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Samuel Taylor Coleridge

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Samuel Taylor Coleridge, a pivotal figure in the Romantic literary movement, was born on October 21, 1772, in the quaint village of Ottery St. Mary, located in Devonshire, England. As the young son of Reverend John Coleridge and Ann Bowdon Coleridge, he embarked on an early academic journey that would shape his future in the arts and letters. Despite personal challenges and health issues, Coleridge's life was marked by his profound contributions to literature, particularly in collaboration with fellow poet William Wordsworth.

Early Life and Education

In 1775, the young Coleridge began his schooling at Dame Key's Reading School. Three years later, he progressed to the Henry VIII Free Grammar School, where his father served as the headmaster. Following the death of his father in 1782, he was sent to Christ's Hospital School in London. During his school years, Coleridge was noted for his dreamy and eccentric demeanor, a reflection of his fascination with metaphysics and a sign of his precocious intellect.

University Years and New Friendships

Coleridge entered Jesus College, Cambridge, in 1791. Despite his academic prowess, he found the university environment uninspiring and departed in 1794 without completing his degree. A visit to Oxford in June of that year proved to be a turning point when he met Robert Southey. The two shared poetic ambitions, similar radical political and religious beliefs, and a mutual interest in the ideals of the French Revolution. Together, they envisioned establishing a utopian society in Pennsylvania, termed "Pantisocracy" by Coleridge, which ultimately never came to fruition. This venture led to Coleridge's engagement to Sara Flicker, who was connected through Southey's own engagement.

Literary Beginnings

In 1796, Coleridge released his first poetry collection, Poems on Various Subjects. Concurrently, he took on the role of editor for the short-lived periodical The Watchman, where he articulated his support for the French Revolution and echoed the philosophies of William Godwin. The ensuing year saw Coleridge relocate to Nether Stowey, which fortuitously placed him near William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy at Alfoxden House. This proximity fostered a deep friendship and collaborative partnership with Wordsworth, culminating in the publication of Lyrical Ballads in 1798, a landmark in English literature that heralded the Romantic Period.

Struggles and Achievements

By the turn of the century, Coleridge's health began to wane. Doctors prescribed laudanum to manage his pain, which may have led to an addiction and deepened his depression. His personal turmoil found expression in his 1802 poem "Dejection: An Ode," wherein Coleridge mourned his declining health and creativity. Despite its somber themes, the poem is often celebrated as a pinnacle of his lyrical artistry.

Journeys and Solitude

In 1803, Coleridge joined the Wordsworth siblings on a journey through Scotland, seeking solace and inspiration. The following year, he traveled to Malta, hoping the change in climate would restore his health. While there, he served as the secretary to the island's Governor, Sir Alexander Ball. Yet, feeling irreparably ill, he returned to England in 1806, subsequently separating from his wife Sara and their children.

Coleridge's relationship with Wordsworth, a cornerstone of his personal and professional life, also suffered during this time. A falling out in 1810 resulted in a two-year estrangement, a period marked by loneliness for Coleridge. However, the two eventually reconciled, rekindling their friendship.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1816, Coleridge moved to Highgate, where he lived under the care of Dr. James Gilman. This environment allowed him to regain stability and focus, ushering in a prolific period that spanned until 1819. He continued to engage with the literary community through lectures and newspaper contributions. One of his significant works from this era, Biographia Literaria (1817), offers a rich tapestry of philosophical musings and literary critique, including his reflections on the origins of Lyrical Ballads and the exploration of "willing suspension of disbelief."

Coleridge's later years were serene and distinguished. In 1825, he was honored with membership in the Royal Society of Literature. He also embarked on a nostalgic tour of the Rhineland with Wordsworth in 1828, further solidifying their renewed camaraderie. Known as the "Sage of Highgate," Coleridge relished hosting discussions on literature and philosophy, captivating guests with his insightful discourse. This period of tranquility lasted until his death in Highgate on July 25, 1834, leaving behind a legacy as a transformative figure in English Romanticism.

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