Personal Experiences:
Wordsworth's childhood in the Lake District of England, surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, had a profound impact on him. He developed a deep love of nature and a close connection to the natural world, which would later become central themes in his poetry.
Education:
Wordsworth's education at Hawkshead Grammar School exposed him to classical literature and helped him develop his literary skills. He was particularly drawn to the works of poets like Edmund Spenser and William Shakespeare.
Romantic Movement:
Wordsworth came of age during the Romantic period, a literary movement that emphasized emotion, imagination, and individualism. The Romantics believed that poetry should be a spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings and that the natural world was a source of inspiration and spiritual insight. Wordsworth was deeply influenced by these ideas, and they shaped his poetic style and themes.
Influence of Friends and Family:
Wordsworth's friendship with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, another prominent Romantic poet, was a major influence on his development as a poet. They collaborated on the seminal collection of poems, "Lyrical Ballads," which is considered a founding text of the Romantic movement. Wordsworth also received encouragement from his sister, Dorothy, who was a gifted writer herself and kept a detailed journal of their experiences together.
Literary Influences:
Wordsworth was also influenced by a wide range of literary figures, including the classical poets Virgil and Ovid, the medieval poet Geoffrey Chaucer, and the Renaissance poets William Shakespeare and John Milton. He admired their use of language and their ability to create vivid imagery.
In summary, William Wordsworth became a poet due to a combination of personal experiences, his education, the influence of the Romantic movement, the encouragement of friends and family, and his own love for literature and the natural world.