The correct answer is 4 because "Lyrical Ballads," primarily written by William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, is not "very particular about the form and structure of a poem." In fact, one of the core principles behind "Lyrical Ballads" was its rejection of rigid, formal poetic structures and highly sophisticated language that dominated poetry of previous eras, particularly the 17th and 18th centuries.
Here’s why the other options are true and consistent with "Lyrical Ballads":
"It is a manifesto of Romantic poetry" — True. "Lyrical Ballads" is often considered the foundational text of English Romantic poetry, representing a break from previous poetic traditions and emphasizing emotions, nature, and the ordinary experiences of common people.
"It turns English poetry away from the social and intellectual sophistication of the seventeenth and the eighteenth century poetry" — True. The Romantic movement, championed by Wordsworth and Coleridge, was a reaction against the highly intellectual and formal poetry of the Neoclassical period (17th and 18th centuries). They focused more on simplicity, natural language, and emotional depth.
"It takes poetry out of the confines of reason and intellect to the unravished and unspoilt beauties of nature" — True. One of the central themes of "Lyrical Ballads" is the celebration of nature as a source of beauty, wisdom, and emotional experience, rather than focusing on purely intellectual or rational subjects.
"It is very particular about the form and structure of a poem" — False. "Lyrical Ballads" sought to move away from strict poetic forms and complex structures. Wordsworth's famous preface to the 1800 edition specifically advocates for using simple language and natural speech rhythms, rather than adhering to formal rules.
In summary, "Lyrical Ballads" emphasizes emotional depth, simplicity, and nature over rigid adherence to traditional poetic form and structure, which is why option 4 is the correct answer.
Year-wise PYQs
