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: Concept Overview:
The question requires identifying the poet who authored a renowned definition of poetry central to the Romantic movement.

Step 2: Detailed Analysis:
The definition—"the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquillity"—is a celebrated statement in English literary criticism. William Wordsworth penned this in his "Preface to Lyrical Ballads" (1800/1802 edition). [17, 19, 23, 25, 31] This preface acted as a manifesto for the Romantic poetry movement, highlighting personal emotion, experience, and everyday language, contrasting with the formal styles of the 18th century.

Step 3: Conclusion:
William Wordsworth is credited with this philosophy, thus option (1) is correct.