Read the lines from Wordsworth's preface to the second edition of Lyrical Ballads and answer the question. The subject is indeed important! For the human mind is capable of excitement without the application of gross and violent stimulants; and he must have a very faint perception of its beauty and dignity who does not know this . . . . It has therefore appeared to me that to endeavour to produce or enlarge this capability is one of the best services in which, at any period, a Writer can be engaged; but this service, excellent at all times, is especially so at the present day. Wordsworth argues that the poet's function is more necessary than ever in his day because _ and _. Select all that apply. peaceful times have lulled people into boredom people are being crowded into fast-growing cities repetitive factory jobs drive people to seek sensation people are seeking sources of entertainment other than plays

In this passage, Wordsworth discusses the capabilities of the human mind. he tells us that the mind is capable of being occupied and excited without the need to look for "gross" and "violent" stimulants. Wordsworth most likely refers to the changes that are going on in society at the time. With the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in the late 18th century, people were crowded into fast-growing cities. They often took repetitive factory jobs that drove them to seek sensation. Wordsworth discusses this and claims that giving people a way out while stimulating their mind was the most important task of the writer.