What is a key theme in the works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge?

A key theme in the works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge is the importance of the "willing suspension of disbelief." This concept is fundamental to understanding how readers engage with poetry and literature, particularly in Romantic literature. Coleridge proposed that for the reader to fully appreciate a work of art or poetry, they must temporarily set aside their skepticism and accept the imaginative world presented by the author. This idea emphasizes the emotional and experiential aspects of literature, allowing audiences to connect more deeply with the narrative and characters.

In Coleridge's own poetry, such as in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," this theme is evident as readers are invited into an extraordinary and supernatural world where the boundaries of reality are bent. By encouraging this suspension of disbelief, Coleridge creates a rich, immersive experience that engages readers not only intellectually but also emotionally.

While other themes, such as explorations of romantic relationships or gothic horror, do appear in Romantic literature and are significant in various works, Coleridge's emphasis on the willingness to embrace imagination stands out as a defining principle in his contributions to the genre.