Final answer:
According to Wordsworth, good poetry originates from the 'spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings' that have been thought over in a state of tranquility. The emotional impetus combined with contemplation and careful expression forms the crux of his philosophy on the creation of poetry.
Step-by-step explanation:
Origin of Good Poetry According to Wordsworth
William Wordsworth, a seminal figure in Romantic poetry, holds a distinct view on the origin of good poetry. In his preface to Lyrical Ballads, he posits that good poetry is the result of "the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings." However, he adds a crucial caveat that these feelings must originate from "emotion recollected in tranquillity." This indicates that while the immediate emotions form the essence, the poetic process requires contemplation and refinement of these emotions at a later, calmer time. Wordsworth thus suggests that a temporal gap between the experience and creation can enrich the poem, compared to a simple and direct emotional outpouring.
The mention of Hardy's "Neutral Tones" contrasts with Wordsworth's perspective by showing that powerful emotion is not always a prerequisite for poetry. Furthermore, the analogy of poetry to a garden underlines the richness and depth these emotions provide, as they are akin to the roots that nurture a garden from beneath the surface. This depth is achieved through the careful selection of words and structure. Hence, the origins of good poetry, according to Wordsworth, lie not just in raw emotion but in the poet's ability to reflect, cultivate, and express these emotions through measured language.