If I were to teach any aspect of this class to a classroom in the future, I would choose to focus on William Wordsworth’s Preface to Lyrical Ballads. I would chose an older group for something like this; probably a senior level or AP high school English course. I think this would be a fitting piece to read and analyze before introducing older poetry to the class.
William Wordsworth’s intention behind the Preface to Lyrical Ballads was to analyze current poetry, then present his opinions on what make good poetry stand out from poetry in general. Wordsworth defines poetry as writing that fits a “metrical arrangement a selection of the real language of men in a state of vivid sensation…” Wordsworth wanted to use the “…language really used by men…” to make his readers think about common things, but in an unusual or interesting way. Along with that, Wordsworth wanted to be clear to his readers about what exactly he was talking about, but wanted to bring forward new ideas about those obvious things. With these characteristics in mind, Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge combined their own poetic pieces into one book.
This would be a good lesson for students because it explores something more than informational articles to read and respond to. For some, reading poetry, essays, or short stories may be easier to read and comprehend as well. Introducing students to poetry and stories also inspires more of a creative side of literature. This kind of lesson could be paired with introducing poetry writing, as well as reading pieces by well known authors.
Brit Lit 2020 