"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world," Albert Einstein was once quoted as saying. This particular journey of the mind not only deadens the boredom of existence, but also may lead one on an intellectual discovery. Imaginative journeys always transform us in some way, as it allows us to examine the underlying assumptions of everyday life and to challenge our way of thinking. Journeys of the imagination are a chance for one to broaden their understanding of the world and themselves. This is readily exemplified through the poetic works of S.T. Coleridge, in particular his poems, The Lime Tree Bower My Prison and The Ancient Mariner. Imaginative journeys that have a transforming effect on the responder are further evident in the stimulus booklet article, The Ivory Trail, by Victor Kelleher and Jules Verne's critically acclaimed novel, Journey to the Centre of the Earth.
             Of Coleridge's poetic work, I will be focusing on two of his contrasting poetry. The first being, The Lime Tree Bower My Prison, which is the sort dealing with the ordinary, everyday events which is shown up in a new light by the poet's imaginative presentation.
             The poem starts of with Coleridge brooding over his misfortune at having to stay behind, while his friends enjoy an afternoon stroll. He fines his confinement under his lime tree bower to that of a prison and through his frustration exaggerates his situation to the point of melodrama. In his jealousy, his mind imagines the walk his friends are undertaking, a walk he knew so well. His mood is suddenly uplifted when he imagines the delight his friends would experience upon sighting the 'hilly fields and meadow, and the sea,' a sight they weren't use to. He wished his friends all the joy they could encounter during their walk, hoping that they would feel in touch with the Almighty when surrounded by nature. Hi...