NINETEENTH CENTURY ENGLISH LITERATURE – WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

NINETEENTH CENTURY ENGLISH LITERATURE – WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

William Wordsworth was the great initiator of the Romantic movement. His poetry is full of joy, exploration, seeing the beauty stark and as a vision that becomes unbearable, and needs to be expressed. They are full of the joy of Nature, of life and soothe the heart and the mind in a unique and profoundly original way. For him life was simply an endless fascination for life, nature, living and self discovery. At times he sees with such a blinding vision of divine beauty, it leaves us shocked, and he makes that divinity of nature believable, as he had experienced.
 
NINETEENTH CENTURY ENGLISH LITERATURE – WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

William Wordsworth: The Poet of Nature and Human Emotion

William Wordsworth (1770–1850) was a pivotal figure in English Romantic poetry, renowned for his celebration of nature, his exploration of human emotions, and his revolutionary approach to poetic language. Alongside Samuel Taylor Coleridge, he helped launch the Romantic Age in English literature with the publication of Lyrical Ballads (1798), which broke away from the formal, artificial style of 18th-century poetry. Wordsworth’s works emphasize simplicity, the beauty of the natural world, and the profound connection between humanity and the environment.

Early Life and Influences

Born in Cockermouth, Cumberland, Wordsworth grew up in the scenic Lake District, a landscape that deeply influenced his poetry. Orphaned at a young age, he was sent to school in Hawkshead, where he developed a love for nature. He later attended Cambridge University but found academic life stifling. A walking tour of Europe in 1790 exposed him to the revolutionary fervor in France, which initially inspired his democratic ideals. However, disillusionment with the violence of the French Revolution led him to seek solace in nature and poetry.

Lyrical Ballads and Poetic Revolution

Wordsworth’s most significant contribution to literature was Lyrical Ballads, co-authored with Coleridge. The collection, particularly the preface to its second edition (1800), became a manifesto for Romantic poetry. Wordsworth argued that poetry should be written in "the real language of men" and should focus on ordinary life and emotions. His famous definition of poetry as "the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings… recollected in tranquility" reflects his belief in emotional authenticity.

Key poems in Lyrical Ballads include:

"Tintern Abbey" – A meditation on memory, nature, and spiritual renewal.

"The Solitary Reaper" – A lyrical depiction of a Highland girl’s song, evoking deep emotion.

"I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" (also known as "Daffodils") – A joyful celebration of nature’s beauty.

Themes in Wordsworth’s Poetry

Nature as a Moral Guide – Wordsworth saw nature as a source of wisdom, joy, and moral instruction. Unlike earlier poets who treated nature as mere decoration, he believed it had a profound spiritual influence on human beings.

Memory and Childhood – Many of his poems, such as "Ode: Intimations of Immortality," explore childhood as a time of pure connection with nature, which fades but can be recalled through memory.

The Common Man – Wordsworth elevated rural life and ordinary people, portraying shepherds, beggars, and children with dignity and depth.

Later Life and Legacy

In his later years, Wordsworth became more conservative and was appointed Poet Laureate in 1843. While his later works lacked the revolutionary vigor of his youth, his early poetry had already transformed English literature. His influence extended to later poets like John Keats, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and even modern environmental writers.

Conclusion

William Wordsworth redefined poetry by focusing on personal emotion, everyday language, and the restorative power of nature. His works continue to resonate with readers for their lyrical beauty and profound insights into the human condition. As a pioneer of Romanticism, he remains one of the most beloved and influential poets in English literature.

NINETEENTH CENTURY ENGLISH LITERATURE – WILLIAM BLAKE

NINETEENTH CENTURY ENGLISH LITERATURE – WILLIAM BLAKE

Songs of innocence, songs of experience, Man’s struggle with a Maker, who is at once benevolent, and also jealous, and tyrannical - these were his themes, portrayed deeply in layers of both innocence and experience, questioning, and expressing. He portrays, the bliss of innocence, and childhood, and he is obviously very critical of his age that bound man, and shackled his expression of joy. His themes are romantic, which means Man’s striving to break free, and the conflicts with both the Maker, and the society around him. Yet, his poems are supremely crafted and shows all these themes in profound perception and wholeness, revealing both the innocence and experience.

