12.2 Coleridge's life and literary contributions
5 min read•august 1, 2024
, a key figure in English , left an indelible mark on literature. His life, marked by brilliance and struggles, shaped his unique poetic vision and philosophical insights.
Coleridge's partnership with William Wordsworth revolutionized poetry. Their collaboration on "" and shared ideas about and defined the Romantic movement, influencing generations of writers to come.
Coleridge's Life and Literary Career
Early Education and Personal Tragedies
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- Christ's Hospital school in London exposed Coleridge to classical literature and contemporary poetry laid the foundation for his literary pursuits
- Death of Coleridge's father in 1781 profoundly affected his emotional development led to themes of loss and abandonment in his poetry
- Jesus College, Cambridge introduced Coleridge to radical political ideas and Unitarian theology shaped his early philosophical and religious views
Influences and Collaborations
- Experimentation with opium, initially for medical reasons, significantly impacted Coleridge's creative process and personal life influenced works (, Dejection: An Ode)
- Friendship and collaboration with William Wordsworth, beginning in 1795, marked a pivotal moment in Coleridge's career led to joint publication of "Lyrical Ballads" in 1798
- Journey to Germany in 1798-1799 exposed Coleridge to German Romantic philosophy and literature influenced his later critical works and philosophical writings
Later Life and Career Shift
- Struggles with addiction, depression, and marital problems in later years led to a shift from poetry to prose and literary criticism
- Focused more on literary criticism and philosophical writings
- Delivered lectures on Shakespeare and other literary figures helped shape the canon of English literature
Coleridge's Contributions to Romanticism
Theories and Concepts
- Theory of imagination, distinguishing between primary and secondary imagination, revolutionized understanding of poetic creativity in Romantic literature
- Primary imagination: unconscious perception of the world
- Secondary imagination: conscious, creative faculty used in art and poetry
- Concept of "willing " introduced new approach to reader engagement with and fantastic elements in literature
- Allowed readers to temporarily accept unrealistic or impossible events for the sake of enjoyment
- Exploration of the sublime and the supernatural in poems expanded thematic scope of Romantic poetry
- Sublime: awe-inspiring, often terrifying aspects of nature or experience
- Supernatural: ghosts, spirits, and otherworldly phenomena
Poetic Style and Language
- Use of conversational language and focus on nature in poems contributed to development of distinctly Romantic poetic style
- Example: "This Lime-Tree Bower My Prison" employs everyday language to describe natural surroundings
- Incorporation of psychological insights into poetry and criticism anticipated later developments in psychoanalytic literary theory
- Explored the workings of the unconscious mind and dreams in works (Kubla Khan)
Literary Criticism
- "" established new criteria for evaluating poetry emphasized organic unity and reconciliation of opposites
- Lectures on Shakespeare and other literary figures influenced subsequent critical approaches
- Introduced concept of Shakespeare's "myriad-mindedness"
- Emphasized psychological depth of characters
Themes and Style in Coleridge's Works
Imagery and Symbolism
- Vivid and , particularly in "Kubla Khan" and "Christabel," creates dreamlike atmosphere blends real and imaginary
- "Kubla Khan" features exotic and fantastical images (pleasure dome, sacred river Alph)
- "Christabel" uses Gothic imagery to create atmosphere of mystery and danger
- Theme of guilt and redemption central to "" explored through supernatural elements and moral allegory
- Killing of the albatross symbolizes man's crime against nature
- Mariner's penance and eventual redemption reflect spiritual journey
Poetic Form and Style
- Conversational tone and use of blank verse in poems exemplify Coleridge's contribution to development of "conversation poem" genre
- "Frost at Midnight" uses informal, meditative style to explore personal thoughts and feelings
- Use of archaic language and ballad form in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" demonstrates ability to blend traditional and innovative poetic techniques
- Archaic words (eftsoons, swound) create sense of ancient tale
- Four-line ballad stanzas with alternating rhyme scheme (ABCB) evoke oral storytelling tradition
Philosophical and Natural Themes
- Exploration of relationship between nature and human mind recurring theme in Coleridge's poetry reflects Romantic ideals of interconnectedness
- "This Lime-Tree Bower My Prison" shows how nature can inspire and console even when physically confined
- Concept of fragmentation and incompleteness evident in works reflects both artistic choice and personal circumstances
- "Kubla Khan" famously incomplete due to interruption during composition
