What is Coleridge‟s contribution to criticism? ( MEG 102 ) ( S. T. COLERIDGE )

Samuel Taylor Coleridge made several significant contributions to literary criticism, particularly in the areas of poetry, language, and the imagination. Some of his most important ideas include:

The distinction between fancy and imagination: Coleridge distinguished between these two faculties of the mind, arguing that imagination is a higher form of creativity that involves the creation of entirely new ideas and concepts.

The idea of the "willing suspension of disbelief": Coleridge argued that in order to appreciate works of literature, readers must be willing to suspend their disbelief and accept the imaginative world created by the author.

The importance of language and the power of words: Coleridge believed that language was a powerful tool for shaping and influencing thought, and that poets had a responsibility to use language in a way that was clear, precise, and meaningful.

The idea of the "organic form" of poetry: Coleridge believed that great works of poetry had an internal coherence and unity that was akin to the natural growth of a living organism.

The role of the imagination in religious experience: Coleridge saw the imagination as a crucial component of religious experience, and believed that it allowed individuals to grasp deeper truths about the nature of reality.

Coleridge's ideas had a significant impact on literary criticism and on the development of Romanticism. His emphasis on the power of imagination, language, and poetry helped to shape the direction of English literature in the 19th century and beyond.