William Wordsworth's revolutionary ideas on poetry are a continuation of a movement that was begun by Rousseau.
William Wordsworth’s revolutionary ideas on poetry are a continuation of a movement that was begun by Rousseau. Wordsworth’s work, though with several omissions and additions, seem to be an English variety of Rousseauism. There are several fundamental views that exist in Rousseau’s work and appear later in Wordsworth’s writings.
Napoleon said that the French Revolution would never have occurred without Rousseau. His Social Contract was the foundation for the emergence of the “democratic man” and the “democratic state.” Just as Rousseau impacted great stimulus upon the French Revolution, the French Revolution held immense influence upon Wordsworth (Rousseau). Wordsworth traveled in France during the revolution. Although he had previously shown little interest in politics, he quickly embraced the ideals of the Revolution. From this he generated one of history’s best known works; “The Prelude or Growth of the Poet's Mind” in which he outlined observations about the war and how it contributed to his artistic development (galegroup). The glee and hopefulness that surrounded Wordsworth’s initial introduction to the revolution was quickly dashed by “disappointment and Disgust.” (Solitary). The revolutionary and experimental fervor of his youth had been tempered. He came to suffer the disillusion of young revolutionaries in all ages who discover that death harks more harm than good. He condemned French imperialism in the period after the Revolution, and his English Nationalism became more pronounced.
