What did William Wordsworth define as the essence of poetry in his "Preface to Lyrical Ballads"?

William Wordsworth's definition of poetry in his "Preface to Lyrical Ballads" emphasizes the idea of poetry as a "spontaneous overflow of powerful feeling." This perspective diverges from the rigid structures and formal qualities often associated with traditional poetry. Wordsworth valued the emotional authenticity and depth that arise from the genuine experiences and feelings of the poet. He argued that poetry should stem from intense emotional responses to the natural world and human experiences, capturing the complexities of human emotion in a way that resonates with readers on a profound level.

By prioritizing feelings over technical constraints like structured rhyme and meter, Wordsworth positioned poetry as a more natural and instinctive form of expression. This approach laid the foundation for the Romantic movement, emphasizing personal experience and emotional truth in artistic creation. This idea is at the heart of what Wordsworth believed poetry should be, distinguishing it from mere imitation of ancient styles or superficial reflections on nature.