Discuss in detail how Coleridge criticises Wordsworth’s concept of poetry.

Or, comment on Coleridge’s criticism of Wordsworth’s theory of poetry and poetic diction?

Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772–1834) discusses and criticises William Wordsworth’s theory of poetry in “Biographia Literaria” (1817). Wordsworth explained his ideas mainly in the “Preface to Lyrical Ballads” (1798). Coleridge respects Wordsworth as a great poet, but he does not fully agree with his views on poetry and poetic diction. Coleridge carefully examines these ideas and points out their weaknesses.

Wordsworth’s Theory of Poetry: Wordsworth believed that poetry should deal with ordinary life and common people. He said poetry is “the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.” According to him, poetry should use the language of common men. The poet should not use artificial or decorative language. He wanted poetry to be simple, natural, and close to everyday speech.

Coleridge agrees with Wordsworth’s aim to make poetry natural. However, he believes Wordsworth went too far in rejecting poetic art and poetic language.

Criticism of “Language of Common Men”: Coleridge strongly criticises Wordsworth’s idea that poetry should use the real language of common people. Coleridge says there is no such fixed language used by all common men. Language always changes according to knowledge, feeling, and imagination. He writes:

“Every man’s language varies, according to the extent of his knowledge.”

Coleridge argues that poetic language should rise above daily speech. The language of poetry is not different in kind, but different in use and order. He explains that poetry needs order and imagination.

Criticism of Rejecting Poetic Diction: Wordsworth strongly rejected traditional poetic diction. He thought it was artificial and false. He believed poetry should use the simple language of common people. Coleridge agrees that empty decoration and forced ornaments should be avoided in poetry. Wordsworth also claimed that there is no real difference between the language of poetry and prose. Wordsworth says,

“Between the language of prose and that of metrical composition, there neither is, nor can be, any essential difference.”

Coleridge directly opposes this idea. According to Coleridge, poetry cannot use the same language as ordinary prose. Poetry must rise above daily speech. It needs imagination, emotion, and musical beauty. He also says Wordsworth himself often uses poetic diction unknowingly. Poetry should not be flat or dull. It must rise above ordinary talk.

Poetry Is Not Mere Emotion: Wordsworth said poetry is the spontaneous overflow of feelings. Coleridge accepts emotion as important, but he says poetry is not only emotion. It also needs thought, imagination, and artistic control. Coleridge believes that strong feelings alone cannot make poetry. The poet must shape emotions through imagination. Poetry is a creative act, not a simple emotional outburst.

Role of Imagination: Coleridge gives great importance to imagination, which he thinks Wordsworth does not explain properly. For Coleridge, imagination unites thought and feeling. It transforms experience into poetry. He writes:

“Imagination is the living power and prime agent of all human perception.”

He believes poetry becomes great when imagination works on emotion. Without imagination, poetry becomes mere description.

Use of Common Life: Wordsworth preferred simple rural life as the best subject for poetry. Coleridge disagrees with this limitation. He says poetry can take subjects from any area of life if the poet has imagination. Poetry should not be restricted to village life only. Coleridge’s most-celebrated work, “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” is a notable example of this. This poem is not restricted to rural life. It is about an old sailor’s sea adventure. Yet, it tells a powerful tale about nature, sin, suffering, and salvation.

In “Biographia Literaria,” Coleridge gives a thoughtful criticism of Wordsworth’s theory of poetry. He agrees with Wordsworth’s aim to make poetry natural, but he rejects the idea of using plain common language without poetic shaping. He also believes poetry is not just emotion but a union of feeling, thought, and imagination. Coleridge’s criticism helps us understand poetry more deeply.