- "Christabel" left unfinished, adding to its mysterious quality
Prose Style
- Discursive style in prose works, particularly "Biographia Literaria," blends personal anecdotes with philosophical and literary analysis
- Combines autobiography, literary criticism, and philosophical discussions
- Uses digressive structure to explore wide range of topics and ideas
Coleridge and Wordsworth: A Literary Partnership
Collaborative Works and Principles
- Collaboration resulted in publication of "Lyrical Ballads" (1798) landmark work helped define Romantic movement in English literature
- Joint preface to second edition of "Lyrical Ballads" (1800) articulated key principles of Romantic poetry
- Advocated use of common language in poetry
- Emphasized focus on ordinary subjects and rural life
- Division of labor in "Lyrical Ballads" showcased complementary strengths as poets
- Wordsworth focused on nature and rural life
- Coleridge concentrated on supernatural and exotic themes
Mutual Influence and Creative Exchange
- Thematic and stylistic similarities evident between Coleridge's "conversation poems" and Wordsworth's blank verse narratives
- Both explored personal experiences and reflections on nature
- Intellectual exchange shaped respective theories of imagination and poetic diction
- Reflected in Coleridge's "Biographia Literaria" which discusses and critiques Wordsworth's ideas
- Collaboration fostered period of intense creativity for both poets resulted in celebrated works
- Coleridge: "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"
- Wordsworth: "Tintern Abbey"
Evolution of Partnership
- Initial period of close collaboration and mutual admiration
- Lived near each other in Somerset, allowing for frequent meetings and discussions
- Eventual cooling of friendship in later years influenced direction of individual works
- Led to diverging poetic styles and philosophical perspectives
- Critical perspectives on each other's poetry evolved over time
- Coleridge's later criticism of Wordsworth's theory of poetic diction in "Biographia Literaria"
- Wordsworth's mixed feelings about "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" in later editions of "Lyrical Ballads"
Key Terms to Review (20)
Biographia literaria: Biographia Literaria is a literary work by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, published in 1817, that combines autobiography with critical theory and reflections on literature. It plays a significant role in understanding the emergence of Romantic poetry and provides insights into Coleridge's views on poetry, imagination, and the creative process, while also influencing later writers and poets.
British Romantic Poets: British Romantic poets were a group of writers in the late 18th and early 19th centuries who emphasized emotion, nature, and individualism in their poetry. This movement marked a shift away from the constraints of Neoclassicism, valuing personal expression and the beauty of the natural world, which was deeply influenced by the social and political upheaval of their time.
German Idealism: German Idealism is a philosophical movement that emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, emphasizing the role of the mind and spirit in shaping reality. This philosophy sought to reconcile rationalism and empiricism, suggesting that reality is not independent of our consciousness but is shaped by it. Central figures in this movement include Immanuel Kant, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, and Johann Gottlieb Fichte, who influenced various artistic and literary developments during this period.
Imagery: Imagery refers to the use of descriptive language that appeals to the senses, creating vivid mental pictures for the reader. It encompasses visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, and gustatory details that evoke emotions and set the mood, enhancing the overall experience of a literary work.
Imagination: Imagination refers to the faculty of forming new ideas, images, or concepts that are not directly perceived through the senses. It plays a crucial role in the creative processes of poetry and art, allowing for the exploration of emotions, nature, and the human experience beyond mere reality.
Kubla Khan: 'Kubla Khan' is a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, written in 1797 and published in 1816, which depicts the idyllic and fantastical vision of a Mongol emperor's pleasure dome in the mythical land of Xanadu. This work reflects the Romantic period's fascination with nature, imagination, and the sublime, while also showcasing Coleridge's unique literary style and thematic interests that would influence the development of Romantic poetry and the broader cultural landscape of the time.
Lyrical ballads: Lyrical Ballads is a collection of poems published in 1798 by William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, marking the beginning of the Romantic movement in English literature. This work introduced a new approach to poetry that emphasized emotion, nature, and the common man, setting a foundation for the characteristics of Romanticism.
