The Oxford Handbook of William Wordsworth

The Oxford Handbook of William Wordsworth is a comprehensive guide to the life, work, and influence of one of the most important poets in the English language. With contributions from leading Wordsworth scholars, the Handbook provides a fresh and up-to-date assessment of Wordsworth's work, from his early Romantic poems to his later, more philosophical writings. The Handbook also explores Wordsworth's relationship to his contemporaries, his influence on subsequent generations of poets, and his continuing relevance to readers today.

Life and Career

William Wordsworth was born in Cockermouth, Cumberland, England, on April 7, 1770. His father was a lawyer, and his mother was the daughter of a local landowner. Wordsworth's early childhood was spent in the countryside, and he developed a deep love of nature that would later find expression in his poetry. In 1778, Wordsworth's father died, and the family moved to Penrith, where Wordsworth attended grammar school. In 1787, Wordsworth entered St. John's College, Cambridge, where he studied classics and mathematics. However, he did not complete his degree, and in 1791 he left Cambridge to travel to France.

The Oxford Handbook of William Wordsworth (Oxford Handbooks)

by Daniel Robinson

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Wordsworth's time in France coincided with the outbreak of the French Revolution. He was initially sympathetic to the Revolution, but he became disillusioned as it became increasingly violent. In 1793, Wordsworth returned to England, where he published his first poem, "An Evening Walk." In 1795, he met Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and the two poets became close friends and collaborators. Together, they published the Lyrical Ballads in 1798, which is considered to be one of the most important works in the history of English poetry.

In 1802, Wordsworth married Mary Hutchinson, and the couple settled in the Lake District of England. Wordsworth continued to write poetry throughout his life, and he published his major work, The Prelude, in 1850. Wordsworth died in Rydal Mount, England, on April 23, 1850.

Poetry

Wordsworth's poetry is characterized by its focus on nature, its use of simple language, and its exploration of the human condition. Wordsworth believed that nature was a source of truth and beauty, and he often used his poetry to express his love of the natural world. Wordsworth also believed that poetry should be written in a simple and direct style, and he avoided using complex language or obscure imagery. Finally, Wordsworth's poetry often explores the human condition, and he wrote about themes such as love, loss, and death.

Some of Wordsworth's most famous poems include "Tintern Abbey," "Ode: Intimations of Immortality," and "The Prelude." "Tintern Abbey" is a poem about Wordsworth's return to a place he had visited five years earlier. In the poem, Wordsworth reflects on the changes that have occurred in his life and in the world around him. "Ode: Intimations of Immortality" is a poem about the loss of childhood innocence. In the poem, Wordsworth expresses his belief that children are closer to heaven than adults, and that they have a special insight into the nature of reality. "The Prelude" is a long poem that tells the story of Wordsworth's life. In the poem, Wordsworth explores his childhood, his education, and his early career as a poet.

Influence

Wordsworth has had a profound influence on English poetry. He is considered to be one of the founders of the Romantic movement, and his work has inspired generations of poets. Wordsworth's poetry has also been translated into many languages, and it is read and studied all over the world.

In addition to his poetry, Wordsworth also wrote a number of prose works, including his autobiography, The Prelude, and his critical essays. These works provide valuable insights into Wordsworth's life and thought, and they have helped to shape our understanding of his work.

The Oxford Handbook of William Wordsworth

The Oxford Handbook of William Wordsworth is a comprehensive guide to the life, work, and influence of one of the most important poets in the English language. With contributions from leading Wordsworth scholars, the Handbook provides a fresh and up-to-date assessment of Wordsworth's work, from his early Romantic poems to his later, more philosophical writings. The Handbook also explores Wordsworth's relationship to his contemporaries, his influence on subsequent generations of poets, and his continuing relevance to readers today.

The Oxford Handbook of William Wordsworth is an essential resource for anyone interested in the life and work of this great poet.

References

The Oxford Handbook of William Wordsworth, edited by Stephen Gill. Oxford University Press, 2009.

William Wordsworth: A Critical Biography, by Stephen Gill. Princeton University Press, 1989.

The Collected Poems of William Wordsworth, edited by Ernest de Selincourt and Helen Darbishire. Oxford University Press, 1952.

The Oxford Handbook of William Wordsworth (Oxford Handbooks)

by Daniel Robinson

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4116 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	896 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE