Question

The introduction of the phrase "it is obvious" breaks the flow of this sentence from the passage. What is the effect of using this phrase in this line?
However exalted a notion we would wish to cherish of the character of a Poet, it is obvious, that, while he describes and imitates passions, his situation is altogether slavish…

It creates a pause that helps emphasize the writer's opinion.

It introduces an unbiased opinion that is described in the paragraph.

It creates a break in the sentence that separates the opinion from the evidence.

It maintains the argumentative tone.

Answer 1

Preface to the Lyrical Ballads
by William Wordsworth (excerpt)

However exalted a notion we would wish to cherish of the character of a Poet, it is obvious, that, while he describes and imitates passions, his situation is altogether slavish and mechanical, compared with the freedom and power of real and substantial action and suffering. So that it will be the wish of the Poet to bring his feelings near to those of the persons whose feelings he describes, nay, for short spaces of time perhaps, to let himself slip into an entire delusion, and even confound and identify his own feelings with theirs; modifying only the language which is thus suggested to him, by a consideration that he describes for a particular purpose, that of giving pleasure. Here, then, he will apply the principle …namely, that of selection; on this he will depend for removing what would otherwise be painful or disgusting in the passion; he will feel that there is no necessity to trick out or to elevate nature: and, the more industriously he applies this principle, the deeper will be his faith that no words, which his fancy or imagination can suggest, will be to be compared with those which are the emanations of reality and truth.

Answer 2

@carolina4567

Answer 3

A

Answer 4

thanks