The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 2 (of 8)

A collection of poetry written primarily in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This volume includes a variety of poems, including narrative verses, lyrical pieces, and reflective poems that explore themes of nature, emotion, and human experience. Particularly notable are works like ''Peter Bell,'' which delves into the complexities of character, as well as ''Lines, composed a few miles above Tintern Abbey,'' which celebrates the restorative power of the natural world. The beginning of this volume sets the stage with Wordsworth's introduction to ''Peter Bell,'' where he shares insights about the creative process behind it and addresses its themes of imagination and daily life. He establishes the character of Peter Bell, a wandering potter with a wild, lawless spirit, and hints at the deeper exploration of his soul throughout the tale. Additionally, the opening section introduces reflective poetry about revisiting cherished landscapes, demonstrating Wordsworth's love for nature and how it intertwines with human emotions and memories. Overall, the opening portion provides a rich prelude to the extensive poetic landscape that Wordsworth crafts throughout this collection.