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For William Wordsworth, poetry was more than just a form

of creative expression. He regarded it as a learning tool he

could use to educate his readers on significance of history.

Wordsworth believed that history not only shaped the world in

which man lived, but also mankind itself. It could teach

both what to do, but perhaps even more importantly, it could

insightfully teach what not to do. In his autobiographical

epic poem, "The Prelude," Wordsworth explored how historical

events had influenced his life. In the poem, the narrator,

Wordsworth himself, describes how he saw history happen

around him, and the impact that it had on his thoughts and on

his art.

Books 9 and 10 of "The Prelude" detail the time he

resided in France, which was during the height of the French

Revolution. In Book 9, Wordsworth described his initial

sensations as if he is an enthusiastic tourist, but when he

witnesses the effects of the Revolution first-hand, the poem

takes a decidedly different, and more somber tone.

Wordsworth observed, "I saw the Revolutionary Power / Toss

like a ship at anchor, rocked by storms;... / I stared and

listened, with a stranger's ears, / To Hawkers and

Haranguers, hubbub wild! / And hissing Factionists with

ardent eyes, / In knots, or pairs, or single. Not a look /

Hope takes, or Doubt or Fear is forced to wear, / But seemed

there present; and I scanned them all, / Watched every

gesture uncontrollable, / Of anger, and vexation, and

despite, / All side by side, and struggling face to face,

With gaiety and dissolute idleness" (282). Wordsworth was

watching history happen...