What is the justification for calling Cowper a precursor of Romanticism? ( MEG 102 ) ( EARLY ROMANTIC POETS )

William Cowper, an English poet of the 18th century, is considered by many literary critics to be a precursor of Romanticism. This is due to several reasons:

Firstly, Cowper's poetry often celebrated the beauty and power of nature, which is a central theme of Romantic poetry. Cowper frequently wrote about the countryside, describing its beauty and the joys of living in harmony with the natural world. In his poem "The Task", for example, Cowper writes about the pleasures of walking in nature and the way it can inspire the imagination.

Secondly, Cowper was known for his emphasis on personal experience and emotion in his poetry. He wrote openly and honestly about his own struggles with mental illness and the challenges he faced in his personal life. This emphasis on personal experience and emotion is a hallmark of Romantic poetry.

Finally, Cowper was also known for his interest in folk traditions and popular culture. He wrote several poems that drew on traditional English ballads and folk songs, reflecting a broader Romantic fascination with the culture and traditions of the people.

Overall, Cowper's emphasis on nature, personal experience, and folk traditions, all of which would become key themes of Romantic poetry, justifies calling him a precursor of Romanticism. While Cowper's work may not have been fully embraced by the Romantic poets who followed him, his influence on the development of Romanticism is significant.