Wordsworth
For William Wordsworth, poetry was more than just a form
of creative expression. He regarded it as a learning tool he
could use to educate his readers on significance of history.
Wordsworth believed that history not only shaped the world in
which man lived, but also mankind itself. It could teach
both what to do, but perhaps even more importantly, it could
insightfully teach what not to do. In his autobiographical
epic poem, "The Prelude," Wordsworth explored how historical
events had influenced his life. In the poem, the narrator,
Wordsworth himself, describes how he saw history happen
around him, and the impact that it had on his thoughts and on
his art.
Books 9 and 10 of "The Prelude" detail the time he
resided in France, which was during the height of the French
Revolution. In Book 9, Wordsworth described his initial
sensations as if he is an enthusiastic tourist, but when he
witnesses the effects of the Revolution first-hand, the poem
takes a decidedly different, and more somber tone.
Wordsworth observed, "I saw the Revolutionary Power / Toss
like a ship at anchor, rocked by storms;... / I stared and
listened, with a stranger's ears, / To Hawkers and
Haranguers, hubbub wild! / And hissing Factionists with
ardent eyes, / In knots, or pairs, or single. Not a look /
Hope takes, or Doubt or Fear is forced to wear, / But seemed
there present; and I scanned them all, / Watched every
gesture uncontrollable, / Of anger, and vexation, and
despite, / All side by side, and struggling face to face,
With gaiety and dissolute idleness" (282). Wordsworth was
watching history happen...
View Full Essay