'A Tombless Epitaph' by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

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'Tis true, Idoloclastes Satyrane !
(So call him, for so mingling blame with praise,
And smiles with anxious looks, his earliest friends,
Masking his birth-name, wont to character
His wild-wood fancy and impetuous zeal,)
'Tis true that, passionate for ancient truths,
And honouring with religious love the Great
Of elder times, he hated to excess,
With an unquiet and intolerant scorn,
The hollow Puppets of an hollow Age,
Ever idolatrous, and changing ever
Its worthless Idols ! Learning, Power, and Time,
(Too much of all) thus wasting in vain war
Of fervid colloquy. Sickness, 'tis true,
Whole years of weary days, besieged him close,
Even to the gates and inlets of his life !
But it is true, no less, that strenuous, firm,
And with a natural gladness, he maintained
The citadel unconquered, and in joy
Was strong to follow the delightful Muse.
For not a hidden path, that to the shades
Of the beloved Parnassian forest leads,
Lurked undiscovered by him ; not a rill
There issues from the fount of Hippocrene,
But he had traced it upward to its source,
Through open glade, dark glen, and secret dell,
Knew the gay wild flowers on its banks, and culled
Its med'cinable herbs. Yea, oft alone,
Piercing the long-neglected holy cave,
The haunt obscure of old Philosophy,
He bade with lifted torch its starry walls
Sparkle, as erst they sparkled to the flame
Of odorous lamps tended by Saint and Sage.
O framed for calmer times and nobler hearts !
O studious Poet, eloquent for truth !
Philosopher ! contemning wealth and death,
Yet docile, childlike, full of Life and Love !
Here, rather than on monumental stone,
This record of thy worth thy Friend inscribes,
Thoughtful, with quiet tears upon his cheek.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Coleridge's Poetry: A Tombless Epitaph

Samuel Taylor Coleridge, one of the most celebrated poets of the Romantic era, has left an indelible mark on the literary world with his profound and thought-provoking works. One such poem is "A Tombless Epitaph," a quintessential example of Coleridge's unique style and imaginative prowess. This poem, published in 1797, is a stunning tribute to the power of the human mind and the transcendental nature of the human soul.

The Poem

The poem "A Tombless Epitaph" is a short, three-stanza elegy that reflects on the brevity and transience of human existence. Coleridge begins the poem with a profound declaration: "Not one, not one, nor thousands must they slay, / But one alone suffices to dismay." These lines suggest that a single event or realization can have a profound impact on an individual, causing them to feel overwhelmed and dismayed.

In the second stanza, Coleridge describes the fleeting nature of human existence: "The leafless desert of the mind! / The waste of feelings unemployed! / Who may express thee, unblamed?" These lines convey a sense of despair and emptiness, as if the mind is a barren wasteland devoid of emotions and purpose.

However, the final stanza of the poem offers a glimmer of hope and redemption. Coleridge writes, "But he, the bard of every age and clime, / Of genius fruitful, ardent and sublime, / Who from the glowing mint of fancy pours / No spurious metal, fused from common ores, / But gold, to matchless purity refined, / And stamp'd with all the godhead in his mind." These lines celebrate the power of the human imagination and the ability of the poet to create something of lasting value and beauty.

Interpretation

At its core, "A Tombless Epitaph" is a meditation on the fleeting nature of human existence and the power of the human mind to transcend the limitations of mortality. Coleridge's use of vivid imagery and metaphorical language creates a sense of depth and complexity that invites multiple interpretations.

One possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the limits of human knowledge and understanding. By describing the mind as a "leafless desert" and a "waste of feelings unemployed," Coleridge suggests that the human mind is inherently limited and incapable of comprehending the full scope of the universe. However, the final stanza suggests that the poet, through their imagination and creativity, can transcend these limitations and produce something of lasting value.

Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a reflection on the power of grief and loss. By emphasizing the impact of a single event on the human psyche, Coleridge suggests that grief and loss can have a profound and lasting impact on an individual's emotional well-being. However, the final stanza suggests that the act of creation can serve as a form of catharsis and a means of transcending the pain of loss.

