Wordsworth's preface

Wordsworth's preface 

Introduction:

William Wordsworth was born on 7 April 1770. And he was died on 23 April 185. And he was English Romantic poet who, with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, helped to launch the Romantic Age in English literature with their joint publication Lyrical Ballads 1798.

Wordsworth's magnum opus is generally considered to be The Prelude, a semi-autobiographical poem of his early years that he revised and expanded a number of times. It was posthumously titled and published by his wife in the year of his death, before which it was generally known as "The Poem to Coleridge".

His other poems :

Wordsworth was Poet Laureate from 1843 until his death from pleurisy on 23 April 1850.

Other Poems (1798)

"Simon Lee"

"We are Seven"

"Lines Written in Early Spring"

"Expostulation and Reply"

"The Tables Turned"

"The Thorn"

"Lines Composed A Few Miles above Tintern Abbey"

Lyrical Ballads, with Other Poems (1800) dubious – discuss

(1) Why does Wordsworth ask "what is a poet ?" rather than " who is a poet ?"

 in his Preface to Lyrical Ballads to explore the nature and function of poetry itself rather than merely identifying individuals who are poets. By asking "what," he delves into the qualities, role, and purpose of a poet, seeking to define the poet's essence and what makes someone capable of capturing and expressing human emotions and experiences in a unique way. It's a philosophical inquiry into the very nature of poetry and the poet's role in society, rather than a simple categorization of people who write poems.

(2) What is poetic diction, and what type of poetic diction does Wordsworth suggest in his?

Poetic diction refers to the choice of words, phrases, and style in poetry. Traditionally, poetic diction has been characterized by a certain elevated language, often involving archaic words, formal expressions, and elaborate figures of speech that differ from everyday speech. This was particularly true in the 18th century, where poets like Alexander Pope employed a highly stylized and formal language in their works.

William Wordsworth, however, challenged this traditional notion of poetic diction. In his "Preface to Lyrical Ballads",Wordsworth argued for a poetic diction that was more closely aligned with the language of ordinary people. He believed that poetry should use the "real language of men," stripped of unnecessary ornamentation and artifice. Wordsworth suggested that poetry should express deep feelings and profound ideas in simple, everyday language that was accessible to all, rather than in the elevated and artificial language of traditional poetic diction.

Wordsworth's approach was revolutionary because it sought to democratize poetry, making it more accessible and relatable to the common person. He emphasized the importance of emotion and experience over the formal constraints of classical poetic forms, which marked a significant shift in the way poetry was written and understood during the Romantic period.

(3) How does Wordsworth define poetry ? Discuss this definition in relation to his poetic philosophy.

William Wordsworth defines poetry in the "Preface to Lyrical Ballads" as "the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility." This definition emphasizes several key aspects of his poetic philosophy:

1. Emotion and Feeling: 

Wordsworth highlights the central role of personal emotion in poetry. For him, poetry originates from intense feelings experienced by the poet, which are then reflected upon and refined. This approach suggests that poetry is deeply personal and rooted in individual emotional experiences.

2. Spontaneity and Recollection: 

Wordsworth believes that poetry emerges spontaneously from strong emotions but is subsequently shaped and clarified through reflection. This process underscores the idea that poetry is not just an immediate outpouring but involves thoughtful consideration and artistic crafting.

3. Nature and Simplicity: 

In his poetic philosophy, Wordsworth advocates for simplicity and the use of natural language. He argues that poetry should be accessible and grounded in ordinary experiences, using common language to express profound truths. This aligns with his view that poetry should connect with readers on a personal level.

4. Role of the Poet: 

According to Wordsworth, the poet plays a crucial role in communicating and intensifying these emotions. The poet's sensitivity and ability to express feelings in a way that resonates with others are central to the poetic process.

Overall, Wordsworth’s definition of poetry reflects his broader belief in the significance of personal emotion, natural expression, and the transformative power of reflection in creating meaningful poetic works.

References:

(1) Historic England " Wordsworth house Retrieved - 21 Dec 2009.

(2) Andrew Bennet (21 Feb 2015) William Wordsworth in context.

