Question

Coleridge argued that Wordsworth’s view of poetry:

• A. Was entirely correct
• B. Overemphasized simplicity
• C. Neglected imagination
• D. Both b and c

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Both b and c

Samuel Taylor Coleridge argued that William Wordsworth's views on poetry were flawed. Coleridge criticized Wordsworth's theories in his work Biographia Literaria. 

• Language

  Coleridge believed that Wordsworth's idea that the best language for poetry comes from nature was flawed. He argued that language is too individualized and that poets need a large vocabulary. 

• Characters

  Coleridge argued that Wordsworth's idea that all characters in poetry should be from low and rustic life was flawed. He believed that the language and sentiments of characters come from general causes, not their social standing. 

• Diction

  Coleridge argued that Wordsworth's idea that there is no difference between poetic and prose diction was flawed. He believed that the best parts of language come from thinking on noble concepts. 

• Public taste

  Coleridge had a negative opinion of public taste and believed that it should be despised.