Pope and Wordsworth

Paper Summary:

The paper attempts to delineate the similarities and differences of Pope and Wordsworth in the context of the times and social climates that the two poets wrote in. The paper shows how both poets are similar in that they are searching for ways to improve society and human nature, as well as express reality as they saw it. The paper also shows, however, how their central concerns and the tone which is reflected in their works tends to differ considerably.

Outline:
Introduction
A comparison of Concerns and Tone

From the Paper:

"The difference in tone in the works of Pope and Wordsworth can best be understood in relation to their central concerns. These concerns and aims in their works are related to the ideals and social and artistic trajectories of the time in which they wrote. Pope, writing in the 18th century was influenced by two main concerns. These were the Platonic ideals and the mood of rational thought and logic that was pervasive at the time. Wordsworth on the other hand was largely influenced by the ideas and theories of the Romantic Movement in the 19th Century."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Danby, John F. The Simple Wordsworth: Studies in the Poems, 1797-1807. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1960.
• Jones, J. The Egotistical Sublime. London: Chatto and Windus, 1964.
• Lyrical Ballads. The Wordsworth trust. June 16, 2006. <http://newsite.wordsworthtrust.org.uk/Default.asp?page=112>
• Pope A. The Rape of the Lock. June 19, 2006. < http://poetry.eserver.org/rape-of-the-lock.html>
• Wordsworth W. LINES COMPOSED A FEW MILES ABOVE TINTERN ABBEY, ON REVISITING THE BANKS OF THE WYE DURING A TOUR. JULY 13, 1798. June 19, 2006. <http://www.bartleby.com/145/ww138.html >

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