There is deep psychological realism behind Coleridge's use of the supernatural in his poetry. Consider the statement with reference to 'Kubla Khan.' (MEG 102) (COLERIDGE: KUBLA KHAN)

The statement that there is deep psychological realism behind Coleridge's use of the supernatural in his poetry is certainly applicable to "Kubla Khan."

In the poem, Coleridge creates a vivid and fantastical landscape that is populated by exotic and supernatural creatures, such as the "ancestral voices prophesying war" and the "woman wailing for her demon-lover." However, while these images may seem purely imaginative or symbolic, they also have a psychological dimension that is grounded in Coleridge's own experiences and beliefs.

One of the key themes of "Kubla Khan" is the relationship between creativity and the unconscious mind. Coleridge was a firm believer in the power of the imagination and the importance of accessing the deeper levels of the psyche in order to create meaningful art. In the poem, the supernatural elements can be seen as a manifestation of this creative process, as Coleridge uses them to represent the mysterious and often irrational workings of the mind.

Furthermore, the supernatural elements in "Kubla Khan" also reflect Coleridge's interest in the mystical and spiritual dimensions of human experience. Coleridge was deeply influenced by the German Romantic philosophy, which emphasized the importance of intuition, symbolism, and the transcendent in art and life. The supernatural elements in the poem can be seen as a way of exploring these themes, and of expressing Coleridge's own sense of awe and wonder at the mysteries of existence.

In conclusion, while the supernatural elements in "Kubla Khan" may at first seem disconnected from reality, they are in fact deeply rooted in Coleridge's own psychology and worldview. By using these elements in his poetry, Coleridge was able to explore the deeper levels of the psyche and the mysteries of human existence in a way that was both imaginative and deeply insightful.