1. Sensitivity to Nature: Wordsworth believed that a poet must be deeply connected to nature, perceiving its beauty, power, and mystery. He saw nature as a source of inspiration and a mirror reflecting the human soul.
2. Imagination and Intuition: Wordsworth emphasized the power of imagination and intuition in shaping poetic vision. He argued that poets see the world with a heightened awareness, able to perceive the "inner light" of things and connect with the universal spirit.
3. Emotional Depth and Empathy: True poetry, according to Wordsworth, arises from genuine emotion and deep empathy for human experience. The poet should be able to express the full range of human emotions with sincerity and authenticity.
4. Simplicity and Natural Language: Wordsworth rejected the artificiality of 18th-century poetic diction. He advocated for a simple, natural language that conveyed meaning directly and sincerely, mirroring the rhythms of everyday speech.
5. Moral Purpose: For Wordsworth, poetry held a moral purpose. He believed that poets should strive to elevate the human spirit, inspire moral growth, and foster a deeper understanding of the natural world and our place within it.
6. Humility and Reverence: Wordsworth saw the poet as a humble observer and interpreter of the world. He believed that the poet should approach their subject with reverence and respect for the mystery and beauty of existence.
7. Strong Moral Character: Wordsworth emphasized the importance of moral character for the poet. He believed that a poet's life should reflect the values they express in their work.
In summary: Wordsworth viewed the poet as a sensitive observer of nature, driven by imagination and intuition, capable of expressing deep emotions with sincerity and simplicity. The poet should strive to elevate human consciousness through their work, while maintaining a sense of humility and reverence for the world around them.
It's important to note that these ideas are not always explicitly stated but are woven throughout Wordsworth's poetry and critical writings. His perspective on the poet's role has had a profound impact on the development of Romanticism and continues to resonate with readers today.