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Q. Write a detailed note on Samuel Taylor Coleridge as a critic.
IntroductionÂ
Samuel Taylor Coleridge, one of the most influential figures of the Romantic movement, made lasting contributions to literary criticism. His critical writings reshaped how literature was understood, particularly poetry.
His views on imagination, the harmony between thought and emotion, and the poet’s role remain highly influential in modern literary criticism.
Samual Taylor Coleridge’s approach was both philosophical and practical. He applied his ideas to poetry, drama, and literary theory.
Coleridge’s Methodology in Criticism
Coleridge’s approach to literary criticism was marked by his careful analysis and deep understanding of philosophy. He did not merely focus on the outward form of a poem but sought to understand the creative process behind it.
He believed that a critic must grasp the mental and emotional processes of the poet in order to appreciate a literary work fully. This required careful reading and reflection.
The Role of Imagination
One of Coleridge’s most significant contributions to literary theory is his concept of imagination. He divided imagination into two types: primary and secondary.
The primary imagination is what allows humans to perceive and understand the world. It is familiar to all people.
On the other hand, the secondary imagination is the creative force that poets and artists use to shape reality into new and unique forms.
Coleridge believed that the secondary imagination allowed poets to create art transcending ordinary experience. He described this concept in his work, Biographia Literaria:
The imagination then I consider either as primary or secondary. The primary imagination I hold to be the living power and prime agent of all human perception, and as a repetition in the finite mind of the eternal act of creation in the infinite I AM.
Unity of Thought and Emotion
Coleridge emphasized that poetry must balance thought and emotion. He argued that both intellect and feeling were essential in creating a unified work.
For Coleridge, true poetry emerged when these two elements created harmony. He often criticized poets whose works did not effectively integrate thought and emotion.
In his analysis of William Wordsworth‘s poetry, Coleridge admired Wordsworth’s ability to take everyday experiences into poetry that deeply moved people.
However, he also criticized Wordsworth for sometimes allowing his focus on simplicity to diminish the intellectual depth of his poetry. Coleridge believed that poetry should move the reader not only emotionally but also intellectually.
This is evident in his analysis of William Wordsworth’s poetry, where he both criticized and admired Wordsworth’s attempts to render the ordinary as extraordinary:
Mr. Wordsworth… was to propose to himself as his object, to give the charm of novelty to things of every day, and to excite a feeling analogous to the supernatural, by awakening the mind’s attention from the lethargy of custom, and directing it to the loveliness and the wonders of the world before us.
(Biographia Literaria, Chapter XIV)
Organic Unity
Another key idea in Coleridge’s literary theory is the concept of “organic unity.” He believed that a poem or literary work should develop naturally, like a living organism.
In an organically unified work, all parts of the text are interconnected. A poem’s form, language, and imagery should all contribute to its overall meaning.
Coleridge rejected the notion that poetry should follow strict, traditional rules. He believed each poem should have its unique form dictated by the poet’s imagination and subject.
This idea was revolutionary then and challenged classical ideas about poetic form. Coleridge argued that poetry should feel natural and connected to its subject matter rather than following rigid external structures.
Rejection of Traditional Rules
Coleridge disagreed that poetry should follow strict rules and traditional structures like those used in classical poetry.
He believed that the form of a poem should naturally emerge from its content. This suggests that the poem’s structure should be shaped by its subject rather than strictly following preset rules.
In his view, every poem is different and should have a unique form based on the poet’s imagination and the poem’s topic.
He thought that poetry should feel natural and connected to its subject rather than following external rules or fixed patterns.
Criticism of Contemporary Poets
Coleridge was also known for his critical views on the works of his contemporaries, especially his friend and fellow poet William Wordsworth. He praised Wordsworth’s innovations but remained critical of what he perceived as a lack of refinement in some of Wordsworth’s poems.
Although Coleridge admired Wordsworth’s focus on everyday life and ordinary people in poetry, he sometimes felt that this simplicity could become too mundane.
Despite these critiques, Coleridge’s relationship with Wordsworth was pivotal in developing Romantic literary criticism.
Together, they challenged traditional ideas about poetry and initiated a shift in understanding the poet’s role in society. This collaboration laid the foundation for a new perspective on poetry.
Coleridge’s critiques were not limited to form or style but integral to his broader vision. He believed poetry could have profound effects when combining imagination, emotion, and thought.
Coleridge on Literary Genres
Coleridge’s criticism was not limited to poetry; he also made significant contributions to the study of drama, particularly the works of William Shakespeare.
Coleridge admired Shakespeare for his ability to portray complex characters with psychological depth. Coleridge argued that Shakespeare’s characters were not just devices to advance the plot but were fully developed individuals with their own thoughts and feelings.
Shakespeare’s Genius
In his lectures on Shakespeare, Coleridge praised the playwright’s genius for creating realistic characters. He believed that Shakespeare’s characters were lifelike because they reflected the complexities of human nature.
Coleridge’s analysis of Shakespeare has influenced how Shakespearean drama is studied, especially regarding character development and psychological depth.
Shakespeare’s characters,” he said, “are not like portraits… but rather like the reflections of a multitude seen in a moving mirror.
This emphasis on character and psychological depth influenced subsequent literary criticism and established the study of character as a critical component in literary analysis.
Ethical and Philosophical Dimensions
Coleridge believed that literature should do more than entertain. It should present essential truths about life and humanity.
His literary criticism often reflected his philosophical concerns. He believed poetry and drama could shape the mind and soul by engaging with moral and ethical issues.
One of Coleridge’s most famous works, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, reflects his belief in the moral power of literature. Coleridge combines a story with important ideas about guilt, forgiveness, and nature in this poem.
Coleridge on Symbolism in Poetry
Another critical area of Coleridge’s literary theory was his focus on symbolism in poetry. He believed that symbols are essential to creating deeper meaning in literary works.
Unlike allegory, which attaches a single, fixed meaning to an image or figure, symbolism permits multiple interpretations. It enriches the reading experience.
Coleridge saw the poet’s role as revealing hidden meanings through symbols. This approach deepens the reader’s understanding of the text.
His thoughts on symbolism influenced future generations of poets and critics. They encourage them to look beyond the surface of literary works and explore the rich, layered meanings within.
