Understanding the Criticism of Wordsworth, Southey, and Coleridge

The question asks to identify the critic who famously described poets like Wordsworth, Southey, and Coleridge as a "sect of poets" and a "formidable conspiracy" against established literary and political norms. These poets were central figures in the Romantic movement in English literature, often associated as the "Lake Poets". Their style, themes, and political views were often met with significant criticism from contemporary literary critics.

Let's look at the options provided:

• Henry Vaughan: A metaphysical poet from the 17th century. His work and era are different from the Romantic period and the poets mentioned.
• Francis Jeffrey: A Scottish literary critic and editor of the influential Edinburgh Review. The Edinburgh Review was known for its Whig political stance and its often harsh criticism of Romantic poets, including Wordsworth, Southey, and Coleridge.
• Ralph Vaughan: Likely referring to Ralph Vaughan Williams, an English composer from the late 19th and 20th centuries. Not a contemporary literary critic of the Romantic poets.
• Francisco Franco: A Spanish dictator from the 20th century. Not a literary critic from the Romantic period.

Francis Jeffrey was a prominent figure in early 19th-century literary criticism. He was highly critical of the Romantic movement, particularly the works of the Lake Poets (Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Southey). He felt their poetry represented a departure from established poetic conventions and standards of taste, and he also disagreed with some of their political leanings, especially during a politically charged era.

The specific quote in the question, viewing them as a "sect of poets ... dissenters from the established systems in poetry and criticism" and a "most formidable conspiracy against sound judgement in matters political," is indeed attributed to Francis Jeffrey. This quote appeared in the Edinburgh Review, reflecting the journal's critical stance against the Lake Poets.

Therefore, the person who held this critical view of Wordsworth, Southey, and Coleridge was Francis Jeffrey.

Key Figures and Criticism in Romantic Literature

The Romantic period saw significant shifts in poetry and criticism. The emergence of poets like Wordsworth, Southey, and Coleridge, with their focus on nature, emotion, imagination, and the language of ordinary people (as advocated in the Preface to Lyrical Ballads by Wordsworth and Coleridge), challenged the neoclassical norms that preceded them.

Francis Jeffrey, as editor of the Edinburgh Review, represented a school of criticism that was often resistant to these changes. His reviews were influential and widely read, shaping public opinion about the works of contemporary writers. His critique of the Lake Poets was not merely aesthetic but also political, viewing their literary choices and philosophical ideas as potentially subversive.

Revision Table: Critics and Poets

Additional Information on Francis Jeffrey and Romantic Criticism

Francis Jeffrey (1773-1850) was one of the founders and the first editor of the Edinburgh Review, established in 1802. This journal became a powerful voice in British intellectual life, covering literature, politics, and social issues.

• Jeffrey's Critical Stance: Jeffrey's criticism was often seen as witty, insightful, but also sometimes overly harsh or prejudiced, particularly towards poets associated with the opposing political faction or literary school.
• Critique of Romanticism: He found fault with aspects of Romantic poetry that he deemed sentimental, trivial, or poorly executed, especially what he perceived as Wordsworth's focus on mundane subjects and simple language.
• Political Context: The accusation of being a "conspiracy against sound judgement in matters political" highlights the intertwined nature of literary and political discourse during this period. The Lake Poets, while their political views evolved, were at times associated with radical ideas that challenged the conservative establishment favoured by some critics.
• Impact: Despite Jeffrey's negative reviews, the works of Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Southey eventually gained wider recognition and influence, becoming cornerstones of English literature. Jeffrey's critiques, however, remain significant historical documents illustrating the reception of Romanticism.