The Poetry of William Wordsworth

William Wordsworth’s description of poetry as “the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings” is exemplified by the vivid use of imagery and sensory experience in his verse. His childhood in Cumbria imbued the poet with a deep love of nature and his youthful interest in politics inspired a passion for democracy and a hatred of tyranny. These qualities, together with those spiritual and epistemological speculation dominate his poetical and prose writings.