Shakespeare's Intellectual Action

Name: Shakespeare's Intellectual Action
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The work examines the distinctive intellectual approach of a renowned playwright, contrasting it with contemporaries like Ben Jonson and Beaumont and Fletcher. The author argues that while these contemporaries perceive and present complete ideas in their writing, the playwright in question engages in a dynamic process of creation, continuously evolving thoughts and characters in a fluid manner. This method is likened to the movement of a serpent, which uses its own form to generate strength and flexibility. The analysis extends to other poets, comparing Crabbe and Southey. Crabbe's poetry is rooted in observation and the realities of life, while Southey's work is characterized by imagination and literary influences. Despite their equal facility in writing, Crabbe's language is deemed inferior to Southey's, which is described as nearly flawless. However, Crabbe's lack of high imagination results in a diminished aesthetic pleasure for the author, who acknowledges Crabbe's power in a different context. The author expresses a preference for a broad literary taste, finding enjoyment in various genres, except for modern sermons and political economy treatises. The discussion also highlights a fondness for contemporary novels, particularly praising works like "Peter Simple" by Captain Marryat, which is noted for its resemblance to Smollett's style, and "Tom Cringle's Log," recognized for its excellence. Overall, the work presents a nuanced exploration of literary creativity, emphasizing the unique intellectual processes of the playwright and the varying qualities of other writers, while advocating for an appreciation of diverse literary forms.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1907 · Genre: Literary Criticism, Drama, Philosophy · 255 words

First lines

Shakspeare's intellectual action is wholly unlike that of Ben Jonson or Beaumont and Fletcher. The latter see the totality of a sentence or passage, and then project it entire. Shakspeare goes on creating, and evolving B. out of A., and C. out of B., and so on, just as a serpent moves, which makes a fulcrum of its own body, and seems for ever twisting and untwisting its own strength.

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Shakespeare's Intellectual Action is listed on Textopian as an essay by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1907 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date: 1907 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Criticism, Drama, Philosophy, Biography, Poetry
Length: 255 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Criticism — The book analyzes Shakespeare's unique intellectual approach and contrasts it with other playwrights, focusing on themes of creativity and evolution in writing.
Drama — While primarily a critique, it discusses Shakespeare's dramatic works and their construction, making it relevant to the genre.
Philosophy — The exploration of intellectual action and creativity touches on philosophical themes regarding the nature of art and imagination.
Biography — Although not a biography in the traditional sense, it provides insights into Shakespeare's life and thought processes.