'Zapolya' by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
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Song
(Act II, Scene I, lines 65-80)
A sunny shaft did I behold,
From sky to earth it slanted :
And poised therein a bird so bold--
Sweet bird, thou wert enchanted !
He sank, he rose, he twinkled, he trolled
Within that shaft of sunny mist ;
His eyes of fire, his beak of gold,
All else of amethyst !
And thus he sang : `Adieu ! adieu !
Love's dreams prove seldom true.
The blossoms they make no delay :
The sparkling dew-drops will not stay.
Sweet month of May,
[Image] We must away ;
[Image][Image] Far, far away !
[Image][Image][Image] To-day ! to-day !'
----------------------------
Hunting Song
(Act IV, Scene II, lines 56-71)
Up, up ! ye dames, ye lasses gay !
To the meadows trip away.
'Tis you must tend the flocks this morn,
And scare the small birds from the corn.
Not a soul at home may stay :
[Image]For the shepherds must go
[Image]With lance and bow
To hunt the wolf in the woods to-day.
Leave the hearth and leave the house
To the cricket and the mouse :
Find grannam out a sunny seat,
With babe and lambkin at her feet.
Not a soul at home must stay :
[Image]For the shepherds must go
[Image]With lance and bow
To hunt the wolf in the woods to-day.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Zapolya: A Classic Masterpiece by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Have you ever experienced the magic of words, where each sentence takes you on an enchanting journey and the characters become a part of your own life? If yes, then you must have read Zapolya, the classic masterpiece written by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Published in 1817, this play is a work of art that still mesmerizes readers with its captivating plot, well-defined characters and masterful use of language. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various aspects of Zapolya that make it a timeless work of literature.
The Plot
At the heart of Zapolya is a story of love, trust and betrayal. The play is set in Hungary during the 16th century, where King Matthias dies leaving his young son Ladislaus as the heir to the throne. Ladislaus is under the guardianship of Count Palatine, who is a trusted advisor to the King. However, Palatine has his own ulterior motives and plans to seize the throne for himself. In order to do so, he hatches a plan to eliminate Ladislaus and marry Princess Zapolya, the daughter of the deceased King, to legitimize his claim to the throne.
The plot thickens as we are introduced to a group of shepherds who have taken shelter in a cave. Among them is a mysterious young man named Albert, who has lost his memory and is haunted by nightmares. He is taken care of by a kind-hearted shepherd named Laska, who falls in love with him. As the story unfolds, we discover that Albert is actually the son of King Matthias and Princess Zapolya, who had been kidnapped as a child and raised by a group of shepherds. The play culminates in a battle between Palatine and Albert, where the latter emerges victorious and reclaims his rightful place as the heir to the throne.
The Characters
One of the strengths of Zapolya is its well-defined and memorable characters. Each character is unique in his or her own way and adds depth and complexity to the plot. Let us take a closer look at some of the key characters in the play:
Count Palatine
Count Palatine is the antagonist of the play, who is willing to go to any lengths to achieve his ambition of becoming the King of Hungary. He is a master manipulator, who uses his charm and wit to win over people and convince them to do his bidding. What makes Palatine an interesting character is his complexity. He is not a one-dimensional villain, but a man with his own motivations and fears. He is haunted by the guilt of having killed his own brother and sees himself as a victim of Fate.
Princess Zapolya
Princess Zapolya is one of the most fascinating characters in the play. She is a strong and intelligent woman, who refuses to be a pawn in the game of politics. She is determined to marry for love and not for political gain, which puts her at odds with Palatine. Her love for Albert is pure and selfless, and she is willing to give up her own happiness for his sake. What makes Zapolya memorable is her courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
Albert
Albert is the protagonist of the play, who undergoes a transformation from a lost and confused young man to a confident and courageous leader. His journey is one of self-discovery, where he learns about his true identity and his place in the world. What makes Albert a compelling character is his inner turmoil and conflicting emotions. He is torn between his love for Laska and his duty towards his mother and his country. His final decision to reclaim his place as the heir to the throne is a testament to his strength of character.
