How did Coleridge define a poem and differentiate it from poetry?

Answer

How did Coleridge define a poem and differentiate it from poetry?

In “Biographia Literaria” (1817), Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834) talks about many things related to poetry. One important idea is the difference between a poem and poetry. He says a poem is just the written words we see. But poetry is much more. It is the creative magic happening in the poet’s mind. This idea helps us understand why some writings are truly special. Let us look at some key differences Coleridge explained.

Physical vs Mental: A poem is physical. It is the words on paper that anyone can read. It is like a finished painting. Poetry is mental. It refers to the thoughts and imagination before writing. It is like the artist’s creative process. The poem shows the result, but poetry is the invisible work behind it. Coleridge said we must see both to understand great writing. Here are the poet’s words about this distinction:

“What is poetry? is so nearly the same question with, what is a poem? that the answer to the one is involved in the solution of the other. For it is a distinction resulting from the poetic genius itself, which sustains and modifies the images, thoughts, and emotions of the poet’s own mind.”

Product vs Process: A poem is the final product, like a baked cake. Poetry is the whole cooking process. It mixes ingredients with care and skill. The poem stays fixed, but poetry lives in the poet’s moving thoughts. Coleridge believed the real value lies in this creative process, not just the final words.

Ordinary vs Special: Any rhyming writing can be a poem. But true poetry needs imagination and genius. It transforms simple ideas into universal truths. Coleridge said poetry connects to divine creativity. A poem without this depth is just empty words. True poetry makes readers feel and think deeply.

In the final, Coleridge showed that poems and poetry are different. A poem is just words, while poetry is the creative spirit behind them. Great poems