 

William Blake: The Visionary Poet and Artist

William Blake (1757–1827) was an English poet, painter, and printmaker whose works remain some of the most original and visionary in Western literature and art. A figure of the Romantic Age, Blake defied conventional norms, blending mysticism, social criticism, and artistic innovation. His illuminated books, such as Songs of Innocence and Experience and The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, reveal a mind deeply engaged with spiritual, political, and philosophical questions.

Early Life and Artistic Training

Born in London, Blake showed an early inclination for art and poetry. At age ten, he began studying drawing, later apprenticing with engraver James Basire. This training in engraving influenced his later work, as Blake developed a unique method of "illuminated printing," combining text and image in hand-colored plates. His wife, Catherine Boucher, assisted him in this labor-intensive process, which allowed him to control every aspect of his publications.

Poetic Works: Innocence vs. Experience

Blake’s most famous poetry collections, Songs of Innocence (1789) and Songs of Experience (1794), explore contrasting states of the human soul. The Songs of Innocence depict childlike wonder and purity, as seen in poems like The Lamb and The Chimney Sweeper. However, Songs of Experience presents a darker vision, critiquing social oppression and corruption—The Tyger and London reveal Blake’s anger at institutional cruelty, particularly child labor and industrial exploitation.

Mysticism and Prophetic Books

Blake’s later works, known as his "Prophetic Books," are dense with mythological and biblical imagery. In The Marriage of Heaven and Hell (1790–93), he subverts traditional morality, declaring that "without contraries is no progression." His epic poems, such as Milton and Jerusalem, envision spiritual rebirth and humanity’s liberation from oppression. Blake rejected the rationalism of the Enlightenment, instead embracing imagination as divine inspiration.

Art and Symbolism

Beyond poetry, Blake was a prolific visual artist. His illustrations for The Book of Job, Dante’s Divine Comedy, and his own works reveal a mastery of symbolic imagery. His style—ethereal, dramatic, and often surreal—reflects his belief that art should transcend the material world.

Legacy and Influence

Blake died in obscurity but is now celebrated as a revolutionary thinker. His defiance of authority, advocacy for free love and human rights, and fusion of art and poetry influenced later movements like Symbolism, Surrealism, and countercultural figures like Allen Ginsberg.

William Blake remains a towering figure whose works challenge readers to see beyond the visible world and embrace the power of imagination. As he wrote in The Auguries of Innocence:

"To see a World in a Grain of Sand

And a Heaven in a Wild Flower,

Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand

And Eternity in an hour."

His legacy endures as a testament to creativity, rebellion, and visionary genius.

NINETEENTH CENTURY ENGLISH LITERATURE - THE FUNDAMENTAL TENETS OF ROMANTICISM

NINETEENTH CENTURY ENGLISH LITERATURE - THE FUNDAMENTAL TENETS OF ROMANTICISM 

UNDERSTANDING THE FUNDAMENTALS OF ROMANTICISM 

LEARNING OUTCOMES 

In this module, we will see in-depth how Romanticism flourished during that period, what its nature was and why it emerged then, with illustrative examples.

MAIN TENETS OF ROMANTICISM

Rational thinking or imagination that has no boundaries- this was the question posed at the turn of the enligtenment. This period saw the emergence of a new form of art and literature that historians called Romanticism. This school celebrates emotion, color, a sense of beauty, celebration of life, and imaginative exploration.

It is as if man had finally escaped into freedom, the freedom to explore the whole of the boundaries of human existence. There was intensity, and beauty of perception, and expression of that beauty. it was as if man now could not be stopped, and he delighted in that unfettered freedom, from the burden of the ages that seemed to have shackled him!!

