Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Definition

Samuel Taylor Coleridge was an English poet, literary critic, and philosopher, best known for his contributions to the Romantic movement in literature. His works often emphasize the importance of imagination and individual experience, showcasing the depth of human emotion and the beauty of nature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Coleridge co-authored 'Lyrical Ballads' with William Wordsworth, which is considered a foundational text in English Romantic poetry.
2. His poem 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' explores themes of nature, guilt, and redemption, showcasing his mastery of narrative poetry.
3. Coleridge introduced the concept of the 'suspension of disbelief,' which emphasizes the reader's need to accept fantastical elements in literature for emotional engagement.
4. He was deeply influenced by German philosophy, particularly the ideas of Immanuel Kant and Johann Gottlieb Fichte, which shaped his views on imagination and creativity.
5. Coleridge's later life was marked by struggles with addiction, which affected his productivity and overall well-being but did not diminish his impact on literature.

Review Questions

• How did Coleridge's emphasis on imagination influence the development of Romantic poetry?
  • Coleridge's emphasis on imagination was pivotal in shaping Romantic poetry as it encouraged poets to explore their inner feelings and experiences. He believed that imagination was a creative force that allowed individuals to transcend reality and connect with deeper truths about human existence. This focus on subjective experience helped to differentiate Romantic poetry from previous literary movements that prioritized rationality and structure.
• In what ways does 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' exemplify Coleridge's exploration of nature and the sublime?
  • 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' is a prime example of Coleridge's exploration of nature and the sublime as it vividly depicts the power and mystery of the natural world. Through haunting imagery and emotional depth, Coleridge captures the mariner's awe-inspiring encounters with nature, highlighting both its beauty and terror. The poem serves as a meditation on humanity's relationship with nature, emphasizing the consequences of disrespecting its forces.
• Evaluate Coleridge's contributions to Romanticism through his collaboration with Wordsworth and how it impacted societal views on literature.
  • Coleridge's collaboration with Wordsworth on 'Lyrical Ballads' significantly contributed to Romanticism by challenging traditional poetic conventions and introducing themes centered around individual experience and emotion. This partnership reshaped societal views on literature, as it encouraged a move away from classical ideals toward a focus on personal expression and the beauty of nature. Their work established a new literary standard that celebrated individuality and emotion, influencing future generations of poets and writers to embrace these values in their own works.

Related terms

Imagination:

The ability to form new ideas and images not present to the senses, which plays a crucial role in artistic expression and creativity.

Romanticism:

An artistic and intellectual movement that originated in the late 18th century, focusing on emotion, nature, and individualism as reactions against the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason.

Sublime: Aesthetic quality that inspires a sense of awe and wonder, often associated with nature's beauty and vastness, which is a key theme in Romantic literature.