Question:medium

Which of the following statements are correct in the context of Coleridge's understanding of the terms 'Fancy' and 'Imagination'?
(A). Fancy is a mechanical faculty of the human mind.
(B). Imagination is an organic faculty of the human mind that dissolves dialectical oppositions.
(C). Fancy is Mimetic, and Imagination is creative.
(D). Fancy is the real poetic creativity.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Show Hint

To remember Coleridge's distinction, use this simple analogy: Fancy is like a mosaic artist who arranges pre-existing tiles into a new pattern. Imagination is like a painter who mixes colours to create entirely new shades and forms a unified, organic image.
Updated On: Feb 18, 2026
  • (A), (B) and (D) only
  • (A), (B) and (C) only
  • (A), (B), (C) and (D)
  • (B), (C) and (D) only
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation


Step 1: Conceptual Understanding:
This question concerns Samuel Taylor Coleridge's distinction between Fancy and Imagination, a key concept in Romantic literary theory from his *Biographia Literaria*. Coleridge considered Imagination a superior, creative force, while Fancy was seen as a lesser, mechanical ability.

Step 2: Detailed Analysis:
Analyzing each statement based on Coleridge's theory:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{(A) Fancy is a mechanical faculty of the human mind. This is correct. Coleridge defined Fancy as "mode of Memory emancipated from the order of time and space," which simply recombines existing sensory images mechanically. } \\ \bullet & \text{(B) Imagination is an organic faculty of the human mind that dissolves dialectical oppositions. This is correct. Coleridge lauded "secondary Imagination" as an "esemplastic" power that "dissolves, diffuses, dissipates, in order to re-create," an organic faculty synthesizing opposites (e.g., general and concrete, idea and image) into a unified whole. } \\ \bullet & \text{(C) Fancy is Mimetic, and Imagination is creative. This is a valid interpretation. Fancy uses "fixities and definites," re-presenting them in new combinations (mimetic), while Imagination creatively modifies and unifies images. } \\ \bullet & \text{(D) Fancy is the real poetic creativity. This is incorrect. Coleridge stated that Imagination, not Fancy, is the "soul of all poetic genius" and the true source of poetic creativity. } \\ \end{array}\]Therefore, statements (A), (B), and (C) are accurate.

Step 3: Conclusion:
The correct answer is (B), encompassing (A), (B), and (C).

Was this answer helpful?
0