According to Coleridge, poetic language should be "elevated and imaginative," meaning it should utilize rich, complex language and draw heavily on the power of the imagination to create a deeper meaning and experience for the reader; this aligns with his Romantic views on poetry, where imagination is seen as a key creative force.
Key points about Coleridge's view on poetic language:
Emphasis on Imagination:
Coleridge considered imagination to be the primary creative faculty in poetry, allowing poets to transcend the ordinary and access deeper truths.
Distinction between Fancy and Imagination:
He differentiated between "fancy" (mere association of ideas) and "imagination" (a unifying power that creates new wholes).
Elevated Diction:
Coleridge believed that poetry should use language that is richer and more complex than everyday speech, often employing figurative language and symbolism.