"Low and rustic life was generally chosen...because in that situation the passions of men are incorporated with the beautiful and permanent forms of nature." (Wordsworth, Preface to Lyrical Ballads 1800). What meaning does the word 'nature' have in Lyrical Ballads? In the Lyrical Ballads both Wordsworth and Coleridge explore the effects of nature on man. It was therefore appropriate to choose mainly low and rustic life as the setting for the poems, as in this …
showed first 75 words of 1958 total

showed last 75 words of 1958 total
…in ways that are beyond human understanding. In the Lyrical Ballads, nature is shown to possess powers to educate, and to stimulate the creative soul. Nature can act in a benevolent way, curing man both physically and morally. However, when man acts against nature, nature can facilitate the opposite effects, suffering and guilt. These effects do indeed appear miraculous. Wordsworth and Coleridge imply therefore, that there is much more to nature than meets the eye.