Lake Poets
English Romantic poets exploring nature, emotion, and the individual, shaping literary movement.
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Narrative
The Lake Poets constituted a loose literary collective primarily defined by their shared appreciation for the sublime landscapes of the Lake District and their commitment to a revolutionary poetic vision. Their methodology was informal, fostering innovation through close personal friendships, intellectual discussions, and mutual influence rather than structured research. They collectively moved away from the Augustan poetry of the 18th century, emphasizing common language, the importance of individual emotion, and the spiritual connection between humanity and nature.
This 'scenius' was nurtured by the tranquil, inspiring environment of the Lake District, which allowed for deep contemplation and provided a constant source of poetic material. Their shared ideals, often discussed during long walks through the fells, led to a distinctive style of Romanticism that profoundly impacted English literature, demonstrating how geographical context and intellectual camaraderie could drive a significant cultural shift.
Key People
Key Members
- William Wordsworth
- Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- Robert Southey
Associates / Later Adherents
- Dorothy Wordsworth
- Charles Lamb
- Charles Lloyd
- Mary Lamb
- John Wilson
- Thomas De Quincey
Breakthroughs
- Lyrical Ballads (1798): A collection of poems by Wordsworth and Coleridge, marking the beginning of the English Romantic movement, introducing new poetic language and themes focused on nature and the common person.
- The Prelude (published posthumously 1850): William Wordsworth's epic autobiographical poem detailing the growth of a poet's mind, a seminal work exploring memory, nature, and self-discovery.
- Biographia Literaria (1817): Samuel Taylor Coleridge's critical and autobiographical work, expounding his theories of imagination and fancy, vital for understanding Romantic literary theory.
- The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (1798): Samuel Taylor Coleridge's long narrative poem from 'Lyrical Ballads,' foundational for its vivid imagery, supernatural elements, and moral themes.
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Influenced By
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau: His philosophical ideas on nature and the individual resonated with Romantic thought.
- German Romanticism: Provided a broader European intellectual and artistic context for their developments.
Influenced
- Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood: This art movement drew inspiration from the Romantic ideals and detailed natural observation championed by the Lake Poets.
Associated with
- The Lake District: The geographical region in northwest England that served as their home and primary source of inspiration.