William Wordsworth’s “Lyrical Ballads” which was penned in association with S.T Coleridge turned out to be a milestone work in the history of English literature. In his “Preface to Lyrical Ballads” Wordsworth propounds his concept of poetry, the subject and theme of poetry, the purpose and function of poetry, and the language fitted for poetry. Wordsworth’s ideas have changed the outlook of English literature in the 19th century and also announced the romantic period in the true sense.
Poetry
The Canterbury Tales as a social commentary of the age
Literature mirrors the tendencies of the period in which it was written. In addition to that, there is inevitably a leading writer who becomes the representative of his time gives expression to its achievements and expectations, its success or deprivation in his literary works.
How does Sidney defend poetry in An Apology for Poetry ? | Four Charges against poetry
An Apology for Poetry is one of the major works of Sir Philip Sidney written in the Sixteenth century. Sidney wrote this work in 1580 but it was published posthumously in 1595. Sidney wished to guard poetry and reinstate the greatness of the poet which has tainted in his age. Sidney thought poetry to have greater assertion for defense and justification. Sidney turns to disprove the allegation imposed upon poetry by Stephen Gosson and other Elizabethan critics.
An Apology for Poetry summary
“An Apology for Poetry” is an influential work in the field of literary criticism written by Sir Philip Sidney. Sidney wrote “An Apology for Poetry” in 1580 but it was published posthumously in 1595.
The Rape of the Lock as a mock-heroic poem | Mock heroic elements
A mock-heroic epic is a poem that employs an elevated style and technique to portray an insignificant topic or issue for which this elevated style is not appropriate and fitting. This brings along laughter since the method or the manner of the mock-heroic poem is opposed to the subject.
Milton’s Grand Style in Paradise Lost
The style Milton used in “Paradise Lost” has righteously been stated as the grand style. The major elements of the grand style normally are: the grandeur of the perception which motivates the poem, the use of imposing words organized in splendid order, elaborate imagination, and the use of supreme literary devices which build on the greatness of the language used.
Geoffrey Chaucer as a father of English Poetry
It was John Dryden who gave the veneration “fatherhood of English poetry” to Chaucer in his work “Preface to the Fables: Ancient and Modern”. Similarly, Matthew Arnold eulogizes Chaucer by stating that with Chaucer our real poetry is born. Chaucer has been considered as the forerunner of versification, poetry, realism, characterization, and humor.