Samuel Taylor Coleridge coined the phrase “suspension of disbelief” among others. [1]
Samuel Taylor Coleridge, one of Britain’s most influential poets, was born on 21 October 1772 in Ottery St Mary, Devon. His father, Reverend John Coleridge, was a scholar and minister, but he passed away when Samuel was just eight, leaving his mother, Ann, to raise him. This early loss deeply affected Coleridge and contributed to the sense of isolation that marked much of his life.
As a child, Coleridge was a quick learner, especially in languages, and he developed a strong love for literature. He went to Christ’s Hospital, a school in London, at age nine, where he received a classical education. It was here that his passion for reading really took off. Influenced by the works of Shakespeare and Milton, Coleridge began writing poetry that showed an early blend of imagination and deep thought.
During his time at Christ’s Hospital, Coleridge formed a lifelong friendship with fellow poet Robert Southey, and together they shared literary ideas that would shape their future careers. After school, Coleridge attended Cambridge University, where he continued his academic and literary pursuits, though he struggled with money and personal doubts. Despite these challenges, he became increasingly drawn to German philosophy and poetry, which would later influence his own work. It was during this period that Coleridge began to develop his distinctive poetic voice, which combined elements of both classical and romantic traditions, blending reason with imagination.
The literary foundation of Coleridge’s early life, rooted in his education, personal experiences, and friendships, set him on a path that would lead to some of the most celebrated works in English literature, including The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Kubla Khan, and Christabel. These works would cement his place as a central figure in the Romantic movement.
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