William Blake: Visionary Poet and Artist

Blake emerged as a revolutionary figure in both art and poetry in late 18th century London. His unique approach combined visual art with poetry through his innovative "illuminated printing" technique.

Definition: Illuminated printing was Blake's method of combining text and images on copper plates to create unified artistic works.

Highlight: Blake's work divides into two major collections: Songs of Innocence (pre-French Revolution) and Songs of Experience (during the Terror), representing contrasting worldviews.

Example: In Songs of Innocence, Blake uses symbols like lambs, flowers, and children to represent purity and divine imagination.

Quote: Blake viewed the poet as a prophet who "is able to see more" than ordinary people through imagination.

The poet's support for the French Revolution and abolition of slavery influenced his social commentary, while his religious vision informed his symbolic language.

Coleridge: Master of the Supernatural

Coleridge brought supernatural elements and mystery to Romantic poetry, complementing Wordsworth's focus on nature and ordinary life.

Definition: The Rime of the Ancient Mariner serves as a manifesto of Romantic poetry, combining supernatural elements with moral lessons.

Highlight: The poem's seven-part structure creates a complex narrative framework exploring guilt, redemption, and nature.

Example: The killing of the albatross symbolizes humanity's violation of nature's sanctity.

The poem's mysterious atmosphere and moral complexity exemplify Coleridge's unique contribution to Romanticism.