What are Wordsworth's shortcomings in practising his theory? ( MEG 102 ) ( S. T. COLERIDGE )

One of the criticisms leveled against Wordsworth is that he did not always practice what he preached in his literary theory. While he argued that poetry should be grounded in the everyday experiences of ordinary people and should use a language that is accessible and natural, some of his own poetry can be criticized for being overly complex and elevated in style.

For example, in his poem "The Prelude," Wordsworth uses a complex and elevated language to describe his experiences in nature and to explore his own consciousness. This style is in contrast to the plain and simple language that he advocated for in his literary theory.

Moreover, some critics have argued that Wordsworth's theory is too narrow in its focus on the natural world and the experiences of ordinary people. They argue that his emphasis on the rural and the rustic overlooks other important aspects of human experience and that his poetry can sometimes be limited in its scope and perspective.

Finally, some critics have also pointed out that Wordsworth's emphasis on the individual imagination and the power of the creative process can be seen as individualistic and self-centered. They argue that his focus on the individual imagination can overlook the social and political context in which poetry is produced and that it can sometimes lead to a neglect of the broader social issues that are relevant to the lives of ordinary people.