William Wordsworth

Literary Movement

The perspective of 18th Century rationalism

went through a redefinition due to events that
occurred in France. Some major events include
the start of the French Revolution on July 15,
1789 and the establishment of France becoming a
constitutional monarchy. William Wordsworth is
from the literary movement known as the
Romantic Movement which spanned from 1798 to
1832. These events led to the Romantic Period
which inspired British Romantic writers to reflect
on trials and dreams of the common people, a
desire for radical change, nature & pure life, and
more in their writing. The movement was not only
poetry and literature but also in the form of
music.
 Cultural Origins
William Wordsworth was born on April 7,
1770 in the Lake District of England
where he was raised and gained a deep
love for nature. He is the son of John,
who served as a legal agent, and Ann
Wordsworth. His mother taught him how
to read and after she died he attended
grammar school where he began writing
poetry. Wordsworth was an Anglican and
attended schools for children of upper-
class families where he was taught the
Bible. He attended Cambridge University
and went to France after graduating.
 Personal History

William Wordsworth had a passion for democracy

which he expresses in his letter called “Apology for
the French Revolution.” This led him to go on two
trips to France to attend assemblies and meetings,
where he happened to fall in love with Anne Vallon, a
french woman. She gave birth to their daughter in
1792, but they did not get married due to financial
struggles and cultural barriers. When he gained
financial means, Wordsworth later on married his
childhood friend, Mary Hutchinson, and together
they had 5 children. Wordsworth died on April 23,
1850 at his home due to pleurisy.
 Type of Literature
Wordsworth is best known for writing
poetry and incorporating his love for
nature into his work. Some of his first
major works consist of a collection of
poems called, “Lyrical Ballads,” which was
a collaboration with his dear friend
Samuel Coleridge in 1798. Some other
early works include An Evening Walk
and Descriptive Sketches which was
published in 1793. An Evening Walk is
about his childhood memories and nature,
as he was always heavily influenced by
ordinary life and the earth.
 Style of Writing
Wordsworth is most noted for his
deep appreciation of the natural
world and pure life. Instead of
using clever figures of speech, he
presented a stronger portrayal of
everyday life and nature by using
common and simple language. He
was also heavily influenced by the
French Revolution and would
immerse his political views and
desires into his writing.
 Famous Works
William Wordsworth was very influential for the
upbringing of the English Romantic Period. His
literary movement was displayed in many of his
famous works such as, “Lines Composed a Few
Miles Above Tintern Abbey,” “Lyrical Ballads,”
and much more. “Tintern Abbey,” reflects the
emotional and spiritual aspects of the Romantic
Period and embraces the beauty of nature. His
use of simple language in these poems also
display the theme of Romanticism.
 Impact

William Wordsworth was known as the

father of English Romanticism. He inspired
future generations of poets because of his
captivating political views which he
embraces in his work. He, alongside
Samuel Coleridge, launched the beginning
of the Romantic movement which
influenced writers such as Mary Shelley,
John Keats, Percy Shelley, and more.