William Wordsworth’s Preface to Lyrical Ballads: A Comparative Analysis of Classical Ideas and Matthew Arnold

William Wordsworth, in his Preface to Lyrical Ballads (1798), redefined poetry by advocating for the representation of ordinary experiences in extraordinary ways, evoking sublime emotions in readers. While his ideas draw from predecessors such as Plato, Aristotle, Longinus, and Horace, as well as his contemporary Coleridge, Wordsworth’s emphasis on imagination often overlooks critical engagement with earlier literary traditions. Matthew Arnold is included in this analysis as a comparative figure to highlight Wordsworth’s shortcomings in balancing creative and critical faculties. Arnold’s focus on synthesizing these elements offers a valuable contrast to Wordsworth’s prioritization of imaginative powers. It is thus essential to examine the distinctions in Wordsworth’s style compared to the thinkers above. The analysis provides valuable insights into diverse perspectives on the poet’s role and the nature of poetry. Indeed, it becomes essential to unfold and unravel Wordsworth’s understanding of poetry to draw parallels and to compare and contrast his ideas to gain knowledge on how poetry ought to be perceived. Present study examines Wordsworth’s contributions through Arnold’s critical lens, offering insights into the evolving role of the poet and the nature of poetry while addressing where Wordsworth may be critiqued for his limited critical scope.