What is the role of meter in poetry, according to the “preface"? (MEG 102) (WILLIAM WORDSWORTH)

According to William Wordsworth's "Preface to Lyrical Ballads," the role of meter in poetry is to provide a structure and rhythm that complements and enhances the language and meaning of the poem. Wordsworth believed that meter, or the rhythmic pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables, was an essential part of poetic language and that it played a key role in creating the musical quality of poetry.

For Wordsworth, meter was not just a technical aspect of poetry but was intimately connected to the emotions and experiences that the poem was trying to convey. The rhythm and cadence of the poem could help to create a mood or atmosphere that reflected the subject matter of the poem and the emotions of the speaker.

However, Wordsworth also recognized that meter could be restrictive and that it was not always necessary for the poet to use a strict meter in their poetry. He believed that poets should have the freedom to experiment with different forms and styles of poetry, and that the ultimate goal was to create works of art that were beautiful and meaningful, rather than adhering to strict rules and conventions.

Overall, the role of meter in poetry, according to Wordsworth's "Preface," is to provide a structure and rhythm that complements and enhances the language and meaning of the poem, but it is not a rigid or inflexible rule that must be followed at all times.