Political Poems: 'The Prelude' (books 9 and 10) by William Wordsworth
Oct 28, 2024
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Explore William Wordsworth's passionate reflections on the French Revolution in 'The Prelude.' Discover how his firsthand experiences shaped his poetic vision and commitment to republicanism. The discussion reveals his struggle with political zealotry amidst a backdrop of romance and imagination. Delve into Wordsworth’s evolution from observer to participant in the revolutionary fervor and the complexities of his engagement with revolutionary ideals. This journey highlights the unique blend of personal belief and broader societal movements influencing his art.
Wordsworth's firsthand experience of the French Revolution profoundly shaped his political ideals, highlighting his commitment to republicanism amidst political extremism.
The absence of intellectual discourse in The Prelude emphasizes Wordsworth's fascination with romance and imagination as tools to temper revolutionary zeal.
Deep dives
Wordsworth's Involvement in the French Revolution
Wordsworth's enthusiasm for the French Revolution is evident in his autobiographical poem, The Prelude. He was initially exhilarated by the revolutionary changes and believed they represented a profound shift in political ideals, echoing the earlier excitement surrounding the American Revolution. During his travels in France, he walked extensively, engaging with the atmosphere of the time and the revolutionary fervor. This personal involvement sets him apart from other Romantic poets, as he experienced the revolution firsthand, capturing its transformative impact on his beliefs and poetic identity.
The Nature of Conversion in Wordsworth's Experience
Wordsworth's engagement with the revolutionary movement reveals a nuanced portrayal of conversion to republican ideals. Although initially a curious observer, he finds deeper resonance with the revolutionary cause through his interactions with fellow travelers and intellectuals. A notable encounter with Michel Beaupuis, a committed revolutionary, crystallizes his shift towards fervent support for the revolution, illustrating the emotional and intellectual turmoil of that period. The poem suggests this conversion process was complex, intertwining external influences with an innate republican predisposition shaped by his upbringing in the Lake District.
Contrasting Perspectives on Revolution
In his journey, Wordsworth also grapples with contrasting viewpoints, particularly through his discussions with royalists, which further reinforce his revolutionary stance. These interactions, intended to introduce him to a rival perspective, end up highlighting the flaws in their arguments and deepen his commitment to the revolutionary cause. His emotional connection to the struggles of the common people is juxtaposed against the aristocratic ideals of his royalist counterparts, enhancing the urgency of his revolutionary convictions. This duality in experience reflects the broader tensions of the time, showcasing Wordsworth's shifting allegiances and emerging identity as a patriotic supporter of the revolution.
Wordsworth was not unusual among Romantic poets for his enthusiastic support of the French Revolution, but he stands apart from his contemporaries for actually being there to see it for himself (‘Thou wert there,’ Coleridge wrote). This episode looks at Wordsworth’s retrospective account of his 1791 visit to France, described in books 9 and 10 of The Prelude, and the ways in which it reveals a passionate commitment to republicanism while recoiling from political extremism. Mark and Seamus discuss why, despite Wordsworth’s claim of being innately republican, discussion of the intellectual underpinnings of the revolution is strangely absent from the poem, which is more often preoccupied with romance and the imagination, particularly in their power to soften zealotry.
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