Demonstrate and consider the range and variety (or lack of it) in the work of several eighteenth century poets writing on man and nature. Consider approach and poetic means.

Eighteenth century Britain was a time of great movement, in the literal sense as well as the metaphorical. In science, theories were being proved that contradicted religious belief. This brought about an increasing interest and wonder in the natural world, its simplicity and primal nature. In a way the eighteenth century can be seen as a waking of consciousness to the world and society but also as a demonstration of the immense ignorance of people’s perception. The middle class was apparent as a large portion of the population who had leisure time. In this leisure time, many wished to be amused by reading poetry. In this sense, poetry came about in a very commissioned form. It was supplied on demand with the impression and meaning as desired in this period. Themes principally of nature and simplicity were adopted. However, because of the demand, the views conveyed in the poetry were often very false and artificial due to the poet never living the simple life or considering deeply wha...