Step 1: Understanding the Romantic Revival.
The Romantic Revival refers to the literary movement that began in the late 18th century as a reaction against the strict rules and rationalism of the Neoclassical age. It emphasized emotion, nature, imagination, and individual experience.
Step 2: William Wordsworth’s contribution.
William Wordsworth is considered a pioneer of the Romantic Revival. His joint publication with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, “Lyrical Ballads” (1798), marked the official beginning of the Romantic movement in English literature.
Step 3: Analyzing the options.
- (a) Johan Dryden: Belonged to the Neoclassical period.
- (b) Alexander Pope: Also a Neoclassical poet known for satire.
- (c) William Wordsworth: Correct — central figure of Romantic poetry.
- (d) John Milton: A poet of the Renaissance and Puritan age.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Therefore, the Romantic Revival is most closely associated with William Wordsworth.