Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
William Wordsworth’s ‘Preface’ to *Lyrical Ballads* (1798, revised 1800) is a foundational text of English Romanticism, outlining a new poetic theory. He famously defines poetry as “the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings,” yet almost immediately qualifies this with “emotion recollected in tranquility.” This seeming paradox – the immediacy of feeling versus the distance of reflection – is central to understanding Wordsworth’s poetic project. ‘Tintern Abbey’ (1798), a long, meditative poem, serves as a prime example of how Wordsworth attempts to reconcile these two seemingly opposing forces, demonstrating that true poetic power arises not from raw emotion alone, but from its thoughtful and deliberate processing.
The Apparent Contradiction
Wordsworth’s initial definition emphasizes the immediacy and intensity of feeling. The “spontaneous overflow” suggests a natural, unmediated expression of emotion, akin to a primal response. However, the addition of “emotion recollected in tranquility” introduces a crucial element of distance and control. ‘Tranquility’ implies a state of calm, reflection, and deliberate consideration, seemingly at odds with the ‘overflow’ of passion. This isn’t to suggest Wordsworth rejects feeling, but rather that unfiltered emotion is insufficient for genuine poetry. He believed that poetry required a degree of intellectual and emotional processing.
‘Tintern Abbey’ as a Resolution: The Journey of Feeling
‘Tintern Abbey’ meticulously charts the journey from immediate sensory experience to reflective contemplation, effectively demonstrating Wordsworth’s resolution of the apparent contradiction. The poem isn’t a direct outpouring of feeling, but a carefully constructed account of past experiences and their present impact.
The Initial Sensory Recall (Lines 1-85)
The poem begins with Wordsworth’s return to Tintern Abbey after five years. He vividly recalls the sights, sounds, and sensations of his previous visits – “these steep and lofty cliffs,” “the pastoral farm-houses green,” “the murmur of the moving stream.” This section embodies the ‘overflow’ of feeling, triggered by the re-encounter with the landscape. However, even here, the feeling isn’t purely spontaneous. It’s mediated by memory and description. Wordsworth isn’t simply *feeling* the landscape; he’s *remembering* feeling it.
The Transition to Reflection (Lines 86-118)
The poem then transitions into a more reflective mode. Wordsworth analyzes the impact of these past experiences on his present self. He acknowledges that the memory of Tintern Abbey has provided solace and strength during times of hardship, shaping his moral and spiritual development. This marks the beginning of the “emotion recollected in tranquility.” He’s no longer immersed in the immediate sensation, but is thoughtfully considering its long-term effects.
The Role of ‘Tranquility’ and the Imagination (Lines 119-204)
Wordsworth explicitly links tranquility to the power of the imagination. He states that “in lonely rooms, and ‘mid the din / Of towns and cities, I have often turned / To a companionship with the lonely hills.” This demonstrates that the memory of Tintern Abbey, accessed in a state of tranquility, can provide a source of imaginative power, allowing him to transcend the limitations of his present circumstances. The imagination, fueled by recollected emotion, becomes a creative force.
Dorothy and the Future of Feeling (Lines 205-228)
The introduction of Dorothy, his sister, further illuminates Wordsworth’s resolution. He anticipates that Dorothy’s future experiences will mirror his own – that she will find solace and inspiration in the natural world. This suggests a cyclical process: feeling, recollection, tranquility, imagination, and then a renewed capacity for feeling. The poem doesn’t end with a static state of contemplation, but with a hopeful vision of continued emotional and imaginative growth.
The Interplay of Spontaneity and Reflection
Throughout ‘Tintern Abbey’, Wordsworth demonstrates that spontaneity and reflection are not mutually exclusive, but rather interdependent. The initial ‘overflow’ of feeling provides the raw material for poetic creation, while ‘tranquility’ allows for its thoughtful processing and imaginative transformation. The poem itself is a testament to this process – a carefully crafted work that emerges from a deeply felt personal experience. Wordsworth doesn’t abandon the importance of emotion; he elevates it by showing how it can be refined and deepened through the power of recollection and the imagination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ‘Tintern Abbey’ effectively resolves the apparent contradiction in Wordsworth’s ‘Preface’ by demonstrating the crucial interplay between spontaneous feeling and tranquil recollection. The poem’s structure, moving from vivid sensory recall to thoughtful reflection, illustrates how emotion, when processed through the lens of memory and imagination, can become a source of profound poetic power. Wordsworth’s vision is not one of passive contemplation, but of dynamic interaction between the individual, the natural world, and the creative process.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.