(3) The Cornell Wordsworth collection. Cornell University Retrieved -13 Feb 2009.

screening and Reading Macbeth

Screening and Reading Macbeth 

Introduction of william Shakespeare:

William Shakespeare was born on 23April 1564. And he was died on 23 April 1616 was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. 

collaborations, consist of some 39 plays, 154 sonnets, three long narrative poems and a few other verses, some of uncertain authorship. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.

Shakespeare produced most of his known works between 1589 and 1613. His early plays were primarily comedies and histories and are regarded as some of the best works produced in these genres. He then wrote mainly tragedies until 1608, among them Hamlet, Othello, King Lear and Macbeth, all considered to be among the finest works in English. The last phase of his life, he wrote tragicomedies such as The Winter's Tale and The Tempest, and collaborated with other playwrights

Screening and Reading Macbeth:

Screening and reading *Macbeth* offers a rich experience, blending the visual and auditory elements of the play with the depth of its text. Here's how you might approach it:

 1. Preparation Before Screening

   - Read the Play:

 Before watching any adaptation, it’s helpful to read the text. This will give you a strong understanding of the plot, characters, and key themes.

   - Historical Context: 

Learn about the historical and cultural context in which Shakespeare wrote *Macbeth*. Understanding the political environment of 17th-century England, including the Gunpowder Plot and King James I’s fascination with witchcraft, can deepen your interpretation.

   - Themes and Symbols

 Familiarize yourself with key themes such as ambition, power, guilt, and the supernatural. Pay attention to symbols like blood, darkness, and the hallucinations that drive the plot forward.

 2. Choosing a Film Adaptation

   - Classic Adaptations: 

There are several film versions of Macbeth, each with its own interpretation:

     - Orson Welles (1948): 

Known for its atmospheric cinematography and Welles’ powerful portrayal of Macbeth.

     - Roman Polanski (1971):

 A grittier, more violent adaptation reflecting the dark themes of the play.

     - Justin Kurzel (2015): 

A visually stunning and intense version starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard.

   - Modern Adaptations

: Consider modern reimaginings, like Akira Kurosawa’s "Throne of Blood" (1957), a Japanese adaptation that transposes the story into a feudal samurai setting.

 3. During the Screening

   - Compare with the Text

 Note any differences between the film and the original text. Pay attention to how directors interpret scenes, especially those involving the witches, the murder of Duncan, and Lady Macbeth’s descent into madness.

 Observe how the actors interpret their characters. How do they convey Macbeth’s ambition or Lady Macbeth’s guilt? Consider how body language, tone, and delivery affect the meaning of the text.

   - Visual and Auditory Elements: 

Notice how cinematography, lighting, and music contribute to the atmosphere. For example, the use of shadows, fog, and eerie sounds can amplify the play’s themes of uncertainty and moral confusion

4. Post-Screening Discussion

   - Character Motivations: 

Reflect on the characters’ decisions and their consequences. How does Macbeth’s ambition lead to his downfall? What role does Lady Macbeth play in this?

   - Theme Exploration: 

Discuss how the film adaptation highlighted certain themes. Did the director emphasize the supernatural elements, the psychological turmoil, or the political intrigue more?

   - Film as Interpretation:

 Consider the film as an interpretation of the text. What new insights or questions did the adaptation raise? Did it change your understanding of the play?

 5. Further Analysis

   - Revisit the Text: 

After watching the film, go back to the play and see how your perception of key scenes has changed. 

   - Comparative Study: 

If you watched multiple adaptations, compare how each one handles specific scenes or characters. What choices did the directors make, and how did these choices affect the story’s impact?

 6. Critical Writing:

   - Write an Essay :

After your screening and reading, you might want to write a critical essay. Analyze a specific aspect, such as the portrayal of guilt or the use of the supernatural, across the text and the film

   - Creative Response:

Alternatively, you could write a creative piece, like a modern adaptation of a scene, reflecting on how Macbeth’s themes resonate today.

This approach to screening and reading Macbeth should deepen your understanding of the play, allowing you to appreciate its complexities and its enduring relevance.