What is Typical of Lyrical Ballads

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What is Typical of Lyrical Ballads

The group title of the set of poems written by Wordsworth and

Coleridge presents an interesting starting point of analysis. The

phrase ‘Lyrical Ballads’ is a paradox as the genres of ‘lyrics’ and

‘ballads’ can be defined as in opposition to each other. A ‘lyric’ is

‘a poem about feeling… addressed to the reader in a manner of private

and intimate conversation’. A ‘ballad’ is ‘a narrative poem from an

anonymous point of view, often relating to characters from public or

historical events, such as war.’ Therefore the two genres are combined

under the title ‘Lyrical Ballads’, signifying an unexpected and

unusual style from Wordsworth and Coleridge. This is further evidenced

by Wordsworth, who said the ‘Lyrical Ballads’ should be seen as ‘an

experiment’, consisting of ‘poems… materially different from those

under the general approbation… present bestowed’ and that they may be

read by some with a ‘common dislike’.

One aspect of the style of ‘Lyrical Ballads’ that caused much contempt

at the time of publication is the simple language, an important

characteristic of the poems. Wordsworth tries to avoid the ‘falsehood

of description’, instead preferring to record reality in ordinary

language rather than attempting a poetic diction. Unlike many of his

contemporary poets, Wordsworth did not attempt an ornate and elevated

poetic style adorned with extravagant metaphors. However, this does

not mean the language is colloquial, but that Wordsworth takes his

language and subjects from ‘ordinary life’ hoping to show ‘the

language really spoken by men’. This is true for poems such as ‘We are

Seven’ in which the narrator meets a ‘little cottage girl’ and

questions her about her sibling...

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There are many characteristics that permeate throughout each of the

poems in the ‘Lyrical Ballads’ creating a style fundamentally

associated with Wordsworth. These qualities have a number of different

intentions, for example the simple language and the reference to

ordinary life do not alienate readers from a less educated background.

Wordsworth’s intention was for his poetry to be inclusive and the

‘Lyrical Ballads’ are infused with ordinary life, responses to loss,

growing old and the fear of death. The poems also celebrate a view of

rural life and nature as a solution to industrialisation.

Consequently, whilst many of the poems aim to engage readers for

entertainment purposes, some poems, such as ‘Last of the Flock’ and

‘Simon Lee’ not only offer a story of ordinary life but they provide

political protests on the provisions for the poor and the old.

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