Question

'Poetry is a spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings and emotions recollected in tranquility', as a poetic philosophy is ascribed to:

• A. William Wordsworth
• B. S.T. Coleridge
• C. Lord Byron
• D. P.B. Shelley

Hint:

Remember the full quote: it's not just a "spontaneous overflow," but one "recollected in tranquility." This second part is crucial to Wordsworth's theory, as it implies a process of reflection and thoughtful composition, not just raw, unfiltered emotion. Linking this quote to the "Preface to Lyrical Ballads" will help you remember its origin.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question asks to identify the poet associated with a famous definition of poetry that became a cornerstone of the Romantic movement.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
This specific definition of poetry—"the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquillity"—is one of the most famous statements in English literary criticism. It was written by William Wordsworth in his "Preface to Lyrical Ballads" (1800/1802 edition). [17, 19, 23, 25, 31] This preface served as a manifesto for the new Romantic school of poetry, emphasizing personal experience, emotion, and the language of common people over the formal, classical styles of the 18th century.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The philosophy is ascribed to William Wordsworth, making option (1) the correct answer.