NINETEENTH CENTURY ENGLISH LITERATURE - THE FUNDAMENTAL TENETS OF ROMANTICISM

The Fundamental Tenets of Romanticism

Romanticism was an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that emerged in the late 18th century as a reaction against the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason, order, and scientific rationalism. It flourished across Europe and America, influencing literature, music, painting, and philosophy. Romanticism celebrated emotion, individualism, nature, and the sublime, rejecting the rigid structures of neoclassicism. Below are its fundamental tenets:

1. Emphasis on Emotion and Intuition

Romanticism prioritized feelings over logic, valuing personal experience and emotional depth. Writers and artists sought to evoke strong emotions—love, awe, terror, and melancholy—as a means of connecting with the human spirit. For example, William Wordsworth’s poetry focused on introspection and emotional authenticity, while composers like Beethoven used music to express profound passion.

2. Celebration of Nature

Nature was a central theme in Romanticism, often depicted as a source of beauty, spiritual renewal, and inspiration. Unlike the Enlightenment’s view of nature as something to be controlled, Romantics saw it as a powerful, almost divine force. Poets like John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley used vivid natural imagery to convey emotion, while painters like Caspar David Friedrich portrayed landscapes as awe-inspiring and mystical.

3. The Sublime and the Supernatural

Romanticism embraced the concept of the sublime—experiences that inspire overwhelming awe, often mixed with fear, such as vast landscapes or violent storms. This fascination extended to the supernatural, with Gothic literature (e.g., Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s The Rime of the Ancient Mariner) exploring mysterious and eerie themes.

4. Individualism and the Heroic Figure

Romanticism exalted the individual, often portraying rebellious or misunderstood heroes who defied societal norms. Lord Byron’s Byronic Hero—charismatic yet tormented—exemplified this ideal. Artists and writers emphasized personal freedom, creativity, and self-expression, rejecting conformity.

5. Glorification of the Past and Folk Traditions

Romantics often looked to medieval history, folklore, and national heritage for inspiration, rejecting industrialization’s dehumanizing effects. The Brothers Grimm collected fairy tales, while Sir Walter Scott revived interest in medieval chivalry through works like Ivanhoe.

6. Critique of Industrialization and Urbanization

Many Romantics lamented the rise of factories and cities, viewing them as destructive to nature and human spirit. William Blake’s "dark Satanic mills" in Jerusalem criticized industrialization, while Wordsworth’s poetry idealized rural life.

Conclusion

Romanticism’s legacy lies in its celebration of emotion, nature, and individualism. By rejecting Enlightenment rationalism, it reshaped art and literature, leaving a lasting influence on later movements like Symbolism and Transcendentalism. Its ideals continue to resonate in modern culture, emphasizing the power of human feeling and the natural world.

ENGLISH LITERATURE 1590-1798 – SAMUEL JOHNSON

ENGLISH LITERATURE 1590-1798 – SAMUEL JOHNSON

Samuel Johnson: A Literary Giant

Samuel Johnson (1709–1784) was one of the most influential figures in English literature, known for his sharp wit, moral insight, and monumental contributions to language and criticism. Often referred to as Dr. Johnson, he left an indelible mark as a lexicographer, essayist, poet, and biographer. His works, including A Dictionary of the English Language (1755) and The Lives of the Poets (1779–1781), remain foundational texts in literary history.

Early Life and Struggles

Born in Lichfield, England, Johnson faced numerous hardships from an early age. He suffered from scrofula, which left him partially blind and deaf, and his family’s financial difficulties forced him to leave Oxford University without a degree. Despite these setbacks, Johnson’s intellectual curiosity and determination propelled him forward. After moving to London in 1737, he worked as a journalist and essayist, contributing to The Gentleman’s Magazine and later founding The Rambler (1750–1752), a periodical featuring his moral and critical essays.

A Dictionary of the English Language

Johnson’s most celebrated achievement was his Dictionary, published in 1755 after nine years of labor. Unlike previous dictionaries, Johnson’s work provided extensive definitions, etymologies, and literary quotations, setting a new standard for lexicography. Though not the first English dictionary, it was the most comprehensive and authoritative of its time. Johnson’s wit and personality shine through in some definitions, such as his famous entry for "lexicographer": "a harmless drudge." The Dictionary cemented his reputation as a scholar and became a cornerstone of English linguistic study.

