Shweta Kataria Essays - Literature, British Poetry, Poetry

Shweta Kataria Ms. Hannah Varkey British Romantic Literature 29 th March 2017 Samuel Taylor Coleridge: William Wordsworth Samuel Taylor Coleridge is often discussed in association with his peer, William Wordsworth. This is due in part to their friendship and joint ventures on works such as Lyrical Ballads . Although he is often paired with his counterpart Wordsworth, there are several differences in Coleridge's poetic style and philosophical views. Coleridge's poetry differs from that of Wordsworth, and his association with Wordsworth overshadows Coleridge's individual accomplishments as a Romantic poet. Coleridge's poetry complicates experiences that Wordsworth views as very simple and very common place. Samuel Taylor Coleridge has a poetic diction unlike that of William Wordsworth, he relies more heavily on imagination for poetic inspiration, and he also incorporates religion into his poetry differently. Coleridge's different views, combined with his opium addiction, led to an eventual breach in his friendship with Wordsworth. Despite any difference, the two poets were compatible because they were both "preoccupied with imagination, and both used verbal re ference in new ways" . In 1798 the publication of their joint effort, Lyrical Ballads , signified the height of their relationship. This came at a time when they were together in Alfoxden, where they had enjoyed the simple pleasures of spending time together, discussing ideas, and devising schemes for publications. The two men were at the forefront of what is now known as the Romantic period . For Romantics, nature was the only source of real inspiration, the only place where men could truly connect to their deepest and most powerful emotions. In the rugged beauty of the Lake District , Wordsworth and Coleridge had nothing but inspiration. They began to talk of a new kind of poetry, one that relied on the reader's imagination and the honesty of simple language to evoke powerful feelings. They decided to write a collection of poetry together. Wordsworth 's job was to write poems about everyday topics; Cole ridge would tackle poems about persons and characters supernatural that were true enough to provoke in readers "that willing suspension of disbelief for the moment, which constitutes poetic faith. Comparison of Wordsworth and C oleridge as poets of Romanticism Romanticism, generally speaking is the expression in terms of art of sharpened sensibilities and heightened imaginative feeling Emotion and imagination are the bedrock of Romanticism. Romanticism stands for freedom and liberty, and has therefore been designated as 'Liberalism in Literature'. The poetry of this age was marked by intense human sympathy and a consequent understanding of the human heart. On impulse from a vernal wood May teach you more of man of moral evil and of good Then all the sages can. - Willam Wordsworth Off, wandering mother ! peak and pine ! I have power to bid thee flee ! Off, woman, off ! this how is mine - Though thou her guardin spirit be, Off, woman off ! tis given to me. - Coleridge Wordsworth and Coleridge were the two great poets of Romanticism and it was by their joint efforts that the romantic revival in poetry was brought about during the nineteenth century. Wordsworth and Coleridge were unhappy with the decorative language of the eighteenth century poets and were completely dissatisfied with the kind of poetry that was written by the pseudo - classical poets of the eighteenth century. Both the poets felt that the type of poetry produced was neither desirable nor pleasing to the heart and soul of man. Both the poets were gifted with the qualities of imagination, sensibility and creative power of course, there were some notable differences in their temperament. Coleridge's intellect was quick, versatile, and penetrating. Wordsworth was less versatile but more deeply meditative Coleridge was idealistic and ranged for in the realms of abstract thought and Wordsworth though he changed them by the imagination, sought his inspiration among the things of everyday life. The first piece of work of their close association was the 'Lyrical Ballads'. Their joint venture brought about a transformation in poetry and introduced a new way in poesy thought. Studying the Lyrical Ballads shows some similarities and contrasts in the outlook of Wordsworth and Coleridge as poets. William Wordsworth studied the simple