Of Modern Poetry - Wordsworth and Coleridge On The Poem

Wordsworth and Coleridge On The Poem

The poet plays an undeniable part in the creation of poetry, but once the poem has been released it becomes an independent entity. Romantic theorists have also established several ideas concerning what they believe a poem should be. Wordsworth’s definition is that a poem is “the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.” Coleridge says that the poem “to which we return, with the greatest pleasure, possesses the genuine power” and that “whatever lines can be translated into other words…without diminution of their significance… are so far vicious in their diction.” Coleridge’s definition goes beyond the mere exertion of feelings that Wordsworth accepts as poetry and calls for a lasting and uniquely crafted work. “Of Modern Poetry” coincides more with Wordsworth’s theory, saying that poetry “must / Be the finding of a satisfaction” and never sets down any stricture aside from the characteristics assigned to modern poetry.