Literary Criticism and The Lives of the Poets

Johnson was also a formidable literary critic. His Preface to Shakespeare (1765) praised Shakespeare’s ability to portray universal human nature while critiquing his disregard for classical dramatic rules. Later, in The Lives of the Poets, Johnson provided biographical and critical sketches of 52 poets, blending sharp analysis with moral judgment. His assessments—such as his mixed review of Milton’s Paradise Lost—remain influential in literary criticism.

Personality and Legacy

Johnson’s personality was as notable as his works. His quick wit, deep compassion, and bouts of melancholy were famously documented by his friend and biographer James Boswell in The Life of Samuel Johnson (1791). Boswell’s portrayal immortalized Johnson’s conversational brilliance and moral rigor, making him a central figure in 18th-century intellectual life.

Despite his conservative views on politics and literature, Johnson’s emphasis on reason, morality, and clarity in writing influenced generations of writers. His legacy endures not only in his works but also in the enduring image of a man who triumphed over adversity through intellect and perseverance.

Conclusion

Samuel Johnson’s contributions to literature, language, and criticism make him one of the most important figures of the 18th century. His Dictionary shaped the English language, his essays and biographies offered profound insights, and his life story inspired countless readers. A man of contradictions—both stern and compassionate, conservative yet revolutionary in his scholarship—Johnson remains a towering presence in the history of English letters.

 

ENGLISH LITERATURE 1590-1798 – DRAMA AND PROSE OF 18TH CENTURY OLIVER GOLDSMITH

ENGLISH LITERATURE 1590-1798 – DRAMA AND PROSE OF 18TH CENTURY OLIVER GOLDSMITH ENGLISH LITERATURE 1590-1798 – DRAMA AND PROSE OF 18TH CENTURY OLIVER GOLDSMITH

Drama and Prose of the 18th Century: Oliver Goldsmith

Oliver Goldsmith (1730–1774) was one of the most versatile and influential writers of the 18th century, contributing significantly to both drama and prose. His works reflect the social and literary trends of the time, blending satire, sentimentality, and moral commentary.

Goldsmith’s Prose

Goldsmith’s prose works are marked by humor, wit, and keen observations of human nature. His most famous novel, The Vicar of Wakefield (1766), is a sentimental yet satirical portrayal of rural life. The novel follows Dr. Primrose, a virtuous but naive clergyman, and his family as they endure various misfortunes. Despite its melodramatic elements, the novel critiques social injustices and highlights themes of resilience and morality.

In addition to fiction, Goldsmith wrote essays that appeared in periodicals such as The Public Ledger. His Citizen of the World (1762) is a collection of letters from a fictional Chinese traveler, Lien Chi Altangi, who humorously critiques British society. Through this outsider’s perspective, Goldsmith satirizes 18th-century customs, politics, and manners.

Goldsmith’s Drama

Goldsmith also made significant contributions to 18th-century drama, particularly with She Stoops to Conquer (1773), one of the most enduring comedies of the period. The play subverts the sentimental drama popular at the time by emphasizing farce and humor. The plot revolves around misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and the antics of characters like Tony Lumpkin. Through its lively comedy, the play critiques class distinctions and social pretensions.

His earlier play, The Good-Natur’d Man (1768), though less successful, also challenged the sentimental comedy trend by presenting flawed but humorous characters. Goldsmith believed that comedy should provoke laughter rather than moral instruction, aligning him with Restoration comedy traditions while adapting them to 18th-century tastes.

Legacy and Influence

Goldsmith’s works bridged the gap between the Augustan age and the emerging Romantic movement. His prose combined moral seriousness with satire, while his drama revived the spirit of robust comedy. Despite his often chaotic personal life, Goldsmith’s literary output remains a testament to his wit, humanity, and keen social insight.

In conclusion, Oliver Goldsmith’s contributions to 18th-century literature—through his sentimental yet critical prose and his revival of laughing comedy—cement his place as a key figure of the period. His works continue to be celebrated for their humor, warmth, and enduring relevance.