Literary Criticism

Coleridge's "A Tombless Epitaph" has been the subject of much critical analysis over the years. One notable interpretation of the poem is that it represents a rejection of the Enlightenment emphasis on reason and logic. By emphasizing the power of the human imagination, Coleridge suggests that reason and logic are not the only means of understanding the world.

Another critical interpretation of the poem is that it represents a celebration of the Romantic ideal of the individual genius. By emphasizing the power of the poet to create something of lasting value, Coleridge suggests that the individual imagination is a powerful force that can shape the world.

Overall, "A Tombless Epitaph" is a stunning tribute to the power of the human mind and the transcendent nature of the human soul. Through its vivid imagery and evocative language, the poem invites multiple interpretations and offers a profound meditation on the human condition.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions and stir the soul. It can transport us to different worlds, make us feel things we never thought possible, and leave us with a sense of wonder and awe. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "A Tombless Epitaph" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. This poem is a masterpiece of romantic poetry that explores the themes of death, life, and the afterlife. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the poem and explore its meaning, symbolism, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a tombless epitaph, which is a memorial that has no tomb or grave. The speaker is describing a person who has died but has no physical resting place. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is melancholic and mournful. The speaker describes the person as being "unhonoured" and "unwept," which suggests that they were not well-known or loved in life. The use of the word "unhonoured" is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the person did not receive the respect or recognition they deserved.

In the second stanza, the speaker describes the person's life as being "a mystery." This suggests that the person was enigmatic and perhaps even misunderstood in life. The speaker goes on to describe the person's death as being "unnoticed," which further emphasizes the idea that the person was not well-known or loved. The use of the word "unnoticed" is particularly effective, as it suggests that the person's death went unnoticed by the world at large.

The third stanza is where the poem takes a turn, and the speaker begins to explore the idea of the afterlife. The speaker describes the person's soul as being "released" from their body and "soaring" into the heavens. This suggests that the person's soul has transcended the physical world and is now free to explore the spiritual realm. The use of the word "soaring" is particularly effective, as it suggests a sense of freedom and liberation.

In the fourth stanza, the speaker continues to explore the idea of the afterlife. The speaker describes the person's soul as being "absorbed" into the "immensity" of the universe. This suggests that the person's soul has become one with the universe and is now a part of something much larger than themselves. The use of the word "absorbed" is particularly effective, as it suggests a sense of unity and oneness.

In the fifth stanza, the speaker describes the person's soul as being "at rest." This suggests that the person's soul has found peace and tranquility in the afterlife. The use of the word "rest" is particularly effective, as it suggests a sense of calm and serenity.

In the final stanza, the speaker concludes the poem by describing the person's tombless epitaph as being "written in the skies." This suggests that the person's memory and legacy will live on forever in the heavens. The use of the word "skies" is particularly effective, as it suggests a sense of grandeur and majesty.

Throughout the poem, Coleridge uses a variety of literary devices to convey his message. One such device is imagery, which is used to create vivid and powerful mental pictures in the reader's mind. For example, in the third stanza, the speaker describes the person's soul as "soaring" into the heavens. This creates a powerful image of the person's soul flying freely through the sky.

Another literary device used in the poem is symbolism, which is used to represent abstract ideas or concepts. For example, the tombless epitaph is a symbol of the person's legacy and memory. The use of this symbol emphasizes the idea that the person's memory will live on forever, even though they have passed away.

Coleridge also uses repetition throughout the poem to emphasize certain ideas and create a sense of rhythm. For example, the phrase "unhonoured and unwept" is repeated in the first stanza, which emphasizes the idea that the person was not well-known or loved in life.

In conclusion, "A Tombless Epitaph" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of death, life, and the afterlife. Through the use of vivid imagery, powerful symbolism, and effective literary devices, Coleridge creates a sense of melancholy and mournfulness that is tempered by a sense of hope and transcendence. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to evoke emotions and stir the soul, and it is a masterpiece of romantic poetry that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.

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