Meaning: The quote "Prior to Wordsworth, humor was an essential part of poetry. I mean, they don't call them Shakespeare comedies for nothing." by William Collins Poet reflects the changing trends in poetry and literature, particularly in the transition from the Romantic period to the modern era. This quote highlights the shift in poetic expression and the evolving role of humor in poetry.

During the Romantic period, which spanned the late 18th and early 19th centuries, poets like William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and John Keats sought to explore the beauty of nature, the depths of human emotion, and the sublime in their works. This movement emphasized a return to nature, individualism, and emotional expression, marking a departure from the formal and structured poetry of the preceding neoclassical era.

William Wordsworth, a central figure in the Romantic movement, is often regarded as one of the pioneers of the period's poetic style. His emphasis on nature, emotional sincerity, and the ordinary lives of common people set a new standard for poetic expression. Wordsworth's famous preface to the second edition of "Lyrical Ballads" (1800), co-authored with Coleridge, outlined the principles of Romantic poetry, emphasizing the use of everyday language and the expression of profound emotions.

In contrast to the neoclassical emphasis on wit, satire, and formal structure, Romantic poetry celebrated individual experience and the natural world. However, this shift in focus led to a decline in the use of humor as a central element in poetry. The quote by William Collins Poet suggests that prior to Wordsworth and the Romantic movement, humor played a more essential role in poetry. This observation alludes to the comedic elements present in the works of earlier poets, such as William Shakespeare.

Shakespeare's plays, including his comedies, are renowned for their wit, wordplay, and humorous situations. The quote implies that humor was once a prevalent and integral aspect of poetry, as evidenced by the comedic works of Shakespeare. The comedies of Shakespeare, such as "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Twelfth Night," and "As You Like It," exemplify the use of humor to entertain, provoke laughter, and explore the complexities of human relationships and society.

However, with the rise of Romanticism and the changing sensibilities of the literary landscape, the role of humor in poetry underwent a transformation. The Romantic poets sought to evoke deep emotions, contemplation of nature, and personal introspection, leading to a reevaluation of the purpose of poetry and the use of humor within it.

The quote by William Collins Poet serves as a commentary on this shift, suggesting that the Romantic poets, particularly Wordsworth, steered poetry away from the tradition of incorporating humor as an essential element. It acknowledges the changing priorities and artistic inclinations of poets and their literary endeavors.

In conclusion, the quote "Prior to Wordsworth, humor was an essential part of poetry. I mean, they don't call them Shakespeare comedies for nothing." by William Collins Poet encapsulates the evolving nature of poetry and the diminishing emphasis on humor in poetic expression during the Romantic period. It highlights the impact of Wordsworth and the Romantic poets in reshaping the poetic landscape and redefining the role of humor in poetry. This quote prompts a reflection on the changing aesthetics, themes, and priorities that have shaped the trajectory of poetry from the classical era to the Romantic movement and beyond.