The Language and Themes
The language used in Zapolya is poetic and lyrical, which adds to the magical and dreamlike quality of the play. Coleridge's use of imagery and symbolism creates a vivid and rich world that is both fantastical and grounded in reality. The themes of love, betrayal, loyalty and identity are universal and timeless, and resonate with readers even today.
One of the key themes of the play is the conflict between duty and love. Albert is torn between his duty towards his mother and his country, and his love for Laska. This theme is also reflected in the character of Princess Zapolya, who is willing to sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of her country. The play raises important questions about the nature of love and its relationship with duty and responsibility.
Another theme that is explored in the play is the idea of fate and free will. Count Palatine sees himself as a victim of Fate, who has been cursed to suffer for the crimes he has committed. This theme is also reflected in the character of Albert, who struggles to come to terms with his own identity and his place in the world. The play raises important questions about the role of destiny in our lives and the choices we make.
Conclusion
Zapolya is a masterpiece of literature that has stood the test of time. It is a work of art that continues to captivate readers with its beautiful language, memorable characters and timeless themes. Coleridge's use of imagery and symbolism creates a vivid and rich world that is both fantastical and grounded in reality. The play raises important questions about the nature of love, duty, identity and the role of destiny in our lives. If you have not yet read Zapolya, I urge you to do so and experience the magic of words for yourself.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Zapolya: A Masterpiece of Romantic Poetry
Samuel Taylor Coleridge is one of the most celebrated poets of the Romantic era, and his work has inspired generations of readers and writers alike. Among his many works, Poetry Zapolya stands out as a masterpiece of Romantic poetry, showcasing Coleridge's mastery of language, imagery, and symbolism.
At its core, Poetry Zapolya is a tale of love, loss, and redemption, set against the backdrop of a magical and mysterious world. The poem tells the story of Zapolya, a princess who falls in love with a shepherd named Locrine. Their love is forbidden by Zapolya's father, the king, who arranges for Locrine to be killed. Devastated by the loss of her lover, Zapolya retreats into the mountains, where she encounters a group of spirits who offer her a chance at redemption.
The poem is divided into three parts, each of which explores a different aspect of the story. In the first part, we are introduced to Zapolya and Locrine, and we witness the blossoming of their love. Coleridge's use of language in this section is particularly striking, as he employs a range of poetic devices to convey the intensity of their emotions. For example, he uses metaphors such as "the sun of love" and "the moon of hope" to describe their feelings, and he employs alliteration and assonance to create a musical quality to the lines.
In the second part of the poem, we see the tragic consequences of their love. The king, enraged by their relationship, orders Locrine's death, and Zapolya is left alone and heartbroken. This section of the poem is marked by a shift in tone, as the language becomes darker and more foreboding. Coleridge uses imagery such as "the blackness of despair" and "the shadow of death" to convey the sense of loss and hopelessness that Zapolya feels.
It is in the third and final part of the poem that we see the redemption of Zapolya. She encounters a group of spirits who offer her a chance to be reunited with Locrine in the afterlife. This section of the poem is marked by a return to the more lyrical and musical language of the first part, as Coleridge uses imagery such as "the silver light of love" and "the golden gates of heaven" to convey the sense of hope and joy that Zapolya feels.
One of the most striking aspects of Poetry Zapolya is Coleridge's use of symbolism. Throughout the poem, he employs a range of symbols to convey deeper meanings and themes. For example, the mountains that Zapolya retreats to after Locrine's death can be seen as a symbol of her isolation and despair. Similarly, the spirits that offer her redemption can be seen as a symbol of the power of love to transcend death and bring people together.
Another key theme of the poem is the power of nature. Coleridge frequently employs imagery from the natural world to convey the emotions and experiences of his characters. For example, he uses the image of a "stormy sea" to describe the tumultuous emotions that Zapolya experiences after Locrine's death. Similarly, he uses the image of a "gentle breeze" to describe the sense of peace and tranquility that she feels after being offered redemption.
Overall, Poetry Zapolya is a masterful work of Romantic poetry that showcases Coleridge's skill as a poet and his ability to convey complex emotions and themes through language and imagery. It is a timeless tale of love, loss, and redemption that continues to inspire and captivate readers today.
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