Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Definition

Samuel Taylor Coleridge was an influential English poet, literary critic, and philosopher, best known for his role in the Romantic Movement. His work emphasized imagination, emotion, and the beauty of nature, contributing to a new perspective on literature and art during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Coleridge was a key figure in launching the Romantic Movement with his collaborative work 'Lyrical Ballads' alongside William Wordsworth.
2. He is known for his poems like 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' and 'Kubla Khan', which showcase his fascination with nature and the supernatural.
3. Coleridge introduced the concept of the 'suspension of disbelief', arguing that readers should be willing to set aside their skepticism when engaging with poetry.
4. His deep philosophical ideas often explored themes such as morality, spirituality, and the nature of creativity, influencing both literature and philosophy.
5. Coleridge's struggles with addiction and mental health challenges affected his life and work, leading to a complex relationship with creativity and productivity.

Review Questions

• How did Samuel Taylor Coleridge's work contribute to the themes of Romanticism?
  • Coleridge's work significantly contributed to Romanticism by emphasizing emotion, imagination, and a deep connection to nature. His poetry often explored the sublime aspects of nature and human experience, reflecting the Romantic belief in the importance of individual feelings over reason. Through his innovative use of language and form, Coleridge helped to establish key themes that would define Romantic literature.
• Analyze how Coleridge's concept of 'suspension of disbelief' changed the way readers interact with poetry.
  • Coleridge's idea of 'suspension of disbelief' transformed readers' engagement with poetry by encouraging them to embrace imaginative experiences without skepticism. This concept allowed readers to immerse themselves fully in poetic narratives and fantastical elements without questioning their plausibility. By fostering this openness, Coleridge helped create a more profound emotional connection between the reader and the text, enhancing the overall impact of Romantic poetry.
• Evaluate Samuel Taylor Coleridge's influence on later literary movements and his lasting legacy in literature.
  • Coleridge's influence on later literary movements is evident in how his emphasis on emotion and imagination paved the way for subsequent styles such as Symbolism and Modernism. His exploration of psychological depth and complex characters can be seen in works by later writers like T.S. Eliot and W.B. Yeats. Furthermore, Coleridge's philosophical inquiries into creativity and morality continue to resonate in contemporary literary discussions, solidifying his legacy as a foundational figure in English literature.

Related terms

Romanticism:

A literary and artistic movement that originated in the late 18th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and a connection to nature.

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

Imagination: The ability to form new ideas and images that are not present to the senses; in Romantic literature, it is seen as a powerful force that shapes human experience.