While reading from the Preface to Lyrical Ballads, I found it very interesting that William Wordsworth published this text as an experiment and he continually defers to the readers interests. He wasn’t sure whether he would please or displease his readers and seemed that he was surprised to learn “that I have pleased a greater number than I ventured to hope I should please.” (p. 334) Wordsworth wanted the reader to make his own conclusions and opinions of the poetry and subject. To further this goal, he uses a low or rustic life style because country people speak in a plainer language (of that day) and represent the pastoral lifestyle. In his poetry, Wordsworth states, “the essential passions of the heart find a better soil in which they can attain their maturity,” (p. 335). A shepherd does not have to be socially correct.
Wordsworth mentions “metrical composition” in this article and I will admit that I had to look that one up to remind myself what it was. It is poetry in a form that embodies beautiful thought, feeling, or action in an imaginative and artistic construction. After reading “Michael”, I fully realized what he was talking about. This is a tale which even though it is in poetic form, it is also prose. An older father who sends his son to make money to save the farm and keep it out of “stranger’s hands” (351) reminds me of Silas Marner by George Eliot. Michael leads a simple but solitary life until his wife gives birth to their son, Luke. Then Michael is no longer alone and has another male to bond with, while lavishing all his love on him. When he has to send him away, he is alone again and the son never returns, leaving his father to die alone. Another connection that Michael has with Silas Marner is the community; as Luke prepares to leave, “And all the Neighbours as he pass’d their doors/Came forth, with wishes and with farewell pray’rs,” (350). The pastoral lifestyle is hard work and lonely but community is important to them also.
Wordsworth’s work is all about nature and how it provides a positive influence on the human mind. People who spend a lot of time in nature retain an innocence and nobility that is not attached to a city dweller. The transformative powers of the mind are available to all regardless of class or background. Nature strengthens the imagination and uniqueness of an individual.
Literature Rocks 