Wordsworth's Poetry of Repetition: Romantic Recapitulation

This book explores the repetition in Wordsworth's poetry, placing it in the context of the early nineteenth century and analyzing how it is fundamental to his attempt to write sincere verse. It argues that repetition can be found in repeated words, sounds, ideas, translation, allusion, and echo, and that the subtle relationship between instances of the same experience illuminates the potential for poetry to portray both the specific and the universal.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 25 May 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Repetition, often perceived as mundane or lacking poetic finesse, holds a prominent place in the poetry of William Wordsworth. This captivating book delves into the various manifestations of repetition, contextualizing them within the early nineteenth-century milieu from which they emerged. Through meticulous close analysis of Wordsworth's poetry, it unravels the intricate complexities of repetition and recapitulation, posing profound questions about the meaning of repeating words and ideas. By examining instances of repetition and the conjunctions that facilitate recapitulation within Wordsworth's writing, the book seeks to understand the broader context of repetition, encompassing ideas of repetition in terms of repeated words, sounds, and ideas of translation, allusion, and echo. Moreover, Houghton-Walker emphasizes the significance of incorporating a sense of difference within even seemingly pure repetition. This difference can manifest in perception, attitude, or understanding, and for Wordsworth, it illuminates the potential of poetry to capture both the specific and the universal simultaneously. By exploring the nuanced relationship between seemingly identical experiences, Wordsworth's poetry reveals the capacity to convey immediate and profound truths, resonating with readers on multiple levels.

Weight: 616g
Dimension: 161 x 244 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192870483