Percy Bysshe Shelley and William Wordsworth were two of the most influential poets of the Romantic movement in England, which took place in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Despite sharing many similarities, they also had significant differences in their poetry, philosophy, and approach to life.
One of the most noticeable differences between Shelley and Wordsworth is their style of writing. Shelley was known for his passionate and imaginative poetry, which often explored themes of nature, love, and political and social justice. His works often featured bold and vivid imagery, as well as a sense of wonder and idealism.
In contrast, Wordsworth was more focused on the natural world and the inner feelings of the individual. His poetry was characterized by its simplicity, clarity, and deep emotional resonance. Wordsworth believed that nature had a profound impact on the human psyche, and he often wrote about the beauty and power of the natural world as a way to explore deeper philosophical and spiritual themes.
Another key difference between Shelley and Wordsworth is their approach to life and their personal beliefs. Shelley was a radical and rebellious figure, who was deeply involved in political activism and social reform. He was a vocal critic of the ruling class and the injustices of the society in which he lived. His poetry often reflected this political consciousness and his desire for change.
Wordsworth, on the other hand, was more introspective and reflective, and his poetry often focused on personal experiences and emotions. He believed in the power of the imagination and the importance of emotional and spiritual growth, and his poetry often explored these themes.
Overall, while Shelley and Wordsworth shared many similarities as poets of the Romantic movement, they also had significant differences in their style, philosophy, and approach to life. Shelley was more imaginative and politically conscious, while Wordsworth was more introspective and focused on personal growth. Both poets, however, made significant contributions to the development of English literature and continue to be revered and studied by readers and scholars around the world.
Coleridge, Wordsworth and Shelley
The issues which preoccupied him, for example vast disparities in wealth, have if anything become exacerbated with the passage of time. . Wordsworth uses these to apostrophise the lark. Byron, Shelley, and Keats all died young, whereas Wordsworth, Blake and Coleridge were optimistic. In poems like 'Ode to Duty', he talks about the danger of indulging in too much freedom and casual attitude to life. No matter how experience you are at reading poetry, there is always the chance that you let your feelings take over.
Compare And Contrast Percy Bysshe Shelley And William Wordsworth
While addressing it as 'Ethereal minstrel' he does not forget that it s only a pilgrim to the heavenly region, and will return to earth, sure enough, at the end of the pilgrimage. This tells of a medieval singer who roams with a purpose. In other words, they show us how beauty of nature can deeply delve into our soul and mind. Both poems arise with some problem or question which makes the reader attentive and think logically about the society. Shelly, on the other hand, never explored the supernatural, and he stuck to political poems. Nature as an active force, a sort of goddess that is worshipped.
Wordsworth and Shelley as Romantic poets
That is why he was loved and treasured by the chartists workers, the socialist propagandists of the 1890s, the suffragists and feminists of the first 20 years of the 20th century and that is why socialists, radicals and feminists of every hue should read Shelley today — read him, learn him by heart and teach him to their children. It is a spirit, a vision, an emblem of 'unbodied joy'. Wordsworth depicts this loss of innocence very clearly in his poem. A state of competition was established with this new capitalist reform of the city, and people left their morals behind to be part of it. He never forgets that the skylark's homely nest is on the dewy ground, and that even while it is flying in the height of the sky, its eyes are cast on its nest which it can 'drop into at will'. You can argue that Collin believes that lying will be beneficial in certain situations. Work Cited McLean, Justin.
Compare and contrast Shelley's To a Skylark with Wordsworth's To the Skylark
Thus, making it a better representation of the idea of Romanticism. Although the poems both convey a message of sadness for their beloved London, the authors go in two very different directions to do so. This is the complete opposite of the modern London he lived in now where people were miserable and did not revere the teachings of purity or God. Without imagination, reality and truth would consist only of dead and otherwise meaningless objects. With friends like this, who needs enemies! Both poets also agree with the fact that the skylark soars and sings simultaneously, and if it stops its flight, the song must come to an end. The Women Rights movement and the Civil Rights movement were two events that occurred during the time of the late 1900s. Both authors were against this transformation of the city because it destroyed all beauty and happiness, both of which they were very fond of.
