A Formalist Analysis of William Wordsworth’s ‘Lucy Gray’

Abstract

This study explores William Wordsworth's Lucy Gray through the lens of formalist criticism, emphasizing its structural, linguistic, and thematic elements while disregarding external biographical or historical contexts. Published in the 1800 edition of Lyrical Ballads, the poem encapsulates Romantic ideals, particularly the interplay between human vulnerability and nature's dual role as both enchanting and indifferent. Formalist analysis reveals how Wordsworth’s poetic language, rhythm, and structure transcend personal or emotional attachments, offering a universal narrative of loss and solitude. Rejecting intentional and affective fallacies, this approach highlights the poem’s intrinsic elements, showcasing Wordsworth’s craftsmanship and its enduring resonance within Romantic literature. By examining Lucy Gray objectively, this study affirms the formalist notion that a literary text contains all necessary information for uncovering its thematic and aesthetic significance.