What is Coleridge’s Objection to Wordsworth’s Selection of Characters in his Poems?

Answer

What is Coleridge’s objection to Wordsworth’s selection of characters in his poems? 

Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834) and William Wordsworth (1770-1850) were close friends and poets. However, Coleridge did not fully agree with Wordsworth’s ideas. In “Biographia Literaria” (1817), Coleridge shared his views. Wordsworth believed the village people’s simple language was perfect for poetry. Coleridge thought differently. He argued that great poetry needs more than just ordinary speech. Below are three key reasons for Coleridge’s objection. 

Limited Language: Coleridge said the villagers’ language is too simple. Their words cannot express deep or complex ideas well. Poetry needs rich, powerful language to stir emotions and imagination. Rustic speech may be honest, but it lacks beauty and depth. For example, a farmer might describe nature plainly, while a poet needs vivid, emotional words. Simple language limits poetry’s potential. Here is how Coleridge disagrees with this view: 

“Every man’s language varies according to the extent of his knowledge, the activities of his faculties and the depth and quickness of his feelings.”

Lack of Education: Village people are not highly educated. They may feel deeply but cannot express their thoughts in refined ways. Poetry requires careful thought and learning. Educated poets can use better words and deeper ideas. Coleridge believed great poetry comes from knowledge and reflection. Rustic characters’ simple views cannot create truly great poems.

Need for Artistic Language: Poetry is art, not just communication. It needs special language to touch the soul. Village speech is practical, not artistic. Coleridge argued poetry should use expressive, beautiful words. Rustic characters’ plain talk cannot create this beauty. For example, Wordsworth’s villagers speak naturally, but Coleridge wanted poetry to be more elevated and imaginative.

In short, Coleridge objected to Wordsworth’s rustic characters because their language was too simple. He believed poetry needs to be educated and artistic expression to be great. Wordsworth valued natural speech. But Coleridge wanted deeper, more refined language. This difference shows their contrasting views on making powerful poetry. Coleridge’s ideas highlight the importance of skill and imagination in poetic