WORDSWORTH'S VIEW ON POETIC DICTION:

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 Sajida Parveen 

• Poetic diction refers to the specific word choice and style of language used in poetry, setting it apart from prose and everyday speech.

• It involves the vocabulary, phrasing, and grammatical structures deemed appropriate for poetry, often incorporating figurative language, elevated vocabulary, and unique syntax.

• Poets use poetic diction to create a heightened emotional or intellectual effect, shaping the poem's overall tone and meaning.

• In the "Preface to Lyrical Ballads," Wordsworth criticizes the traditional, elevated language often used in poetry, which he refers to as "poetic diction."

• Given that the common man did not speak using elevated vocabulary and figurative language, Wordsworth believed, given he wanted poetry to speak to all, that complete adherence to poetic diction needed to be dropped.

• "There will also be found in these volumes little of what is usually called poetic diction; I have taken as much pains to avoid it as others ordinarily take to produce it; this I have done for the reason already alleged, to bring my language near to the language of men, and further, because the pleasure which I have proposed to myself to impart is of a kind very different from that which is supposed by many persons to be the proper object of poetry."

• The neo-classical poetic diction was mainly derived from the classical poets such as Virgil, Spenser, Milton and was based on the principal of decorum. Moreover, prominent features of the eighteenth century poetic diction where archaism, preference for resounding words derived from Latin, a personification of inanimate objects and to avoid what were regarded as low, technical or common place terms by means of substitute phrase that was dignity and decorum.

• In William Wordsworth’s famed attack on the neo-classical doctrine of a special language for poetry,in his preface to 1800 Lyrical Ballads, he claimed: “There is no difference between language of poetry and language of prose.” He states that the poetic diction of eighteenth century writers as artificial and unnatural.

• The Neo-classical poets insisted on the perfection of language rather than subject matter.

• Their aim was not only to make language lofty and grandeur but also its style. In result, they introduced artificial poetic diction and style that made the language different from every day and rustic life. William Wordsworth followed very simple language or the language of country side. He used simple and attractive diction coming out spontaneously. His language looked to be natural.

• He argues that this artificial language disconnects poetry from real life and the natural human experience.

• Instead, he advocates for a simpler, more genuine style of expression, using the "language really used by men" in everyday conversation.

• The poetry, for Wordsworth, must be like the part of daily life speech. It should be written in such language that anyone who wants to read it could comprehend it easily. Wordsworth believes that all such ornamented poetry clocks the genuine and passionate feelings of the poets.

• Wordsworth believes that poetry should evoke powerful emotions and reflect common human experiences.

• By using everyday language, he feels that poetry can better connect with readers, making it more accessible and impactful.

• He emphasizes that poetry should focus on the "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" and come from the poet's deep emotional response to life.

• In essence, Wordsworth’s views on poetic diction highlight his desire for poetry to be sincere, natural, and grounded in the ordinary lives and emotions of people.


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