Final answer:
Wordsworth's purposes for writing the preface to Lyrical Ballads include discussing poetic technique and conveying his thoughts on poetry's role. He capitalized 'Nature' and 'Sea' to personify these elements, a technique common in Romantic poetry.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary purpose behind William Wordsworth writing the preface to his volume Lyrical Ballads was to articulate his beliefs about the nature of poetry and to provide a manifesto for the Romantic movement. Specifically, Wordsworth aimed to:
- Discuss the technical aspects of poetry, including the use of language and the importance of expressing emotions that are recollected in tranquility.
- Express his thoughts on the role of poetry, including its relation to nature and its impact on the human mind.
These aims were to challenge the classical notions of poetry and inspire a new era of verse that was more relatable to the common person by focusing on simplicity and the beauty of the natural world.
As for the capitalization of words such as 'Nature' and 'Sea' in his poetry, Wordsworth often does this to personify these elements, treating them as entities with their own significance and force.
This technique is common among Romantic poets to illustrate the awe-inspiring attributes of the natural world and its profound impact on human experience.