What is a key contribution of William Wordsworth to Romanticism?

• A. He authored the Preface to Lyrical Ballads outlining Romantic principles
• B. He wrote primarily dramas about the French court
• C. He founded American Transcendentalism
• D. He introduced free verse to English poetry

Answer: (A)

The big idea here is how Romantic poetry shifted to emphasize everyday experience, nature, and genuine emotion expressed in plain language. Wordsworth’s key contribution is his Preface to Lyrical Ballads, where he outlines the principles that define Romantic poetry. He argues that poets should use the language of ordinary people and center poetry on common life and the natural world. He also defines poetry as the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings that is later transmuted through reflection, memory, and imagination. This manifesto shows poetry as a means to awaken insight and emotion in readers by presenting sincere, accessible language drawn from real life.

These other options don’t fit Wordsworth’s impact: he didn’t focus on dramas about the French court, he wasn’t the founder of American Transcendentalism, and while he valued natural imagination and accessible language, he isn’t credited with introducing free verse to English poetry.