The Romantic period of literature saw the emergence of some of the greatest poets in English literature. Poets such as William Wordsworth and Percy Bysshe Shelley are often seen as the epitome of this literary period, each with their own unique style and approach to writing. These two great poets have come to be known as ‘nature poets’ due to their focus on the power, beauty, and fragility of nature.
William Wordsworth is considered one of the most influential Romantic poets for his use of everyday language when discussing concepts like love, death, and nature. His famous poem “Lines Written a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey” expresses his appreciation for nature as a source of comfort and joy in times both good and bad. He writes that his connection to nature gives him solace during hard times; he celebrates its beauty even when his heart is heavy: “For I have learned/ To look on Nature not as in an hour/ Of thoughtless pleasure but with admiration/Solemnly” (Wordsworth). He also wrote about how human beings should take responsibility for destroying nature’s beauty—words that still reverberate today: “We murder to dissect…destroy all creatures for our sport or greediness” (Wordsworth). This combination between enjoying Nature while being aware that it can be damaged by human actions makes Wordsworth an excellent example of a Romantic poet who pays attention to both personal feelings towards Nature and issues affecting society at large.
Like Wordsworth, Percy Bysshe Shelley was concerned with social injustice in many works including “Ode To The West Wind”. In this poem Shelley expresses how humankind has lost touch with Nature due to advancements in technology: “Oh hear! Oh hear!/ Ye who have your eyeballs vexed and tired/Hunt after riches evermore./Ye know no more than doves can see/What music loud… wakes ye up from sleep” (Shelley). Through these lines he conveys how society has become too materialistic, resulting in disconnection from Nature which adversely affects mental health.
Romantic poets are often referred to as “nature poets,” and as poets that pay attention to the issues affecting their societies. Use two poets from the Romantic period to discuss this claim.
At the same time however he wants people to understand that despite advances there will always remain something deep within them connecting them back home–Nature!: “Make me thy lyre Even as Earth’s trembling leaves made sweet rainbows o’er thy shore…And what if all Of us were capable Of so much love And such redeeming grief? Then into thee O wind would I breathe my soul” (Shelley). Here we see him using powerful imagery along with emotion-filled language which show his faith in humanity’s redemptive potential if individuals reconnect themselves with Nature again.
In conclusion William Wordsworth and Percy Bysshe Shelley were two important romantic era poets whose works express their deep appreciation for Nature combined with awareness about what destruction humans could cause it if left unchecked. Both authors believed strongly in maintaining a balance between enjoying natural wonders while being mindful not forget our place amongst them; they called out those who sought only wealth or power while disregarding ecological damage caused by man-made activities—a message pertinent even today!