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William Wordsworth (1770-1850) stands as a pivotal figure in English literature, renowned for helping to pioneer the Romantic movement alongside Samuel Taylor Coleridge with their seminal work, 'Lyrical Ballads and other Poems' (1798). Born in the Lake District, Wordsworth developed a profound love for nature, which would become a recurrent theme throughout his literary oeuvre. His poetry often explored the intimate connection between the natural world and the human psyche, a hallmark of his unique reflective style. Wordsworth's poetic philosophy emphasized simplicity and the use of the ordinary language of common people, which was revolutionary in challenging the prevailing ornate poetic conventions of the time.
Wordsworth's extensive body of work includes classics such as 'The Prelude' or 'Growth of a Poet's Mind' (1850), an autobiographical poem which reflects his personal journey and poetic development. 'I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud', also known as 'Daffodils', remains one of his most beloved short poems for its vivid imagery and timeless celebration of nature. His impact on literature resonated well into the Victorian era and beyond, helping to reshape poetic expression and inspiring generations of writers. His reverence for the natural world and his innovative approach to verse not only defined the Romantic period but also enhanced the appreciation for the intrinsic bond between humanity and the environment. For his contributions to literature, Wordsworth was appointed Poet Laureate of England in 1843, a position he held until his death.
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