Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Definition

Samuel Taylor Coleridge was an English poet, literary critic, and philosopher who was a key figure in the Romantic movement during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He is best known for his contributions to poetry, including 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' and 'Kubla Khan', which showcase his imaginative vision and exploration of the supernatural.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Coleridge's work often focused on themes of nature, imagination, and the supernatural, which were foundational to the Romantic movement.
2. He was a close friend of fellow poet William Wordsworth, and together they published 'Lyrical Ballads', which is credited with helping to establish Romantic poetry.
3. Coleridge's poem 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' features a strong moral lesson about respect for nature and the consequences of one's actions.
4. His opium addiction significantly affected his life and work, leading to struggles with mental health that influenced his writing.
5. 'Kubla Khan', one of Coleridge's most famous poems, is often regarded as a prime example of his dream-like style and imaginative creativity.

Review Questions

• How did Samuel Taylor Coleridge contribute to the themes of Romanticism through his poetry?
  • Samuel Taylor Coleridge contributed significantly to Romanticism by emphasizing emotion, nature, and individual imagination in his poetry. His works often explore the supernatural and moral lessons, as seen in 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner', where he reflects on humanity's relationship with nature. Coleridge's focus on personal experience and creative vision aligns with the core principles of Romanticism, helping to shape this influential literary movement.
• Analyze the significance of 'Lyrical Ballads' in relation to Coleridge's career and its impact on English literature.
  • 'Lyrical Ballads', co-authored by Coleridge and Wordsworth, is significant for both its role in launching Coleridge's career and its broader impact on English literature. This collection marked a departure from the rigid structures of 18th-century poetry, embracing more natural language and themes from everyday life. The publication set a new standard for poetic expression in the Romantic era, influencing countless writers who followed.
• Evaluate how Coleridge's personal struggles influenced his literary output and his legacy within Romantic literature.
  • Coleridge's personal struggles, particularly his addiction to opium and ongoing battles with mental health, greatly influenced his literary output and shaped his legacy. These challenges affected both his creative process and thematic choices, leading to a unique style that explored complex emotions and supernatural elements. His ability to channel these experiences into profound poetry has left a lasting impact on Romantic literature, demonstrating how personal trials can enhance artistic expression.

Related terms

Romanticism:

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

Lyrical Ballads: A collection of poems published by Coleridge and William Wordsworth in 1798, marking a significant event in the history of English literature and the start of the Romantic era.

Imagination: A central theme in Coleridge's work, referring to the creative power of the mind to transcend reality and create new visions through poetry.