Focusing on Wordsworth, I’ve found that hi poetry is different because he thinks differently than other writers. Some writers seem to hide behind the objectivity of their works because they want to sell to more consumers; however, Wordsworth uses subjectivity to make himself the center of attention. His prelude is based upon his life, written by himself, and is expected to be read as true events, though as readers we would not know the difference. In his article, Balfour points out that Wordsworth breaks the conventions of prophecy by having himself be “the voice” and “the echo” that reinforces the prophecy (Balfour 119). He describes himself as “being chosen as a vehicle of the divine word” (Balfour 118). Describing himself as the chosen one elevates his poetry to his readers because his imagined relationship with God influences the people of the church to read his works.
Writing his poetry about himself makes it less connected to his audience, but it serves the purpose of prophecy by warning others of the mistakes of his past, so they won’t make the same mistakes in their future. Though he breaks the conventions, the elements of prophecy still there fulfill the goal of prophecy. If Wordsworth had made this poem objective, I don’t think it would have been as successful. Knowing that he lived through these events makes the poetry more realistic. By adding the elements of prophecy that coincide with the Christian tradition of a “prediction of the future,” Wordsworth gains a Christian audience that want to read about prophecy (Balfour 125). Wordsworth’s audience is not limited by his subjectivity once the Christian elements are recognized.
Romantic--with a Capitol 'R'--Poetry 