Full Name and Common Aliases

Samuel Taylor Coleridge, often referred to simply as Coleridge, was a prominent figure in the Romantic literary movement. He is sometimes affectionately called STC by literary enthusiasts and scholars.

Birth and Death Dates

Samuel Taylor Coleridge was born on October 21, 1772, in Ottery St Mary, Devonshire, England. He passed away on July 25, 1834, in Highgate, London, England.

Nationality and Profession(s)

Coleridge was an English poet, literary critic, philosopher, and theologian. He is best known for his contributions to the Romantic Movement and his profound influence on English literature.

Early Life and Background

Samuel Taylor Coleridge was the youngest of ten children born to John Coleridge, a vicar and schoolmaster, and his wife, Ann Bowden Coleridge. His early education took place at his father's school, where he demonstrated a precocious talent for reading and writing. After his father's death in 1781, Coleridge was sent to Christ's Hospital School in London, where he formed a lifelong friendship with Charles Lamb.

Coleridge's academic prowess earned him a place at Jesus College, Cambridge, in 1791. However, his time at Cambridge was marked by financial difficulties and a growing disillusionment with the traditional educational system. He left without a degree, having briefly enlisted in the army under the alias "Silas Tomkyn Comberbache" to escape his debts.

Major Accomplishments

Coleridge's major accomplishments are deeply intertwined with his role in the Romantic Movement. Alongside his close friend and collaborator, William Wordsworth, he published the seminal work "Lyrical Ballads" in 1798. This collection is often credited with launching the Romantic era in English literature, emphasizing emotion, nature, and the imagination over the rationalism of the Enlightenment.

Coleridge was also a pioneering literary critic, and his lectures on Shakespeare and other literary figures were highly influential. His critical work, "Biographia Literaria", published in 1817, remains a cornerstone of literary theory and criticism.

Notable Works or Actions

Coleridge's most famous poems include "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner", "Kubla Khan", and "Christabel". "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is particularly notable for its vivid imagery and exploration of guilt and redemption, while "Kubla Khan" is celebrated for its dreamlike quality and rich symbolism.

In addition to his poetry, Coleridge's philosophical writings, such as "Aids to Reflection", showcase his deep engagement with German idealism and his efforts to reconcile faith and reason.

Impact and Legacy

Samuel Taylor Coleridge's impact on literature and philosophy is profound. As a poet, he expanded the boundaries of the imagination and explored themes of the supernatural, the sublime, and the power of nature. His work laid the groundwork for future generations of poets and writers, influencing figures such as John Keats, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and even the American Transcendentalists.

Coleridge's critical theories, particularly his ideas on the imagination and the role of the poet, have had a lasting influence on literary criticism. His concept of the "willing suspension of disbelief" remains a fundamental principle in the study of literature and storytelling.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Samuel Taylor Coleridge is widely quoted and remembered for his ability to capture the depths of human emotion and the mysteries of the natural world in his poetry. His exploration of the imagination and the human psyche resonates with readers and scholars alike, offering insights into the complexities of the human condition.

Coleridge's eloquent and thought-provoking language has made his works a rich source of quotations. Phrases from his poems, such as "Water, water, everywhere, nor any drop to drink," have entered the cultural lexicon, illustrating his enduring influence on the English language.

In summary, Samuel Taylor Coleridge's contributions to literature and philosophy have left an indelible mark on the world. His innovative approach to poetry and criticism continues to inspire and challenge readers, ensuring his place as a central figure in the canon of English literature.