Nature: Nature refers to the inherent qualities, characteristics, and elements of the natural world, often seen as a source of inspiration, beauty, and truth in literature. This concept not only encompasses the physical environment but also reflects deeper philosophical ideas about humanity's connection to the world around them, particularly in poetry and artistic expression.
New Criticism: New Criticism is a formalist approach to literary analysis that emerged in the early 20th century, focusing on the text itself as the primary source of meaning, rather than external factors such as author biography or historical context. This method emphasizes close reading and careful examination of the language, structure, and themes within a work, promoting the idea that a text should be interpreted independently from outside influences. It plays a significant role in understanding poetry and prose from various eras, including the works of key figures like Coleridge and the innovations in poetic forms.
On poesy: On poesy refers to the exploration and philosophical discussion of poetry as a form of art. This term is often connected to theories about the nature of poetry, its purpose, and the role of the poet in society, particularly in the context of Romanticism and the works of influential poets like Coleridge.
Opium addiction: Opium addiction refers to a chronic dependence on opium and its derivatives, which are narcotic drugs derived from the opium poppy plant. This addiction became prevalent during the late 17th to mid-19th centuries and significantly influenced literature, art, and culture, particularly in the works of notable figures like Coleridge. The societal and personal implications of opium addiction provided a backdrop for exploring themes of escapism, creativity, and suffering in literary expressions of the time.
Organic form: Organic form refers to a structure in literature that evolves naturally from the content of a work, rather than adhering to pre-established rules or rigid frameworks. This approach emphasizes harmony between form and content, suggesting that the shape of a literary piece should be an extension of its themes and emotions, reflecting a seamless unity that aligns with the writer's intent.
Relationship with Wordsworth: The relationship between Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth was a significant literary partnership during the Romantic period, characterized by mutual influence, collaboration, and differing artistic philosophies. Their friendship sparked the development of key literary works, such as 'Lyrical Ballads', which they co-authored, showcasing the emerging Romantic ideals that emphasized emotion, nature, and individual experience.
Romantic criticism: Romantic criticism is an evaluative approach to literature that emerged during the Romantic movement, emphasizing the importance of individual emotion, imagination, and nature over reason and traditional forms. This perspective values personal expression and the subjective experience of both the author and reader, shaping how literary works are interpreted. The rise of romantic criticism marked a shift away from rigid classical standards and encouraged a more emotional, intuitive approach to literature.
Romanticism: Romanticism was an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that originated in Europe in the late 18th century and emphasized emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature. It was a response to the industrial revolution and the scientific rationalization of nature, advocating for a return to emotional depth and a focus on personal experience in art and literature.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge: Samuel Taylor Coleridge was an English poet, literary critic, and philosopher, who was a key figure in the Romantic movement. His works, particularly his contributions to 'Lyrical Ballads' and his exploration of the supernatural, shaped the evolution of Romantic poetry and thought.
Supernatural: The supernatural refers to phenomena or entities that exist beyond the laws of nature and human understanding, often associated with the divine, magical, or otherworldly. This concept evokes mystery and intrigue, frequently appearing in literature as a means to explore themes of fear, morality, and the human experience. Its presence can intensify emotions and challenge the characters' perceptions of reality.
Suspension of disbelief: Suspension of disbelief is the conscious choice to overlook logical inconsistencies or implausibilities in a narrative to fully engage with a story's emotional and imaginative elements. This concept is essential in literature, as it allows readers to immerse themselves in fictional worlds and narratives without constantly questioning their realism. It plays a vital role in enabling audiences to connect with characters and themes on a deeper level.
Symbolism: Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, allowing deeper meanings and interpretations in literature. It connects abstract concepts to tangible objects or actions, enhancing the reader's experience and understanding of the text.
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner: The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is a narrative poem written by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, first published in 1798 as part of 'Lyrical Ballads.' This work is notable for its exploration of themes like nature, guilt, and redemption, and it significantly influenced the Romantic movement by emphasizing emotion and individual experience over reason and tradition. The poem’s vivid imagery and supernatural elements helped shape the tone and style of Romantic poetry, illustrating the deep connection between humanity and the natural world.