Question

How did Coleridge define poetic diction?

• A. As a mechanical and artificial form of expression.
• B. As an elevated and imaginative use of language that distinguishes poetry from prose.
• C. As the exact replication of ordinary speech patterns.
• D. As a feature that should not be considered in poetry.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. As an elevated and imaginative use of language that distinguishes poetry from prose.

Coleridge defined poetic diction as an elevated and imaginative use of language that distinguishes poetry from prose.

In Biographia Literaria (1817), he critiqued Wordsworth’s rejection of poetic diction and argued that:

1. Poetry Should Elevate Language – While poetry should feel natural, it must also be more refined and imaginative than ordinary speech.

2. Imaginative Expression is Key – Poetic diction involves figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and rhythm to create an artistic effect beyond everyday conversation.

3. Poetry is Not Just Common Speech in Verse – Coleridge disagreed with Wordsworth’s idea that poetry should strictly imitate rustic speech, arguing that a poet’s creativity transforms language into something richer and more expressive.

4. Balance Between Accessibility and Artistry – While he rejected excessive ornamentation in poetry, he believed that some degree of elevation and beauty in language was necessary for a poem to have artistic merit.