Published By: Sohini

Brief discussion about two important poets of the Romantic Period

Romanticism was an artistic, literary, musical and intellectual movement that originated in Europe towards the end of the 18th century.

This movement was at its peak during the time 1800 to 1890. Conventionally, the period begins with the publication of Lyrical Ballads by William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge in the year 1798. It is also called the Age of Revolution as it witnessed so many changes. England became the industrial hub and a new class of people emerged which was known as working-class people. With these changes, so many problems and sufferings have emerged as the life of agricultural people became industry oriented. At that moment some of the poets tried to seek solace from nature, they returned to nature and imagination for peace and consolation. They are basically called the romantic poets. In this article we’ll talk about two such romantic poets who not only talked about revolution but also about nature and peace. So, let’s look at them –

William Wordsworth

Wordsworth is one of the greatest names of the romantic age who emphasized the value of childhood experience and celebrated nature through his works. Nature and memory have played a very important role in his poem, ‘Tintern Abbey. His journey from childhood to maturity has been depicted in ‘The Prelude’. In the formative stage of his career, he collaborated with Coleridge and published ‘Lyrical Ballads’ but the preface of this was written and added by Wordsworth in the version of 1800. His other important works include 'Ode: Intimations and Immortality', 'The Solitary Reaper, 'London, 1802' and so on.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

He is one of the romantics who is always concerned about the mysterious, supernatural and extraordinary world. Coleridge turns to the romance and mystery of the past. Poems like Christabel and Kubla Khan are examples of the presence of supernatural forces. It was believed that Coleridge was a drug addict and ‘Kubla Khan’ was written while he was in an opium-induced state. He also showed his great talent in conversation poems. In the ‘Frost at Midnight’, he addressed his son Hartley. 'Rime of the Ancient Mariner is one of his best- known works which was the first work of the ‘Lyrical Ballads’. This great genius also has poetic paralysis which he described in his poem ‘Dejection: An Ode’.

Lastly, we want to end the discussion with a famous quote of this man-

‘The happiness of life is made up of minute fractions - the little, soon forgotten charities of a kiss or a smile, a kind look or heartfelt compliment.’