William Wordsworth, Second-Generation Romantic: Contesting Poetry after Waterloo

William Wordsworth's later writing evolved in response to second-generation romanticism, refuting conventional models of influence. This volume examines how his later writing engages in a complex conversation with Leigh Hunt and Byron, how the delayed publication of Peter Bell could be read as a reaction to the Byronic hero, and how his later volumes, particularly Memorials of a Tour in Italy, 1837, engage in a complicated erasure of poets who both followed and predeceased him.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 293 pages
Publication date: 22 June 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

William Wordsworth, a prominent figure in the Second-Generation Romantic movement, offers a comprehensive interpretation of the late Wordsworth and his entire career spanning from 1814 to 1840. Through his meticulous analysis, Cox reveals that Wordsworth's major poems after the Battle of Waterloo engage in a profound contest with his younger contemporaries, including Keats, Shelley, and Byron. Contrary to conventional models of influence, where Wordsworth is often seen as the father of these younger poets, Cox demonstrates how Wordsworth's later writing evolved in response to the second-generation romanticism prevalent at the time.

In the first part of the volume, Cox explores the ways in which Wordsworth's younger contemporaries rewrote his Excursion. He examines how Keats, Shelley, and Byron appropriated and transformed Wordsworth's ideas, creating their own poetic responses to his work. Cox sheds light on the complex interplay between these poets and Wordsworth, highlighting their mutual influences and the ways in which they shaped each other's artistic development.

The second part of the volume examines how Wordsworth's Thanksgiving Ode enters into a complex conversation with Leigh Hunt and Byron. Cox delves into the historical context of the poem, exploring the political and social tensions of the time. He analyzes the ways in which Wordsworth's ode addresses these issues, using language and imagery that reflect the romantic ideals of the period.

Furthermore, Cox examines how the delayed publication of Peter Bell could be read as a reaction to the Byronic hero. He explores the themes and motifs of the poem, highlighting the ways in which Wordsworth sought to challenge the dominant literary conventions of the time. Cox also discusses the influence of Byron on Wordsworth's poetry, particularly in terms of his use of language and imagery.

The third part of the volume examines how Wordsworth's River Duddon sonnets respond to Shelley's Mont Blanc. Cox analyzes the poetic techniques and themes used by Wordsworth in these sonnets, highlighting the ways in which he sought to emulate and expand upon Shelley's poetic vision. He also discusses the influence of Shelley on Wordsworth's later volumes, particularly Memorials of a Tour in Italy, 1837.

In this final part of the volume, Cox explores how Wordsworth's later volumes, particularly Memorials of a Tour in Italy, 1837, engage in a complicated erasure of poets who both followed and predeceased him. He examines the ways in which Wordsworth's poetry engages with the legacy of his contemporaries, both positively and negatively. Cox highlights the ways in which Wordsworth's later writing sought to establish his own unique artistic identity, while also acknowledging the contributions of his predecessors.

Through his comprehensive analysis, Cox provides a fresh and insightful perspective on the late Wordsworth and his career. He challenges traditional models of influence and demonstrates how Wordsworth's later writing evolved in response to the broader cultural and artistic movements of his time. This volume is an essential contribution to the study of Romantic literature and will be of interest to scholars and students alike.

ISBN-13: 9781108931236