Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Definition

Samuel Taylor Coleridge was an English poet, literary critic, and philosopher, known for his influential works during the Romantic period. He is best recognized for his contributions to Romantic literature, particularly through poems like 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' and 'Kubla Khan,' which emphasize imagination, nature, and emotional depth. His ideas on poetry and aesthetics also had a significant impact on later writers and thinkers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Coleridge was born on October 21, 1772, in Ottery St. Mary, Devon, England, and he played a pivotal role in shaping Romantic poetry alongside his contemporary, William Wordsworth.
2. His poem 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' uses supernatural elements to explore themes of guilt and redemption, showcasing his innovative use of narrative in poetry.
3. Coleridge's concept of 'suspension of disbelief' explains how readers should set aside skepticism to fully engage with imaginative works.
4. He struggled with addiction throughout his life, particularly with opium, which influenced his writing style and thematic choices.
5. In addition to poetry, Coleridge made significant contributions to literary criticism and philosophy, advocating for the importance of imagination in both art and life.

Review Questions

• How did Samuel Taylor Coleridge's works reflect the key themes of Romantic literature?
  • Coleridge's poetry embodies essential themes of Romantic literature such as emotion, nature, and imagination. His use of vivid imagery and supernatural elements invites readers to explore deep emotional landscapes. For instance, 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' not only tells a captivating story but also delves into complex feelings like guilt and redemption, emphasizing the individual's experience in relation to nature.
• Analyze the impact of Coleridge's collaboration with William Wordsworth on the development of Romantic poetry.
  • Coleridge's collaboration with Wordsworth in 'Lyrical Ballads' was significant for Romantic poetry as it introduced new themes and styles that broke away from traditional forms. This collection highlighted the importance of ordinary language in poetry and explored human emotions deeply. Their partnership encouraged other poets to embrace individual expression and imagination as vital elements of their work, helping establish the Romantic movement's foundation.
• Evaluate how Coleridge’s concept of 'suspension of disbelief' contributes to our understanding of literary engagement during the Romantic era.
  • Coleridge’s idea of 'suspension of disbelief' is crucial for understanding how readers engage with literature during the Romantic era. This concept suggests that readers should temporarily set aside their skepticism to immerse themselves in imaginative narratives fully. By doing so, they can appreciate the emotional depth and creative power that Romantic poets like Coleridge harnessed. This approach paved the way for later literary theories about reader response and the relationship between fiction and reality.

Related terms

Romanticism:

An artistic and literary movement that emphasized emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature, often in reaction to the industrial revolution.

Lyrical Ballads: A collection of poems published by Coleridge and William Wordsworth in 1798 that marked the beginning of the English Romantic movement.

Imagination: A central theme in Romantic literature, where the creative power of the mind is celebrated as a means of connecting with nature and expressing deep emotions.