William Wordsworth. April 7, 1770-April 23, 1850 (2)



William Wordsworth was born on April 17, 1770. He lost his mother when he was eight and his father when he was 13. He had developed a very close relationship with his sister, Dorothy, from whom he was separated after the death of his father. He went on to live with his two uncles, who sent him to Cambridge University. In 1787, a sonnet of his was published in The European Magazine, making himself known as a writer. (1.)

Wordworth's works centered on several major themes. One theme was nature, and man's relationship with nature. Some poems relating to nature include:

'Ode: Intimations of Immortality'

'Tintern Abbey'

The Prelude

Another major theme that Wordsworth focused on was revolution, in particular the French revolution and society. Poems that focus on these themes include: The Prelude (Book 6, Books 9-12)

• Lyrical Ballads
• Preface to Lyrical Ballads
• 'The Ruined Cottage'
• 'Michael'
• 'Resolution and Independence'

A thrid major theme of wordwsoworth was his relationships with other people. These works include:

• 'Home at Grasmere'
• 'She was a Phantom of delight' (written for his wife Mary)
• 'The Sparrow's Nest' (3)

In Wordsworth's poem London, 1802 the first line mentions Milton, a reference to John Milton. Milton was a famous English poet who lived from 1608-1674. His most famous work, Paradise Lost, is an epic poem that inspired many different literary movements, including the romantics.(4)
Wordsworth defined poetry as "the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings; it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility." By this, wordsworth meant that when he can step back from the world and recede into tranquility, he has the power to bring his emotion into perspective and put it into poetry. This similar view was shared by many of the romantics, and can help explain their love and attachment to nature. (5)

References (1.) http://www.online-literature.com/wordsworth/

(2) http://www.nndb.com/people/855/000024783/
(3)http://www.wordsworth.org.uk/Default.asp?page=111
(4)http://www.luminarium.org/sevenlit/milton/
(5) http://www.authorsontheweb.com/features/0204-poet/poet-q9.asp