Lakes have played a significant role in the works of Romantic poets throughout the history of literature. These natural bodies of water have been a popular subject in various poems, serving as a symbol of love, tranquility, and inspiration. The Romantic movement emerged in the late 18th century in Europe, emphasizing the importance of human emotions and nature. As such, it is no surprise that romantic poets found lakes to be a perfect representation of their ideologies and used them extensively in their literary works.

One of the most prominent examples of a lake’s role in romantic poetry can be seen in “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” by William Wordsworth. In this poem, the poet describes a solitary walk through the countryside in the Lake District and the joy he feels upon encountering a beautiful field of daffodils by a lake. The natural beauty of the lake and the surrounding landscape evokes strong emotions in Wordsworth, which he translates into his words as he paints a vivid picture for the readers. The serene and peaceful setting of the lake serves as a contrast to the poet’s feelings of loneliness, with the daffodils symbolizing the joys of life and nature.

Similarly, in “Lines Written a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey” also by Wordsworth, the poet describes the healing powers of nature, specifically the “deep rivers, and in glens” and “steep and lofty cliffs” that surround the River Wye. The river acts as a source of inspiration and rejuvenation for the poet, who had been away from the landscape for five years. The imagery of the river and the surrounding landscape is one of the key elements that make this poem a masterpiece, reflecting the Romantic belief that nature has the power to heal and inspire.

Another well-known romantic poet, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, also uses lakes in his works to convey a sense of calm and tranquility. In his famous poem, “Kubla Khan”, a lake is the central image that symbolizes the idyllic paradise described by the poet. The poem describes a mythical land where “the sacred river” Alph runs down “through caverns measureless to man”, and finally comes to a “lifeless ocean”. This image of the lake conjures up a feeling of serenity, a hallmark of the romantic era. It also represents the power and grandeur of nature, which was a prevalent theme in romantic poetry.

Moreover, lakes also played a significant role in the works of female romantic poets such as Mary Shelley, who wrote “The Witch of Atlas”. In this poem, a lake is portrayed as a magical and mystical place where the witch lives. The lake is described as a place of enchantment, where “the floating trees and the birds that on their boughs chirp and flitter…look like things of the woods” – highlighting the sensorial appeal of nature and the mystical powers it holds.

The use of lakes in romantic poetry is not limited to only representing nature and its beauty. These natural bodies of water also serve as the backdrop for many romantic encounters and love stories in literature. For example, in “The Lady of the Lake” by Sir Walter Scott, the lake is the setting for the love story between the hero, Roderick Dhu, and the lady of the lake, Ellen Douglas. The pristine and romantic setting of the lake sets the stage for their love to blossom, adding an element of magic and fairy-tale to the story.

In conclusion, lakes have been an essential element in romantic poetry, playing a pivotal role in conveying the poets’ feelings and emotions towards nature. They have been used to represent tranquility, inspiration, and beauty, as well as serve as the backdrop for romantic encounters. The romantic poets’ close relationship with nature is evident in their works, and lakes have been a powerful symbol in conveying these emotions. The use of lakes in romantic poetry has not only helped create some of the world’s most famous literary works but also influenced the perception of nature in literature as a source of inspiration and a reflection of human emotions.