Biographia Literaria : Summary

Summary

[The summary is written point-based so that you can understand it easily]

“Biographia Literaria” is an influential work by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, published in 1817. It is a unique blend of autobiography, literary criticism, and philosophical musings. The book provides insights into Coleridge’s personal life, his collaboration with William Wordsworth, and his theories on imagination, symbolic language, and the role of the poet.

Autobiographical Elements: The book begins with Coleridge’s autobiographical elements, recounting his childhood, education, and early literary influences. He emphasizes the role of his parents and his deep love for reading. Coleridge then explores his collaboration with Wordsworth, discussing their joint work on the “Lyrical Ballads” collection and their shared vision for a new kind of poetry. 

Poetic Collaboration with Wordsworth: Coleridge reflects on his friendship and collaboration with William Wordsworth, particularly their joint work on the collection of poems called “Lyrical Ballads.” He emphasizes the significance of their poetic experiments and their shared vision of a new kind of poetry.

The Theory of Imagination: Coleridge introduces his theory of imagination, distinguishing it from mere fancy. He explores the transformative power of the poetic imagination and its ability to apprehend deeper truths about the world.

Symbolic Language and Unity in Art: Coleridge discusses the importance of symbolic language in poetry and its ability to convey profound meaning. He emphasizes the need for unity and coherence in a work of art, arguing against fragmented and disjointed compositions.

Critique of Wordsworth’s Poetic Theory: While acknowledging the value of Wordsworth’s work, Coleridge critiques certain aspects of his poetic theory. He disagrees with Wordsworth’s exclusive focus on simple, everyday language and highlights the importance of imaginative and heightened language in poetry.

Philosophy and Metaphysics: “Biographia Literaria” delves into Coleridge’s philosophical musings, exploring concepts such as the nature of consciousness, the relationship between mind and matter, and the role of reason and intuition.

Influences and Sources: Coleridge draws inspiration from various philosophers, theologians, and literary figures, including Plato, Aristotle, Immanuel Kant, and William Shakespeare. He discusses their ideas and their impact on his own thinking.

Criticism of Previous Critics: Coleridge criticizes previous literary critics and their approach to analyzing and evaluating works of literature. He advocates for a more nuanced and holistic approach, emphasizing the need to consider the author’s intention and the organic unity of a literary work.

The Role of the Poet: Coleridge reflects on the role of the poet in society and the poet’s ability to communicate profound truths and evoke emotional responses in readers. He sees the poet as a visionary and a guide, capable of transcending the limitations of ordinary language.

In summary, “Biographia Literaria” is a blend of autobiography, literary criticism, and philosophical exploration. It delves into Coleridge’s personal experiences, his collaborations with Wordsworth, his theories on imagination and symbolic language, and his critique of previous literary critics. The work highlights the significance of poetry as a transformative and illuminating art form.