In English class today, the discussion covered the responsibility of poetry and what good poetry is. William Wordsworth addresses both of these in "Preface to Lyrical Ballads." He writes that poetry's responsibility is to convey events from the average life through the language of rural countrymen because this language is "less under the influence of social vanity." Wordsworth believes that portraying situations with straightforward language without the excessive drivel is more philosophical than that of other Poets, who assume that using fancy words and phrases brings honour upon themselves and shows their intelligence. Later, he addresses good poetry, which assumes and elicits its responsibility given above, as well as portrays strong, spontaneous feelings, which come from a subject that has long been meditated on.
Wordsworth addresses the bogus religiosity of poets, as does Berger in "Ways of Seeing." Berger writes about art historians who mystify the meanings of paintings by not engaging the world through the perspective of the artist. As they speak highly of a painting, which is appreciated for its famousness, they practice bogus religiosity. The art historians and and those who buy the paintings tend to seem like they are saying, "We understand it better than you; We're more cultured and refined." The poets that Wordsworth write about approach the responsibility of poetry in this way. They write to the more refined, higher class members because they ought to be of better education. The poets themselves feel more superior because of the great level or words that they use, yet Wordsworth cautions against this because the passions of the heart can grow in a more permanent place, which can only be conveyed correctly using cruder language.
To what extent or degree should a reader be "enlightened, and his affections strengthened and purified" in order that he understands and connects with the author?
Outstanding
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