French revolution and Wordsworth's Romanticism

French revolution influenced on Wordsworth's Romanticism :-

Hello everyone....

This blog based on bridge course assigned by dilip barad sir . In which I'm going to deal with the topic French revolution's influence on Wordsworth's Romanticism.

So firstly the main question is that , French revolution influenced on Wordsworth's Romanticism? And how ? 

Yes, the French Revolution had a significant influence on Wordsworth's Romanticism. Here's a more detailed explanation of how the French Revolution influenced Wordsworth's poetry, followed by a critique of its impact:

Influence of the French Revolution on Wordsworth's Romanticism:

1.Emphasis on Individualism: The French Revolution celebrated the idea of individual liberty and the power of the common people to bring about change. Wordsworth's poetry often focuses on the experiences and emotions of ordinary individuals. His famous poem "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" exemplifies the individual's connection to nature and the emotional impact of a solitary experience.

2. Nature and Simplicity: The revolution led to a rejection of the artificiality of courtly life and a return to nature. Wordsworth was deeply influenced by this shift and celebrated the simplicity and authenticity of rural life and the natural world. His poem "Lines Written in Early Spring" reflects this reverence for nature.

3. Social and Political Critique:The French Revolution was a time of upheaval, with the common people rising against oppressive monarchies and aristocracies. Wordsworth's poetry often contained subtle critiques of societal injustices and inequalities. For example, "The Tables Turned" criticizes excessive book learning over the wisdom found in nature.

4.Return to Common Language:The revolutionary ideals of equality and democracy paralleled Wordsworth's preference for using everyday language and the language of common people in his poetry. He aimed to make poetry more accessible to a wider audience and to break away from the ornate language of the 18th century.

5.Personal Expression and Emotion:The French Revolution encouraged individuals to express their political and emotional sentiments freely. Wordsworth, too, emphasized the importance of personal emotions and experiences, seeking to evoke deep emotional responses in his readers. His "Lyrical Ballads" and the Preface to it outlined these principles of emotional expression.

After that let's make critique of this particular topic....

Critique:

1.Simplification and Idealization:While Wordsworth's emphasis on simplicity and the natural world is often celebrated, it can be criticized for idealizing rural life and overlooking the hardships and complexities of the time. This idealization may romanticize poverty and neglect the harsh realities faced by many in rural areas.

2. Escapism: Some critics argue that Wordsworth's focus on nature and personal emotions can be seen as a form of escapism from the social and political issues of his time. By retreating into the beauty of nature, he may be seen as avoiding engagement with the pressing problems of the day.

3. Class Bias: Wordsworth's celebration of the common man can also be critiqued for not fully addressing the class disparities of his era. While he empathized with the struggles of ordinary people, his poetry did not always offer concrete solutions to societal injustices.

4.Limitations of Everyday Language:While the use of common language was a progressive move, it can also be critiqued for limiting the scope and depth of expression in his poetry. Some argue that this simplification might have hindered the complexity of his ideas.

In summary, while the French Revolution undoubtedly influenced Wordsworth's Romanticism and contributed to the development of his distinctive poetic style, it is not without its critiques. Wordsworth's focus on nature, individualism, and personal expression is celebrated for its emotional depth and accessibility, but it can also be seen as overly idealistic, escapist, and at times limited in its social and political engagement. Like any literary movement, Wordsworth's Romanticism has both its strengths and limitations.