Of Modern Poetry - Correlation With Wordsworth's Theory

Correlation With Wordsworth's Theory

Stevens uses ordinary language, which Wordsworth stresses as vital for poetry. The use of common language comes out of the Romantic focus on nature and everyday experiences. Wordsworth's role for simple language coincides with Stevens’ requirement that poetry “be living…learn the speech of the place… face the men of the time.” With this ordinary speech Wordsworth wanted to write in a way that “ordinary things should be presented to the mind in an unusual way.” Following Wordsworth's lead, imagery and other characteristics seen in Stevens’ poem present the qualifications for modern poetry in a unique way while using plain language. Along with valuing common people, the Wordsworth began placing emphasis on the role of history. The changes caused by time are key in Stevens’ work and are connected to the theatre imagery that goes throughout the poem. Stevens’ ideas as expressed in “Of Modern Poetry” clearly align with Wordsworth’s view of poetics.