet views it in as tranquillity; working in a natural landscape and being isolated from gross materialism and the abuse of nature. Although the main character is alone, she does not appear to be lonely; content with singing to herself. Her song is symbolic of her expression of individuality which the poet finds beautiful because of its simplicity.
The language in which the girl is singing is foreign to the poet, and he expresses his frustrations with the rhetorical question, “will no one tell me what she sings?” pleading to understand the explicit content, rather than conjuring his own interpretations. This exemplifies Wordsworth’s belief that poetry should not rely on artificial diction for its effort.
In the final stanza, the poet dismisses his own musings, and observes
The Solitary Reaper depicts a sight that would have been common in the area and time period in which Wordsworth was in. Romantic ideals such as comfort in solitude and individuality are the main themes conveyed in this poem.
In the first stanza, Wordsworth utilises the imperative “behold” to involve readers in the importance to observe their surroundings and happenings. The repetition of synonyms alluding to solitude - "single", "solitary", "by herself" and “alone” - places emphasis on the concept of seclusion. Rather, the poet views it in as tranquillity; working in a natural landscape and being isolated from gross materialism and the abuse of nature. Although the main character is alone, she does not appear to be lonely; content with singing to herself. Her song is symbolic of her expression of individuality which the poet finds beautiful because of its simplicity.
The language in which the girl is singing is foreign to the poet, and he expresses his frustrations with the rhetorical question, “will no one tell me what she sings?” pleading to understand the explicit content, rather than conjuring his own interpretations. This exemplifies Wordsworth’s belief that poetry should not rely on artificial diction for its effort.
In the final stanza, the poet dismisses his own musings, and observes