Biographia Literaria
Biographia Literaria is Coleridge's mix of
autobiography, philosophy, and literary criticism.
In these chapters, Coleridge discusses:
What makes poetry different from prose.
The creative process behind poetry (imagination
and fancy).
His critique of Wordsworth's views on poetry.
Chapter 17: Poetry, Imagination, and
Criticism of Wordsworth
This chapter focuses on the nature of poetry,
how imagination works, and Coleridge's
disagreement with Wordsworth's ideas from the
Preface to Lyrical Ballads.
1. What Makes Poetry Special?
Not just rhyme and meter: Coleridge argues that
poetry is not defined simply by its structure (like
rhyme or rhythm). Instead, poetry is about
creating something meaningful and unified.
Bringing opposites together: Poetry uses
imagination to combine opposites—like
universal truths and personal emotions—into
something harmonious. This unity is what
makes poetry beautiful.
2. Role of the Imagination
Coleridge introduces two types of imagination
to explain how creativity works:
Primary Imagination:
This is a basic human ability to perceive and
understand the world. It helps us make sense of
everything we see and experience.
Example: When you see a tree, your mind
organizes its details (leaves, branches, trunk)
into a complete picture of "a tree."
Secondary Imagination:
This is what artists and poets use to create
something new and meaningful. It’s a
conscious, deliberate act of reshaping reality
into art.
Example: A poet sees the same tree but uses it
as a metaphor for life or growth.
Fancy:
This is different from imagination. Fancy is
more mechanical—it rearranges old ideas
instead of creating new ones.
Example: Using clichés like "roses for love" is
fancy. True imagination would transform that
into a fresh, unique image.
3. Critique of Wordsworth
Coleridge praises Wordsworth’s genius but
disagrees with some of his ideas:
"Spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings":
Wordsworth believed that poetry comes from
strong, natural emotions.
Coleridge argues that emotion alone is not
enough. Poetry also needs thoughtful crafting
and the poet’s imagination to turn feelings into
art.
Role of ordinary language:
Wordsworth said poetry should use the simple,
everyday language of ordinary people.
Coleridge disagrees. While simple language can
work, poetry must elevate it to make it more
artistic and powerful.
Chapter 18: Coleridge’s Critique of
Wordsworth’s Ideas
This chapter builds on the ideas in Chapter 17.
Coleridge continues his critique of Wordsworth’s
theories, focusing on language, style, and meter.
1. Language in Poetry
Wordsworth’s view: Poetry should use the
language of common people because it’s more
authentic and emotional.
Coleridge’s response:
Common language is fine, but it’s not enough on
its own. Poets must enhance ordinary language
to make it poetic and artistic.
Example: If a farmer says, “The sky is blue,” it’s
plain and factual. A poet would use imagination
to describe the sky in a way that captures its
beauty or emotional impact.
2. Role of Meter (Rhythm and Rhyme)
Wordsworth’s view: Meter and rhyme are less
important than the feelings expressed in poetry.
Coleridge’s response:
Meter is crucial because it gives poetry
structure and makes it more powerful. The
rhythm can intensify emotions and help create
unity in a poem.
3. The Balance Between Emotion and Thought
Wordsworth focused on the emotional side of
poetry.
Coleridge argues that great poetry balances
emotion (feelings) and thought (intellect). Both
are equally important.
Key Points from Coleridge’s Critique
1. Poetry needs more than just feelings:
A poet’s job is to transform raw emotions into
something artistic and meaningful using
imagination and skill.
2. Ordinary language isn’t enough:
While Wordsworth valued simplicity, Coleridge
believed poetry must elevate ordinary language
through creativity and imagination.
3. The importance of structure:
Meter and rhyme are not just decorative—they
play a key role in making poetry unique and
emotionally impactful.
Why Is This Important?
Coleridge’s ideas about imagination and
poetry’s craft challenged Wordsworth’s more
emotional and naturalistic approach. Together,
their debates shaped the Romantic movement,
emphasizing:
The power of creativity and imagination.
The balance between simplicity and artistic
refinement.
The poet’s role in transforming everyday life into
something meaningful.
Would you like examples of how their ideas
influenced their poems?
