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Toys of wrath: The Prelude 10: 363-74 and Aeneid 7: 374-84.(William Wordsworth's works)(Critical Essay)

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From: Wordsworth Circle
Date: 20050622
Author:Bohm, Arnd

In writing an epic, Wordsworth was aware of the intricate rules. The subject was important enough for him to express his perplexed quest for a suitable topic in The Prelude (all references to 1850: 1.158-269). Another daunting challenge was the requirement for multi-layered allusions to his epic precursors. More than simple citations, the allusion had to be adapted to the present, to synthesize the old and the new, which, in the sixteenth century was called "to overgo." and which Hegelians called "Aufhebung" ("sublation" or "supersession"). Hence Wordsworth's allusions in The ...

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