Mark J. Bruhn, Wordsworth Before Coleridge: The Growth of the Poet’s Philosophical Mind, 1785–1797

William Wordsworth is regarded as one of the most significant poets of the Romantic era in literature. Mark J. Bruhn’s seminal work, “Wordsworth Before Coleridge: The Growth of the Poet’s Philosophical Mind, 1785–1797,” provides insight into the poet’s early years and the development of his philosophical mindset.

The poet’s collaboration with Samuel Taylor Coleridge on Lyrical Ballads is well publicized. This article explores the development of Wordsworth’s philosophical thought before the well-known collaboration with Coleridge, dealing with the subtleties of Bruhn’s work.

Recognizing the Situation:

We are transported back to Wordsworth’s formative years in the late eighteenth century, thanks to Bruhn’s detailed study. In these early years (1785–1797), the poet experienced profound philosophical and intellectual changes.

By deftly navigating Wordsworth’s early writings, letters, and personal experiences, Bruhn provides readers with a thorough understanding of the poet’s intellectual development.

Early Years: 1785–1790

To set the stage for Wordsworth’s intellectual development, Bruhn starts by looking at his early life. Furthermore, other poets and intellectuals, along with his exposure to nature and the influence of his environment, partly shape Wordsworth’s developing philosophical inclinations.

In addition, Bruhn carefully examines the poet’s writings from this era, finding the beginnings of his later, more developed philosophical concepts.

Nature Acting as a Spark:

Wordsworth’s close relationship with the natural world is one of the main topics Bruhn examines. One of the recurrent themes of the poet’s early compositions is his fondness for the natural environment.

Bruhn illustrates how this relationship was a significant philosophical position rather than just a source of artistic inspiration.

Wordsworth laid the groundwork for the later transcendental portions of his writing by using his observations of nature as a canvas to paint his expanding philosophical ideas.

Influences on the mind:

Bruhn deals with the historical and intellectual currents that shaped Wordsworth’s ideas, surpassing the realm of the poet’s personal experiences.

Wordsworth drew influence from a spectrum of literary and philosophical movements, spanning from the Romantic movement to Enlightenment ideals.

Moreover, Bruhn meticulously traces these influences, highlighting the specific philosophers and concepts that left a lasting impact on Wordsworth’s evolving philosophical understanding.

Wordsworth’s Poetic Voice: An Evolution

Bruhn elucidates how Wordsworth conveys his philosophical ideas through his poetry as he matures, closely connecting his philosophical and lyrical development.

Furthermore, Bruhn’s study gives readers a sophisticated comprehension of the poet’s innermost ideas and feelings as they emerged in his poetry, establishing the foundation for the masterpieces that would come after.

Coleridge and Further Ahead:

Bruhn notices that Wordsworth established his intellectual foundation well before his collaboration with Coleridge. Although Wordsworth’s literary journey often centers around their partnership.

Moreover, Bruhn shows how Wordsworth’s personal development persisted even after he partnered with Coleridge by analyzing his works written after 1790.

This stage, frequently overlooked in favour of collaborative success, is essential to comprehending Wordsworth’s philosophical development.

Conclusion

Moreover, The Growth of the Poet’s Philosophical Mind, 1785–1797″ by Mark J. Bruhn offers a fascinating investigation of the thinking environment that moulded one of the greatest Romantic poets.

In addition, Bruhn improves our comprehension of the larger literary and philosophical currents of the late 18th century as well as our appreciation of Wordsworth’s early works by revealing the layers of the poet’s philosophical thinking.

Readers interested in Wordsworth, Romanticism, or the development of poetic philosophy should not miss this foundational work.