Organic form

In romantic literature, a work has organic form if the structure has originated from the materials and subjects used by the author. Using the organic metaphor, the structure is seen to grow as a plant.[1] It stands in contrast to a mechanical form, a work which has been produced in accordance with artificial rules. The lack of rules in Shakespeare's works led some critics to claim that they lacked form; Samuel Taylor Coleridge leapt to his defence with the concept of organic form.[2][3]

  1. ^ Drake, Al. "The Organic Metaphor in Romantic Literature". History of Literary Criticism – Guides. Retrieved 7 November 2011.
  2. ^ "Organic form". Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc. 2011. Retrieved 7 November 2011.
  3. ^ Henderson, Greig E.; Brown, Christopher (March 31, 1997). "Organic form". Glossary of Literary Theory. University of Toronto. Retrieved 7 November 2011.