SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE'S POETIC THEORY OF ORGANIC UNITY

Abstract

The organic theory of literature is one of the characteristions of romanticlem. Coleridge established the conception of organic theory of literature and the modern criticism of English literature was originated by him. He considers that the poetry is the synthesis of the whole activity of the poet. So poetry is connected to the highest value of art. This theory indicates that all the human faculty is fused and reconciled organically in the poetic creation. Coleridge calls this faculty imagination. This apecial funetion of imagination is "the mediatress between, and reconciler of nature and men, It is, therefore, the power of humanizing nature, of infusing the thoughts and possessions of man into every thing which is the object of his contemplation." In his criticism, the idea to reconcile of opposite qualities has significance. By presenting these contrasts, Coleridge shows what the poet fuses and how he reconciles them. Therefore, art--as the 'mediator' between nature and man should be directed to the fecal point in which each substantiates and permits the other to realize itself, Unity which Coleridge always seeks does not exist as a universal form unless it is in the process of unifying opposition. The function of imagination does not only act in mediation two opposite qualities but also directs the every component of the poetry : choosing subjects, making poetic form, diction, meter, and so on. Thus poetry sets in the organic unity in the poetry. The organic form...is innate; it shapes, as it develops, itself from within, and the fulness of its development is one and the same with the perfection of its outward form. I The organic theory of Coleridge is very important in its significance which founded English criticism in the new direction by adding metaphysical apeculation. Furthermore, his influence spreaded over the Europe and America and actualiy many critics, philosophers, and psychologists and Freud, too. Though in his days his theory could not be appreciated, his fame as a critic has been higher and higher. He has provided abundant scources to the study of eritioism and still there are many inquiries to be studied in his theory. Nowadays he is considered as one of the greatest criticiem of the world and his fame in the history of English criticism will continue.