Question

According to Coleridge, what distinguishes poetry from prose?

• A. Poetry must only describe rustic life.
• B. Poetry is identical to prose in its use of language.
• C. Poetry has a distinct rhythm, beauty, and structure.
• D. Poetry should avoid figurative devices.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Poetry has a distinct rhythm, beauty, and structure.

According to Coleridge, the primary distinction between poetry and prose lies in the way they use language, imagination, and structure. In Biographia Literaria (1817), Coleridge challenges Wordsworth’s claim that poetry and prose are essentially the same except for meter. Instead, he offers a more nuanced distinction:

Key Differences Between Poetry and Prose According to Coleridge:

1. Poetry is Defined by the Balance of Emotion and Imagination

   • Coleridge argues that poetry is not just about meter but also about the shaping power of imagination.

   • Poetry combines thoughts, emotions, and images in a way that creates a unified and elevated experience.

2. Poetry Has an Organic Structure

   • Unlike prose, which may follow logical or narrative progression, poetry has a self-contained, organic unity, where form and meaning are deeply interwoven.

   • Poetry is more than just beautiful language—it must have a harmonious structure that enhances its impact.

3. Poetry Uses Metre, But That is Not Its Defining Feature

   • While poetry often uses metrical language, Coleridge argues that this alone does not distinguish it from prose.

   • The essence of poetry lies in its imaginative and emotional depth, not merely in its adherence to rhythm or rhyme.

4. Poetry is More Aesthetic, Prose is More Practical

   • Poetry appeals to the aesthetic sense, evoking beauty and deep emotions.

   • Prose, particularly in its ordinary form, serves a practical, communicative purpose—it conveys information and ideas in a straightforward manner.

5. Poetry is Marked by “The Best Words in the Best Order”

   • Coleridge famously defined poetry as "the best words in the best order", emphasizing the deliberate and artistic arrangement of language.

   • Prose, while it can be expressive, does not necessarily follow this heightened aesthetic arrangement.