"Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings; it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility: the emotion is contemplated till, by a species of re-action, the tranquility disappears, and an emotion, kindred to that which was before the subject of contemplation, is gradually produced, and does itself actually exist in the mind." -William Wordsworth What is this quote saying? I can't seem to get the general idea of it.

I'll paraphrase certain parts (in bold below) for you:

"Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings; it begins with feelings remembered when one is at peace: the feeling is thought about until, by a type of re-action, the peace disappears, and a feeling, similar to the poet's prior state of mind, is gradually produced, and does itself actually exist in the mind."

Repost if you have a specific question about any of this.

So basically it is saying that poetry begins with the feelings one has when they are at peace, and then by analyzing the poem, the reader is able to feel what the poet was feeling when they wrote it?

This quote by William Wordsworth is providing an explanation of the nature of poetry. According to Wordsworth, poetry is the result of powerful feelings that arise spontaneously. These feelings originate from emotions that are remembered or recollected in a state of tranquility. As one contemplates these emotions, a process of re-action occurs where the tranquility fades away and a new, similar emotion is gradually produced in the mind. In simpler terms, the quote suggests that poetry is born when intense emotions are recollected and contemplated, giving rise to a newfound emotional state that fuels the creation of poetic expression.

This quote by William Wordsworth provides a definition and explanation of poetry. To understand its general idea, let's break it down:

"Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings": Wordsworth starts by stating that poetry is a result of powerful emotions that come forth naturally and uncontrolled.

"It takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility": He then suggests that these emotions, instead of being immediately expressed, are generated from a state of calm reflection upon past experiences or memories.

"The emotion is contemplated till, by a species of re-action, the tranquility disappears": Wordsworth explains that as the poet ponders upon the emotion, the internal state of tranquility diminishes. In other words, the poet dwells on the emotion until inner peace is disturbed.

"An emotion, kindred to that which was before the subject of contemplation, is gradually produced": Through this contemplation and disruption of tranquility, a new emotion arises that is similar or related to the initial one being contemplated.

"And does itself actually exist in the mind": This final statement states that this related emotion becomes a tangible and present feeling in the poet's mind.

In essence, Wordsworth suggests that poetry emerges from intense emotions that are initially experienced and then reflected upon in a state of calmness. The act of contemplating these emotions eventually leads to the birth of a new, connected emotion that is present within the poet's mind.