What are some of the characteristics of the poet?

Or,

How does Wordsworth delineate his romantic conception of a poet?

Or,

What, according to Wordsworth, is a poet?

 

Ans. In the Preface Wordsworth gives us a detailed account of his romantic conception of a poet.

 

First, a poet, according to Wordsworth is a man speaking to men. He writes not only for his own pleasure but to communicate his thoughts and feelings to his readers.

 

Secondly, he is a man endowed with more lively sensibility which distinguishes him from the common run of mankind.

Thirdly, he has greater power of imagination by which he can emotionally feels the events and incidents which he has not directly experienced.

Fourthly, he has greater knowledge of human nature. As a result he can understand the passions without undergoing through them.

 

Fifthly, he has a more comprehensive soul for which he can share the emotional experiences of others.

 

Sixthly, he has a greater zest for life than an ordinary man.

 

Finally, he has greater power of expression and communication.