Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

William Wordsworth (1770-1850) was an English Romantic poet who, along with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, is credited with launching the Romantic movement in English literature with the publication of their joint collection "Lyrical Ballads" in 1798. Wordsworth served as Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1843 until his death in 1850. "Michael; A Pastoral Poem" was published in 1800 as part of the second edition of "Lyrical Ballads."

Context:

"Michael" is a pastoral poem that explores the theme of rural life and the relationship between man and nature. The Romantic period was marked by a renewed interest in nature, as well as a desire to celebrate the beauty and simplicity of rural life. Wordsworth and other Romantic poets sought to create a new type of poetry that emphasized emotion, imagination, and individual experience, and rejected the formal conventions of 18th-century poetry.

Content:

"Michael" tells the story of a shepherd named Michael who has lived a simple life on his farm in the Lake District for many years. He has a son, Luke, whom he loves deeply, and he hopes that Luke will follow in his footsteps and become a shepherd. However, Luke is drawn to the city and the opportunities it offers, and he leaves home to seek his fortune. Michael is heartbroken by his son's departure and spends the rest of his life waiting for him to return. When he dies, he is buried on a hill overlooking his farm.

Form:

"Michael" is a pastoral poem written in blank verse. The poem is divided into four books, each of which tells a different part of the story. The poem employs a number of formal elements, including a regular meter, a simple rhyme scheme, and the use of pastoral conventions, such as the portrayal of rural life and the personification of nature.

Poetic Elements:

Wordsworth employs a number of poetic devices in "Michael," including imagery, personification, and symbolism. The poem is rich in sensory imagery, particularly images of the natural world, which serve to reinforce the poem's pastoral theme. Personification is also used to great effect in the poem, particularly in the personification of the landscape and the natural elements. The poem also makes use of symbolism, particularly in the use of the hill overlooking Michael's farm as a symbol of his connection to the land.

Summary:

"Michael" is a well-crafted poem that captures the beauty and simplicity of rural life while exploring the complex emotions and relationships that characterize human experience. The poem is notable for its use of formal elements, particularly the use of blank verse, which gives the poem a sense of rhythm and musicality. The poem's use of imagery, personification, and symbolism also contribute to its emotional impact and reinforce its central themes. Overall, "Michael" is a powerful expression of the Romantic ideal of the individual's connection to nature and the importance of personal experience in shaping our understanding of the world around us.

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