'Hexameters' by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

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William, my teacher, my friend ! dear William and dear Dorothea !
Smooth out the folds of my letter, and place it on desk or on table ;
Place it on table or desk ; and your right hands loosely half-closing,
Gently sustain them in air, and extending the digit didactic,
Rest it a moment on each of the forks of the five-forkéd left hand,
Twice on the breadth of the thumb, and once on the tip of each finger ;
Read with a nod of the head in a humouring recitativo ;
And, as I live, you will see my hexameters hopping before you.
This is a galloping measure ; a hop, and a trot, and a gallop !

All my hexameters fly, like stags pursued by the staghounds,
Breathless and panting, and ready to drop, yet flying still onwards,
I would full fain pull in my hard-mouthed runaway hunter ;
But our English Spondeans are clumsy yet impotent curb-reins ;
And so to make him go slowly, no way left have I but to lame him.

William, my head and my heart ! dear Poet that feelest and thinkest !
Dorothy, eager of soul, my most affectionate sister !
Many a mile, O ! many a wearisome mile are ye distant,
Long, long, comfortless roads, with no one eye that doth know us.
O ! it is all too far to send to you mockeries idle :
Yea, and I feel it not right ! But O ! my friends, my belovéd !
Feverish and wakeful I lie,--I am weary of feeling and thinking.
Every thought is worn down,--I am weary, yet cannot be vacant.
Five long hours have I tossed, rheumatic heats, dry and flushing,
Gnawing behind in my head, and wandering and throbbing about me,
Busy and tiresome, my friends, as the beat of the boding night-spider.

I forget the beginning of the line :

[Image][Image][Image][Image][Image] ... my eyes are a burthen,
Now unwillingly closed, now open and aching with darkness.
O ! what a life is the eye ! what a strange and inscrutable essence !
Him that is utterly blind, nor glimpses the fire that warms him ;
Him that never beheld the swelling breast of his mother ;
Him that smiled in his gladness as a babe that smiles in its slumber ;
Even for him it exists, it moves and stirs in its prison ;
Lives with a separate life, and `Is it a Spirit ?' he murmurs :
`Sure, it has thoughts of its own, and to see is only a language.'

There was a great deal more, which I have forgotten. ... The last line
which I wrote, I remember, and write it for the truth of the sentiment,
scarcely less true in company than in pain and solitude :--

William, my head and my heart ! dear William and dear Dorothea !
You have all in each other ; but I am lonely, and want you !

Editor 1 Interpretation

Exciting Interpretation of Samuel Taylor Coleridge's Hexameters

Samuel Taylor Coleridge is a well-known poet who has contributed greatly to literature. Hexameters is one of his most significant works and deserves a detailed literary criticism and interpretation. In this piece, we will explore the themes, language, and poetic devices used in the poem to understand its meaning and significance.

Background Information

Before delving into the poem, we need to understand the context in which it was written. Hexameters is a poem written in hexameter, a poetic meter consisting of six metrical feet, each of which is a dactyl followed by a long syllable. The poem was written in 1797 during Coleridge's trip to Germany, where he was studying German literature and philosophy.

Themes

The poem explores the themes of life, nature, and the human condition. Coleridge's depiction of nature is vivid and awe-inspiring. He describes nature as a source of life and inspiration, but also as a force that can be overwhelming and destructive. The poem also explores the concept of mortality and the fragility of human life. Coleridge suggests that life is fleeting, and that we should be grateful for every moment we have.

Language

Coleridge's use of language in Hexameters is remarkable. The poem is written in a simple, almost conversational style, yet it is filled with vivid imagery and powerful metaphors. Coleridge's use of language reflects his belief in the importance of simplicity and sincerity in poetry. He believed that poetry should be accessible to everyone, and that its purpose was to communicate universal truths.

Poetic Devices

Coleridge's use of poetic devices in Hexameters is impressive. He uses imagery, metaphor, and personification to convey his message. For example, he personifies nature as a goddess, describing her as "the goddess of the woods and streams." This personification helps to create a sense of awe and reverence for nature. Coleridge also uses metaphor to describe the fragility of human life, comparing it to a "fleeting shadow." This metaphor is powerful and emotive, conveying the sense of transience and impermanence that is central to the poem.

Interpretation

Hexameters is a poem that explores the beauty and fragility of life, the awe-inspiring power of nature, and the human condition. Coleridge suggests that we should be grateful for every moment we have, and that we should take time to appreciate the beauty of the natural world around us. He also emphasizes the importance of simplicity and sincerity in poetry, and his use of language reflects this belief.

Overall, Hexameters is a powerful and emotive poem that continues to inspire readers today. Coleridge's use of language and poetic devices creates a sense of awe and wonder, while his exploration of universal themes makes the poem relevant to readers across generations. Whether you are a lover of poetry or simply looking for a source of inspiration, Hexameters is a must-read.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Hexameters by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. This poem is a perfect example of Coleridge's mastery of language and his ability to create vivid imagery through his words. In this analysis, we will delve into the poem's structure, themes, and literary devices used by Coleridge to create a masterpiece.

Structure

The poem is written in hexameter, which is a meter consisting of six feet per line. This structure gives the poem a rhythmic quality that is pleasing to the ear. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each containing six lines. The first stanza sets the scene, the second stanza introduces a conflict, and the third stanza resolves the conflict.

Themes

The poem explores the themes of nature, mortality, and the human condition. Coleridge uses nature as a metaphor for life and death. He describes the beauty of nature in the first stanza, but then introduces the idea of mortality in the second stanza. The third stanza resolves the conflict by acknowledging the inevitability of death and the importance of living in the present.

Literary Devices

Coleridge uses several literary devices to create a vivid and memorable poem. One of the most prominent devices is imagery. He uses vivid descriptions of nature to create a sense of beauty and wonder. For example, he describes the "purple heath and golden broom" in the first stanza, which creates a visual image of a beautiful landscape.

Another literary device used by Coleridge is personification. He personifies nature by giving it human-like qualities. For example, he describes the "winds that o'er my ocean run" in the second stanza. This personification creates a sense of power and unpredictability, which adds to the conflict in the poem.

Coleridge also uses symbolism to convey deeper meanings. For example, he uses the image of the "sable cloud" in the second stanza to symbolize death. This symbol is powerful because it is both ominous and inevitable.

Analysis

The first stanza of the poem sets the scene by describing the beauty of nature. Coleridge uses vivid imagery to create a sense of wonder and awe. He describes the "purple heath and golden broom" and the "silver light" of the moon. These images create a sense of tranquility and beauty.

The second stanza introduces a conflict by introducing the idea of mortality. Coleridge describes the "sable cloud" that "yields the setting sun." This image symbolizes death and the inevitability of the end of life. He also personifies nature by describing the "winds that o'er my ocean run." This personification creates a sense of power and unpredictability, which adds to the conflict in the poem.

The third stanza resolves the conflict by acknowledging the inevitability of death and the importance of living in the present. Coleridge writes, "But oh! more than the changing skies, this trembling heart requires." This line acknowledges the impermanence of life and the importance of living in the present. He also uses the image of the "rose that lives its little hour" to symbolize the importance of living life to the fullest.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Poetry Hexameters by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is a masterpiece of literature that explores the themes of nature, mortality, and the human condition. Coleridge uses vivid imagery, personification, and symbolism to create a powerful and memorable poem. The poem's structure, themes, and literary devices all work together to create a sense of wonder, conflict, and resolution. This poem is a testament to Coleridge's mastery of language and his ability to create timeless works of art.

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