Wordsworth's Function of Poetry

Wordsworth states that each of the poems of the Lyrical Ballads have been written with a worthy purpose of enlightening the readers and purifying them of their affections. Thus, not only does the poet give importance to pleasure but also moral instruction. Wordsworth refers to Aristotle's view that poetic history is much higher than the truth of history or philosophy. In fact, poetry is more philosophical than philosophy itself and is the most philosophical of all writings. While history deals with the particular and philosophy with the abstract truths, it is poetry that deals with both the particular and the general. Poetry aims at universal truths and the faithful reproduction of reality. Knowledge even of the painful and the disgusting is a source of pleasure. We are reminded of Aristotle's dictum that pleasure is obtained even on the imitation of the ugly and obnoxious.

Poetry is far superior to science and is the 'breath and finer spirit of all knowledge; the impassioned experience which is the countenance of all science." Wordsworth's function of poetry was to bring consolation to the afflicted, to add sunshine to the lives of others by making the happy happier," to teach the young and gracious of every age to see, think and feel and therefore to become more virtuous."

There are four stages of poetic creation: observation, recollection, contemplation and imaginative excitement. The poet observes certain objects and phenomenon of nature and this object excites in him certain emotions. He does not express the emotions at that moment. Rather he recollects these emotions later on moments of tranquility. he contemplates upon them and the result of that contemplation is that he is in a state of emotional excitement. His passions 'anew', the earlier motions are purged off of what was accidental, temporary or disgusting.