Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834) was an influential English poet, literary critic, and philosopher, best known for his works “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” and “Kubla Khan.” He co-founded the Romantic Movement with William Wordsworth.
Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Samuel Taylor Coleridge |
| Pronunciation | KOH-lə-rij |
| Birth Date | 21 October 1772 |
| Death Date | 25 July 1834 |
| Nationality | English |
| Professions | Poet, Literary Critic, Philosopher, Theologian |
| Literary Movement | Romantic Movement |
| Associated Groups | Lake Poets |
| Notable Friends and Collaborators | William Wordsworth, Charles Lamb, Robert Southey, Charles Lloyd |
| Famous Works |
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| Influence |
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| Coined Terms | “Suspension of Disbelief” |
| Mental Health | Anxiety, Depression, Speculated Bipolar Disorder |
| Physical Health | Rheumatic Fever, Opium Addiction (Laudanum) |
| Legacy |
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Early Life
Samuel Taylor Coleridge was born on October 21, 1772, in the rural town of Ottery St Mary in Devon, England. He was the youngest of ten children in the family of John Coleridge, a well-respected vicar and schoolmaster, and his wife, Ann Bowden Coleridge. Following the death of his father in 1781, young Samuel was sent to Christ’s Hospital, a charity school in London, where he received a rigorous education and formed a close friendship with Charles Lamb. His early years were marked by both intellectual curiosity and emotional turmoil, exacerbated by frequent illnesses. In 1791, Coleridge moved to Jesus College, Cambridge, but his time there was tumultuous, leading to financial difficulties and eventually his enlistment in the 15th Light Dragoons under the alias “Silas Tomkyn Comberbache.” Although he left the military shortly thereafter, these experiences profoundly shaped his early life and literary career.
Family
| Relation | Name | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Father | John Coleridge | John Coleridge was a respected vicar of Ottery St Mary and a headmaster of the local grammar school. He was known for his scholarly pursuits and religious devotion. |
| Mother | Ann Bowden Coleridge | Ann Bowden Coleridge was known for her strong character and played a crucial role in raising her children after her husband’s death. |
| Sibling | James Coleridge | James Coleridge was an officer in the East India Company and later served as an MP. He was one of Samuel’s older brothers. |
| Sibling | George Coleridge | George Coleridge was another of Samuel’s brothers, known for his work in the Church. |
| Sibling | Edward Coleridge | Edward Coleridge was Samuel’s younger brother and pursued a career in law. |
| Sibling | Luke Coleridge | Luke Coleridge was another of Samuel’s brothers, but little is known about his life. |
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | Unknown |
| Weight | Unknown |
| Chest | Unknown |
| Waist | Unknown |
| Hips | Unknown |
Note: Detailed body measurements of Samuel Taylor Coleridge are not well-documented in historical records.
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
Samuel Taylor Coleridge was married to Sarah Fricker. They were married on October 4, 1795. Sarah Fricker was a member of the Fricker family, who were friends of Coleridge’s close associate Robert Southey. Sarah and Samuel had four children together. Their marriage was often troubled, partly due to Coleridge’s opium addiction and financial instability.
There is no concrete evidence of other significant romantic relationships prior to his marriage to Sarah Fricker. However, Coleridge had several close female friends and correspondents, which sometimes led to speculation about his relationships.
Notable Female Friends And Correspondents
| Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Mary Evans | Coleridge had a close friendship with Mary Evans during his time at Christ’s Hospital school. |
| Asra (Sara Hutchinson) | Sara Hutchinson was the sister of Wordsworth’s wife, and Coleridge developed an intense but unrequited love for her, referring to her as “Asra” in his writings. |
Career, Achievements And Controversies
How He Became Famous
Samuel Taylor Coleridge became famous primarily due to his contributions to the Romantic Movement in English literature. His collaboration with William Wordsworth on the publication of “Lyrical Ballads” in 1798 played a significant role in his rise to prominence. The collection included some of Coleridge’s most famous poems, such as “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” and “Kubla Khan,” which are still celebrated for their imaginative and innovative qualities.
How His Career Started And Popular Works
Coleridge began his career as a poet while studying at Jesus College, Cambridge. He was deeply influenced by the political and social upheavals of his time, which is reflected in his early works. His friendship with William Wordsworth was pivotal; together, they pioneered the Romantic Movement. Some of his most notable works include:
- “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” – A narrative poem that remains one of his most famous works.
- “Kubla Khan” – An unfinished poem that showcases his opium-influenced visionary writing.
- “Christabel” – A Gothic poem that was left incomplete but highly influential.
- “Biographia Literaria” – A collection of his critical essays, which includes his thoughts on literary theory and criticism.
Awards
During Coleridge’s lifetime, literary awards as we know them today did not exist. However, his work was highly regarded by his contemporaries, and he was acknowledged as a leading figure in the Romantic Movement. His influence on subsequent generations of poets and literary critics serves as a testament to his enduring legacy.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s life was not without controversy. Some of the notable controversies include:
- Opium Addiction: Coleridge struggled with an addiction to opium for much of his adult life. This addiction had a profound impact on his health, personal relationships, and professional output. His opium use is often cited as both a source of his creative genius and a cause of his many personal difficulties.
- Plagiarism Accusations: Coleridge faced accusations of plagiarism, particularly concerning his use of ideas from German philosophers and literary figures. While it is acknowledged that he was heavily influenced by German thought, some critics argue that he did not always give proper credit to his sources.
- Marital Issues: Coleridge’s marriage to Sara Fricker was troubled and largely unhappy. His unrequited love for Sara Hutchinson, the sister of Wordsworth’s wife, compounded his marital problems and added to his emotional and mental turmoil.
- Religious and Political Views: Coleridge’s religious and political views evolved significantly over his lifetime, leading to conflicts with friends and contemporaries. Initially a supporter of the French Revolution, he later became more conservative and embraced Anglicanism, causing friction with those who had once shared his revolutionary zeal.
Despite these controversies, Samuel Taylor Coleridge remains a towering figure in English literature, celebrated for his imaginative prowess and his contributions to the Romantic Movement.
Faq
- “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”
- “Kubla Khan”
- “Christabel”
- “Biographia Literaria” (a work of literary criticism)
