Secondary imagination

Definition

Secondary imagination is a concept introduced by Samuel Taylor Coleridge that describes a creative process where the mind takes raw sensory experiences and reshapes them into new forms, allowing for deeper emotional and intellectual engagement with reality. This idea emphasizes the transformative power of the imagination, differentiating it from mere fancy or reproduction of existing ideas, and underscores its role in the creation of art and poetry.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Coleridge believed that secondary imagination allows poets to synthesize personal experiences with universal truths, leading to profound insights.
2. This concept is integral to Coleridge's vision of poetry as a transformative art form, where the act of creation connects the individual to broader human experiences.
3. In contrast to fancy, which simply rearranges existing ideas, secondary imagination involves a deeper process of transformation that produces something entirely new.
4. Coleridge's views on secondary imagination helped shape the Romantic ideal that art should express deep emotional truths rather than merely reflect reality.
5. The idea of secondary imagination influenced later Romantic poets, who adopted and adapted Coleridge's theories to explore their own creative processes.

Review Questions

• How does Coleridge differentiate between secondary imagination and fancy in his theory?
  • Coleridge distinguishes secondary imagination from fancy by emphasizing that secondary imagination involves a deeper creative process that transforms raw sensory experiences into new forms, connecting individuals with universal truths. In contrast, fancy simply rearranges existing ideas or images without generating significant emotional depth or insight. This distinction highlights Coleridge's belief in the transformative power of true artistic expression compared to mere playful imagination.
• Discuss how Coleridge's concept of secondary imagination reflects the broader principles of Romanticism.
  • Coleridge's concept of secondary imagination aligns with Romanticism by emphasizing the importance of personal experience, emotion, and the exploration of nature. Romantic poets sought to elevate their work beyond mere description to express deeper emotional truths and connect with their audiences on a profound level. The secondary imagination acts as a bridge between individual perception and universal meaning, embodying the Romantic ideal that art can transcend ordinary reality through creative expression.
• Evaluate the impact of Coleridge's theory of secondary imagination on contemporary literary criticism and creativity.
  • Coleridge's theory of secondary imagination has had a lasting influence on contemporary literary criticism and creative practices by encouraging a focus on the imaginative process behind artistic creation. Critics often analyze works through the lens of how authors transform experiences into art, drawing attention to the emotional and intellectual engagements present in literature. This focus has opened up discussions about authorial intention, reader response, and the significance of creativity in shaping human understanding, continuing to resonate in modern literary theory.

Related terms

primary imagination:

The innate ability of the mind to perceive and organize sensory experiences, serving as the foundation for all imaginative activity.

fancy:

A lesser form of imagination that involves the playful arrangement of images and ideas without deeper significance or emotional connection.

Romanticism:

An artistic and literary movement that emphasized emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature, often seeking to transcend ordinary experience through imaginative expression.