What are Wordsworth's views on poetic pleasure?

 

Or,

 

Why does poetry give pleasure?

 

Ans. According to Wordsworth, pleasure is the chief end of poetry. To him, poetic pleasure is a mere idle amusement, but much higher and nobler. Poetry gives pleasure for the following reasons:

 (i) Poetry is the image of man and nature and pleasure is the basic principle of life and nature. By imitating nature well, poetry gives us pleasure.

 

(ii) Knowledge of truth is a source of spiritual pleasure. The poet studies the elemental nature of man. He sees the souls of men and thus discovers truth and promotes knowledge.

Therefore, by increasing our knowledge and understanding of the primary nature of man, poetry gives us pleasure.

 (iii) Poetry makes us sympathise with others and this sympathy brings inner satisfaction.

 

(iv) The poet perceives the sense of oneness between man and nature. By sharing his realization of this universal truth we can get pleasure from poetry.