William Wordsworth
William Wordsworth (7 April 1770 – 23 April 1850) was a seminal English Romantic poet. His collaboration with Samuel Taylor Coleridge heralded the Romantic Age in English literature with their publication of "Lyrical Ballads" in 1798. Wordsworth's innovative approach to poetry focused on the beauty of nature and the emotions of the common man.
Early Life and Education
William Wordsworth was born in Cockermouth, Cumberland, a picturesque region in the Lake District of northern England, whose landscapes would profoundly influence his work. He was the second of five children born to John Wordsworth and Ann Cookson. After his mother's death when he was just eight, Wordsworth was sent to Hawkshead Grammar School and later attended St John's College, Cambridge.
Literary Career
In 1798, Wordsworth published "Lyrical Ballads" alongside Samuel Taylor Coleridge. The collection marked a decisive shift away from the formal and ornate diction of 18th-century poetry, towards a language that Wordsworth described as "language really used by men." He aimed to present "situations from common life" and believed in the "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings." Wordsworth elaborated on these ideas in the preface to the second edition of "Lyrical Ballads," published in 1800.
One of Wordsworth's most famous poems, "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud," also known as "Daffodils," reflects his deep appreciation for natural beauty and his ability to find joy in simple moments. This poem, inspired by a walk with his sister Dorothy Wordsworth, captures his philosophy that nature is the ultimate source of emotional and spiritual renewal.
Personal Life
Wordsworth had a close relationship with his sister Dorothy, who was a significant influence on his poetry. They lived together in Dove Cottage, Grasmere. Dorothy's detailed journals provide insight into Wordsworth's creative process and the inspirations behind many of his works. Wordsworth married Mary Hutchinson, a childhood friend, in 1802, and they had five children together, including Dora Wordsworth.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1843, Wordsworth was appointed Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom, a position he held until his death in 1850. His works greatly influenced later generations of poets and writers, including John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley. Wordsworth's emphasis on nature and emotion laid the groundwork for the Romantic movement in literature and remains an integral part of his enduring legacy.