Introduction: Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834), father of impressionistic criticism, has very strictly criticized some of the theories of Wordsworth’s poetic diction in the Biographia Literaria. The several chapters of the Biographia Literaria are devoted largely to a criticism of the views on poetry and poetic style expressed by Wordsworth in his Preface of the second edition of the Lyrical Ballads Coleridge’s theory of the language of poetry is distinctive. He logically refutes Wordsworth’s views on the themes and language of poetry.
Wordsworth’s Choice of rustic theme: According to Wordsworth, the language of poetry should be the real language of men. By men, Wordsworth meant the rustic folk and humble people. Wordsworth has used the language of the rural, farmers, and shepherds in his poetry. He has chosen this language because; the humble people live in close proximity with nature. They communicate their feelings through simple and unsophisticated expressions. Their language is more passionate, more vivid and more forceful. He also argues, “Such men hourly communicate with the best objects from which the best part of language is originally derived.
Read More: What are the major objections of Coleridge to Wordsworth’s poetry?
Coleridge’s comment on it: As regards the choice of rustic characters and life Coleridge clearly exposes that, not all Wordsworth’s characters are chosen from low or rustic life. Characters in poems like Ruth, Michael, The Brothers are not low and rustic. Their language and sentiments do not necessarily arise from their dwelling place and occupation. Yet, Coleridge agrees with Aristotle’s view that the characters of poetry must be universal and typical. They must represent some particular, as well as general human nature. He writes,
“Poetry is essentially ideal, that avoids and excludes accident that its apparent individualities of rank, character or occupation must be representative of a class.”
So, Wordsworth’s characters are representative in this sense. Here at this point we see, the essential controversy between Wordsworth and Coleridge is on the choice of the subject matter of poetry.
Wordsworth’s selection of language: Wordsworth has asserted that the language of rustic must be used in poetry after purifying its coarseness, faulty syntax, painfulness or any disgusting aspect. Wordsworth also affirms, the selection is, of course, to be made with true taste and feeling. It is enough of a distinction for poetry.
Coleridge’s comment on it: In this point, Coleridge finds fault that, after such a selection and purification of language there will be no difference between the rustic language and the language used by the men in other spheres of life. In Coleridge’s words,
“The selection would ensure that there is no difference between the rustic language and the language of other men.’
So, why does he insist on the language of rustics? Coleridge further argues, if the poet wishes to use rustic language available, he must also think like the rustics. Another argument Coleridge show’s on the favour of his opinion is that, advanced thought, high conception or master idea cannot be expressed through the language of rustics, which is undeveloped. So he rightly remarks.
“The language of rustics is curiously inexpressive. It would be putting the clock back. Instead of progression, it would be retrogression.”
The vocabulary of the rustics is poor. They can express only the barest facts of nature, but not the ideas and thoughts of universal laws. Coleridge also opines that the best part of a man’s language comes not only from nature, but from education, from the noble thoughts of the master minds of humanity.
Read More: Elucidate Coleridge’s theory of poetry.
Wordsworth’s theory, Same language for prose and poetry: According to Wordsworth,
“There neither is, nor can be, any essential difference between the language of prose and metrical composition.”
The language of prose and poetry are intimately connected in their nature, function and appeal. The same materials are used in both. They originated from the same sources. But at the same time, Wordsworth also permits the use of meter and rhyme in poetry and he says meter is an additional charm in poetry.
Coleridge’s Comment on it: In this point, Coleridge attacks Wordsworth by arguing that meter permits a certain order and arrangement of words. If such an arrangement of words is to be used, there must be an essential difference between the language of prose and poetry. Therefore, Wordsworth’s argument that, “there is no essential difference between the language of prose and metrical composition” is invalid. Coleridge refers to Wordsworth’s own poetry to show that language of prose and poetry differ. Yet Coleridge also opines that words both in prose and poetry may be the same, but their arrangement is different. This difference arises from the fact that the poetry uses meter, and meter requires different arrangement of words. Metre is not merely a superficial diction, but an essential organic part of a poem. So there is bound to be an essential difference between the language, the arrangement of words of poetry and prose.
Wordsworth’s theory of real language: According to Wordsworth, language for poetry should be the real language of man. It must not be separated from the language of man in real life.
Coleridge’s objection on it: The term real as used by Wordsworth, is questioned by Coleridge. In this connection he writes,
“Everyman’s language varies, according to the extent of his knowledge, the activity of his faculties and the depth or quickness of his feelings.”
Actually the language of each man differs And it is also marked by individual qualities based on his education and experience. As real language can not create a noble and richer vocabulary, so Coleridge suggests, instead of the words “very” or “real” we must substitute the “ordinary” or “generally”.
Conclusion: However, Wordsworth’s theory of the language of poetry was strongly criticized by Coleridge. Coleridge’s objections to Wordsworth’s views on the language of poetry have been highly praised by critics. But it is also noted that one must not ignore the fact that some of these objections are the result of the misunderstanding of Wordsworth’s ideas. Most of all, Coleridge also tries to formulate a new conception about the language of poetry. He believes there is an essential difference between the language of prose and poetry. The language of poetry must not be taken merely from rustic life but also from the mastermind of humanity.
