AHe believed it was an unnecessary feature.
BHe thought it added musicality, structure, and emotional depth.
CHe considered it to be a minor aspect of poetry.
DHe argued that only classical poets used meter.
Answer:
B. He thought it added musicality, structure, and emotional depth.
Read Explanation:
Coleridge emphasized the importance of meter in poetry because he believed it added musicality, structure, and emotional depth. In Biographia Literaria (1817), he defended meter as a crucial element that distinguished poetry from prose and enhanced its artistic and emotional impact.
Key Reasons Coleridge Valued Meter in Poetry:
Enhances Musicality and Aesthetic Pleasure
Coleridge argued that meter adds a rhythmic quality that makes poetry more pleasing to the ear.
The musicality of meter engages the reader’s emotions and intensifies the poetic experience.
Provides Structure and Unity
Meter gives poetry a sense of order and cohesion, creating a structured framework that guides both the poet and the reader.
This structured rhythm helps maintain harmony between sound and meaning, making the poem feel more intentional and refined.
Heightens Emotional Impact
Coleridge believed that meter deepens the emotional resonance of poetry by reinforcing its mood and themes.
A well-chosen meter can create a sense of urgency, calmness, excitement, or melancholy, depending on the poem’s subject.
Creates a Suspension of Disbelief
He argued that the presence of meter signals to the reader that they are entering a heightened artistic experience, different from everyday speech or prose.
This rhythmic structure allows readers to accept imaginative elements more readily, making them more open to the poet’s vision.
Counteracts the Effects of Strong Emotion
Coleridge suggested that meter acts as a restraint on overwhelming emotions, balancing passion with artistic control.
This prevents poetry from becoming excessively sentimental or chaotic, ensuring that emotions are expressed in a refined and deliberate way.