Question

Coleridge believed that poetic language should:

• A. Mimic the speech of common people
• B. Be elevated and imaginative
• C. Avoid metaphor and symbolism
• D. Follow strict classical rules

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Be elevated and imaginative

According to Coleridge, poetic language should be "elevated and imaginative," meaning it should utilize rich, complex language and draw heavily on the power of the imagination to create a deeper meaning and experience for the reader; this aligns with his Romantic views on poetry, where imagination is seen as a key creative force. 

Key points about Coleridge's view on poetic language:

• Emphasis on Imagination:

  Coleridge considered imagination to be the primary creative faculty in poetry, allowing poets to transcend the ordinary and access deeper truths. 

• Distinction between Fancy and Imagination:

  He differentiated between "fancy" (mere association of ideas) and "imagination" (a unifying power that creates new wholes). 

• Elevated Diction:

  Coleridge believed that poetry should use language that is richer and more complex than everyday speech, often employing figurative language and symbolism.