By dissecting Wordsworth’s manuscripts and Dorothy’s journals we can see what experiences had the biggest impact on his poetry.

Wordsworth, De Quincey and Dove cottage - for iPod/iPhone

Finding Inspiration

Can a location inspire great poetry? To what extent can a person’s environment influence their art? After leaving the area as a child the Romantic poet William Wordsworth returned to the Lake District and remained there from 1799 to 1802. Surrounded by scenery he cherished Wordsworth composed some of his best poetry in Dove Cottage, but the building was also the residence of friend Thomas De Quincy whom documented his time with the Wordsworth’s as well as his own experiences in the property. This material forms part of The Open University course A230 Reading and studying literature.

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Wordsworth, De Quincey and Dove cottage - for iPod/iPhone