Samuel Coleridge

Samuel Taylor Coleridge was an English Romantic poet, critic, and philosopher of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. His poetry is known for supernatural themes, vivid imagery, and exploration of the subconscious. Biography ↓More ↓

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Samuel Coleridge

The Suicide's Argument

Ere the birth of my life, if I wished it or no No question was asked me--it could not be so ! If the life was the question, a thing sent to try And to live on be YES; what can NO be ? to die. NATURE'S ANSWER Is't returned, as 'twas sent ? Is't no worse for the wear ? Think first, what you ARE ! Call to mind what you WERE ! I gave you innocence, I gave you hope, Gave health, and genius, and an ample scope, Return you me guilt, lethargy, despair ? Make out the invent'ry ; inspect, compare ! Then die--if die you dare !

Samuel Coleridge

The Faded Flower

Ungrateful he, who pluck'd thee from thy stalk, Poor faded flow'ret! on his careless way; Inhal'd awhile thy odours on his walk, Then onward pass'd and left thee to decay. Ah! melancholy emblem! had I seen Thy modest beauties dew'd with Evening's gem, I had not rudely cropp'd thy parent stem, But left thee, blushing, 'mid the enliven'd green. And now I bend me o'er thy wither'd bloom, And drop the tear - as Fancy, at my side, Deep-sighing, points the fair frail Abra's tomb - 'Like thine, sad Flower, was that poor wanderer's pride! Oh! lost to Love and Truth, whose selfish joy Tasted her vernal sweets, but tasted to destroy!'

Youth And Age

Biography

He was a central figure of the Romantic Movement in England, alongside William Wordsworth. His poetry often delves into the mystical and the sublime, employing rich symbolism and musical rhythm. Major works such as 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,' 'Kubla Khan,' and 'Christabel' showcase themes of the uncanny, guilt, and imagination. Coleridge also made significant contributions to literary criticism through lectures on Shakespeare and philosophical writings. His influence on English literature remains profound.

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