Question

What major change occurred in the second edition (1800) of Lyrical Ballads?

• A. Coleridge was listed as the sole author
• B. Wordsworth included a preface explaining his poetic principles
• C. The book was renamed Romantic Ballads
• D. It contained only Coleridge’s poems

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Wordsworth included a preface explaining his poetic principles

In the 1800 second edition of Lyrical Ballads, William Wordsworth added a Preface, which became one of the most important literary manifestos of the Romantic movement.

• Poetry should use the language of common people.

• Poetry should express genuine emotions and feelings.

• The imagination plays a crucial role in poetry.

• Nature and ordinary life are worthy poetic subjects.

This Preface set the foundation for Romantic poetry, moving away from the artificial and highly structured style of Neoclassicism.