Wordsworth and Coleridge

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Wordsworth and Coleridge

#Topic: Characteristics of Romantic poetry with examples from Wordsworth and Coleridge:

Characteristics of Romantic poetry:

1. Nature: Nature plays a central role in Romantic poetry, often serving as a source of inspiration, solace, and philosophical reflection. Both William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, two prominent Romantic poets, have distinct approaches to depicting nature in their works.

Example by William Wordsworth:

- Wordsworth viewed nature as a nurturing and morally instructive force. He believed that nature had the power to heal and inspire deep introspection. Here are a couple of examples:

“I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud”: In this poem, Wordsworth describes the uplifting experience of encountering a field of daffodils. The sight of the flowers brings him joy and comfort, even when he recalls the memory later. The famous lines:
Example by Samuel Taylor Coleridge:
He prayeth best, who loveth best All things both great and small; For the dear God who loveth us, He made and loveth all.

2.Imagination: - Imagination is a cornerstone of Romantic poetry, allowing poets to transcend the ordinary and explore deeper truths and emotions. Both William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge utilized imagination in their works, but they did so in distinct ways.
Example by William Wordsworth:
Wordsworth’s use of imagination often involved transforming everyday experiences into profound reflections on life and nature. He believed that imagination could reveal the deeper significance of ordinary events.
“Tintern Abbey”: In this poem, Wordsworth revisits the Wye Valley and reflects on how his perception of the landscape has changed over time. His imagination allows him to connect past experiences with present emotions, creating a sense of continuity and deeper understanding.
Five years have past; five summers, with the length
Of five long winters! and again I hear
These waters, rolling from their mountain-springs
With a sweet inland murmur.
Example by Coleridge:
“The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”: Coleridge’s imagination transforms a sea voyage into a profound moral and spiritual journey. The poem is filled with supernatural elements, such as ghostly apparitions and curses, which heighten the sense of mystery and awe:
And I had done a hellish thing,
And it would work 'em woe:
For all averred, I had killed the bird
That made the breeze to blow.
3.Supernaturalism: Supernaturalism is a notable characteristic of Romantic poetry, often used to explore themes beyond the ordinary and to evoke a sense of wonder and mystery. Both William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge incorporated supernatural elements in their works, though they approached it differently.
Example by Wordsworth:

While Wordsworth is more associated with naturalism, he also delved into the supernatural. " The Prelude " poem is written by him.

Was it for this
That one, the fairest of all Rivers, lov'd
To blend his murmurs with my Nurse's song,
And from his alder shades and rocky falls,
And from his fords and shallows, sent a voice
That flow'd along my dreams? For this, didst Thou,
O Derwent! travelling over the green Plains
Near my 'sweet Birthplace', didst thou, beauteous Stream

Example by Coleridge:

Coleridge is renowned for his use of supernaturalism. His poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” is a prime example.

The Bridegroom's doors are opened wide,
And I am next of kin;
The guests are met, the feast is set:
May'st hear the merry din.'

4. Medievalism:Medievalism is a notable characteristic of Romantic poetry, reflecting a fascination with the Middle Ages, its themes, and its aesthetics. This interest often manifests in the use of medieval settings, characters, and motifs, evoking a sense of nostalgia and mystery.

Example by Wordsworth:

While Wordsworth is primarily known for his nature poetry, he occasionally incorporated medieval elements. One example is his poem “The White Doe of Rylstone”.

FROM Bolton's old monastic tower
The bells ring loud with gladsome power;
The sun shines bright; the fields are gay
With people in their best array
Of stole and doublet, hood and scarf,
Along the banks of crystal Wharf,
Through the Vale retired and lowly,
Trooping to that summons holy.
Example by Coleridge:

Coleridge’s work often delves deeper into medievalism. A prime example is “Christabel”, a Gothic ballad that features a medieval setting and supernatural elements.

'Tis the middle of night by the castle clock, And the owls have awakened the crowing cock; Tu whit! Tu whoo! And hark, again! the crowing cock, How drowsily it crew.

5.Subjectivity:Subjectivity is a key characteristic of Romantic poetry, emphasizing personal feelings, experiences, and individual perspectives. Romantic poets often explored their own emotions and inner worlds, making their poetry deeply personal and introspective.

Example by Wordsworth:

“Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey”. In this poem, Wordsworth reflects on his memories of visiting the abbey five years earlier and contrasts them with his current feelings.

Five years have past; five summers, with the length
Of five long winters! and again I hear
These waters, rolling from their mountain-springs
With a sweet inland murmur. — Once again
Do I behold these steep and lofty cliffs,
Which on a wild secluded scene impress
Thoughts of more deep seclusion; and connect                        The landscape with the quiet of the sky.

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Example by Coleridge: 
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Coleridge’s poetry also embodies subjectivity, often exploring his own psychological and emotional states. “Dejection: An Ode” is a notable example where Coleridge expresses his feelings of despair and longing for inspiration.

A grief without a pang, void, dark, and drear,
A stifled, drowsy, unimpassioned grief,
Which finds no natural outlet, no relief,
In word, or sigh, or tear
O Lady! in this wan and heartless mood,
To other thoughts by yonder throstle woo'd,
All this long eve, so balmy and serene,
Have I been gazing on the western sky,
And its peculiar tint of yellow green:
And still I gaze and with how blank an eye!

6.Individualism: Romantic poetry, particularly the works of William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, is known for its emphasis on individualism.

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Example by Wordsworth:
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Five years have past; five summers, with the length
Of five long winters! and again I hear
These waters, rolling from their mountain-springs
With a sweet inland murmur.—Once again
Do I behold these steep and lofty cliffs,
Which on a wild secluded scene impress
Thoughts of more deep seclusion; and connect
The landscape with the quiet of the sky.

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Example by Coleridge:
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Well, they are gone, and here must I remain,
This lime-tree bower my prison! I have lost
Beauties and feelings, such as would have been
Most sweet to my remembrance even when age
Had dimmed mine eyes to blindness! They, meanwhile,
Friends, whom I never more may meet again,
On springy heath, along the hill-top edge,
Wander in gladness, and wind down, perchance,
To that still roaring dell, of which I told;

Academic visit to Victoria Park, Bhavnagar. Including activities with this unit:

We went to visit Victoria at 31-Aug-2024.

We do many activities according to this unit at Victoria Park.

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We visited lake and bhojanshala.
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We enjoyed nature like trees, bird's voice,lake,animal and etc.

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Everyone wrote poem about nature.
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We eat lunch together at that park.
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Thank You

Khushi Raviya

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