Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Definition

Samuel Taylor Coleridge was a prominent English poet, literary critic, and philosopher known for his significant contributions to the Romantic movement in literature. He is best known for his imaginative works, including 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' and 'Kubla Khan,' which showcase his mastery of language and innovative use of imagery, connecting deep emotional experiences with nature and the human condition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Coleridge collaborated with William Wordsworth on 'Lyrical Ballads,' which established a new poetic style focused on emotion and nature.
2. His poem 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the relationship between humanity and nature through vivid imagery and a unique narrative style.
3. Coleridge's concept of the 'suspension of disbelief' emphasizes the importance of engaging with imaginative literature despite its fantastical elements.
4. He suffered from chronic health issues and addiction throughout his life, which influenced his work and led to periods of creative struggle.
5. Coleridge was also a significant literary critic, whose writings on poetry and philosophy helped shape modern literary theory and criticism.

Review Questions

• How did Samuel Taylor Coleridge's work contribute to the development of Romantic poetry?
  • Samuel Taylor Coleridge's work was instrumental in shaping Romantic poetry by emphasizing emotion, imagination, and a deep connection with nature. His collaboration with Wordsworth in 'Lyrical Ballads' introduced new themes and styles that moved away from neoclassical conventions. Coleridge's ability to blend fantastical elements with profound moral questions, as seen in 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,' showcased the Romantic ideal of exploring the depths of human experience through poetry.
• Discuss the significance of 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' in Coleridge's body of work and its impact on Romantic literature.
  • 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' holds significant importance in Coleridge's body of work as it exemplifies his innovative narrative techniques and thematic depth. The poem addresses complex issues such as guilt, redemption, and humanity's relationship with nature through rich symbolism and striking imagery. Its impact on Romantic literature is profound; it not only influenced contemporaries but also established a framework for later writers to explore similar themes within their works.
• Evaluate how Coleridge's ideas about imagination shaped his poetic vision and contributed to the overall ethos of Romanticism.
  • Coleridge's ideas about imagination were foundational to his poetic vision and significantly influenced the ethos of Romanticism. He viewed imagination as a powerful creative force that transcended mere representation of reality, allowing poets to express deeper truths and connect with universal human experiences. This emphasis on imagination not only distinguished Coleridge's own work but also encouraged other Romantic poets to prioritize emotional expression and personal insight, fundamentally altering the landscape of English poetry during that era.

Related terms

Romanticism: An artistic and intellectual movement that emphasized emotion, nature, individualism, and the sublime, reacting against the rationalism of the Enlightenment.

Lyrical Ballads: A collection of poems published in 1798 by Coleridge and William Wordsworth that marked the beginning of the English Romantic movement, focusing on common subjects and everyday language.

Imagination: In Romantic literature, imagination is viewed as a vital creative force that allows individuals to transcend reality and connect with deeper truths and emotions.