Coleridge and opium

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Opium

Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772–1834) was an English poet, literary critic, philosopher, and theologian who, alongside his friend William Wordsworth, was a founder of the Romantic Movement in England and a member of the Lake Poets. Despite his contributions to literature and philosophy, Coleridge's life and work were deeply affected by his use of opium, which influenced both his health and his literary output.

Early Life and Introduction to Opium

Coleridge's initial encounter with opium was as a medicinal aid. During the 18th and early 19th centuries, opium was commonly prescribed for various ailments, including relief from pain and anxiety. Coleridge first used opium in the form of laudanum, a tincture of opium mixed with alcohol, to alleviate the distress of rheumatic fever and neuralgia around 1791. This encounter marked the beginning of a lifelong struggle with dependency.

Opium's Influence on Coleridge's Work

The use of opium had a significant impact on Coleridge's literary work. His most famous poem, "Kubla Khan", is often cited as an example of the opium-inspired creativity that characterized much of his poetry. Coleridge himself described the composition of "Kubla Khan" as the product of an opium-induced dream, claiming to have written the poem in a semi-conscious state after reading about Xanadu, the summer palace of the Mongol ruler and Emperor of China, Kublai Khan.

Another notable work, "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner", also reflects the hallucinatory visions that were a part of Coleridge's opium dreams. The vivid imagery and supernatural elements in the poem have been interpreted as manifestations of the poet's altered state of consciousness due to his opium use.

Opium and Coleridge's Health

Over time, Coleridge's opium consumption escalated, severely affecting his health, personal life, and professional work. He suffered from a variety of ailments, which he attempted to self-medicate with increasing doses of laudanum. This led to a cycle of dependency and withdrawal that plagued him for much of his adult life. Coleridge's struggles with opium addiction were well-documented in his personal letters and notebooks, where he expressed remorse and a desire to overcome his dependency.

Legacy

Despite his personal struggles, Coleridge's contributions to literature and philosophy remain influential. His exploration of the imagination, nature, and the human condition through the lens of his opium-influenced visions contributed to the development of Romanticism. Coleridge's complex relationship with opium also provides valuable insight into the history of drug use and its impact on creativity and mental health.

See Also

• Romanticism
• William Wordsworth
• Lake Poets
• Kubla Khan
• The Rime of the Ancient Mariner