Friendship with Joseph Warton
Poet involved
What happened
During his time at Oxford, Collins formed a significant friendship with fellow poet Joseph Warton. This relationship was pivotal in shaping his poetic outlook and encouraged a shift away from the prevailing Augustan style towards a more emotional and imaginative approach.
Literary impact
The camaraderie and shared literary aspirations with Warton inspired Collins to explore themes of nature and emotion in his poetry, ultimately leading to the innovative style seen in his later works. Their discussions on poetry and aesthetics helped Collins articulate his vision of the poet's role in society.
Source: Wikipedia