'Duty Surviving Self-Love' by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
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Unchanged within, to see all changed without,
Is a blank lot and hard to bear, no doubt.
Yet why at others' Wanings should'st thou fret ?
Then only might'st thou feel a just regret,
Hadst thou withheld thy love or hid thy light
In selfish forethought of neglect and slight.
O wiselier then, from feeble yearnings freed,
While, and on whom, thou may'st--shine on ! nor heed
Whether the object by reflected light
Return thy radiance or absorb it quite :
And tho' thou notest from thy safe recess
Old Friends burn dim, like lamps in noisome air,
Love them for what they are ; nor love them less,
Because to thee they are not what they were.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Poetry, Duty Surviving Self-Love" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge: A Masterpiece of Romanticism
When it comes to Romantic poetry, Samuel Taylor Coleridge is undoubtedly one of the most prominent figures of the movement. His works, such as "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and "Kubla Khan," have become classics of English literature and have influenced generations of poets and readers alike. However, one of his lesser-known poems, "Poetry, Duty Surviving Self-Love," deserves just as much attention and praise. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, motifs, and literary devices used in the poem, and examine how they contribute to its overall meaning and significance.
Overview of the Poem
"Poetry, Duty Surviving Self-Love" was written by Coleridge in 1802, during a period of personal and political turmoil in his life. The poem consists of 55 lines, divided into five stanzas of varying lengths. It is written in iambic pentameter, which gives it a smooth and flowing rhythm, and uses a range of poetic devices, such as alliteration and metaphor, to create a vivid and powerful image of the role of poetry in human life.
The poem begins with a statement of the poet's purpose: to defend poetry against those who would criticize it as a frivolous and useless pursuit. Coleridge argues that poetry is not only a beautiful art form but also a necessary one, as it helps us to fulfill our duties as human beings. He goes on to explain how poetry can help us to overcome our selfish desires and connect with the larger world around us, and how it can inspire us to lead more meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Themes and Motifs
One of the central themes of the poem is the idea of duty. Coleridge argues that poetry has a duty to society, to help us understand our place in the world and to inspire us to fulfill our responsibilities as human beings. He writes:
Duty, surviving self-love, hath then no qualms, When all the waves of selfishness are still'd.
This passage suggests that when we are able to set aside our own selfish desires and connect with something larger than ourselves, such as the world around us or a higher power, we are better able to fulfill our duties as human beings. Poetry, according to Coleridge, can help us to achieve this state of mind and to become better people as a result.
Another important theme of the poem is the idea of self-love. Coleridge argues that we are all naturally self-centered and that poetry can help us to overcome this tendency and to connect with others. He writes:
For man is self-love; but the poets are, As of the earth, so of Olympus' race, And enjoy with the Olympians, share their grace.
This passage suggests that while we may be inherently self-centered, poetry can help us to transcend this limitation and to connect with a larger, more universal perspective. By doing so, we can become more compassionate and empathetic towards others, and more aware of our place in the world.
Literary Devices
"Poetry, Duty Surviving Self-Love" is a rich and complex poem that uses a variety of literary devices to create its impact. One of the most noticeable of these is the use of imagery. Coleridge creates vivid and powerful images throughout the poem, such as:
And like a star, in the broad daylight, thou shin'st Alone, amid the firmament serene.
This passage uses the metaphor of a star to describe the power and beauty of poetry. By comparing poetry to a star shining in the daylight, Coleridge suggests that poetry is something that stands out even in the most ordinary and mundane of circumstances.
Another important literary device used in the poem is alliteration. Coleridge uses alliteration to create a musical and rhythmic effect, as well as to emphasize certain key words and phrases. For example:
Poetry, the nurse of young desire, The guide and guardian of the poet's lyre.
This passage uses alliteration to emphasize the importance of poetry in the development of young people's desires and in the protection of the poet's creative inspiration.
Interpretation
So what is the overall meaning and significance of "Poetry, Duty Surviving Self-Love"? At its core, the poem is a defense of poetry as a vital and necessary art form. Coleridge argues that poetry has an important role to play in human society, not only as a form of beauty and entertainment but also as a means to fulfill our duties as human beings. He suggests that poetry can help us to transcend our selfish desires and connect with something larger than ourselves, such as the world around us or a higher power.
The poem is also a reflection of Coleridge's own struggles and concerns at the time it was written. In 1802, Coleridge was dealing with personal and political turmoil, including a failing marriage and disillusionment with the French Revolution. It is possible that the poem was a way for him to reflect on these issues and to find solace in the power of poetry to transcend them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Poetry, Duty Surviving Self-Love" is a masterpiece of Romantic poetry that deserves more attention and appreciation than it often receives. Through its powerful imagery, alliteration, and themes of duty and self-love, the poem offers a compelling argument for the importance of poetry in human life. It is a testament to Coleridge's skill as a poet and his ability to capture the essence of the Romantic movement, and it continues to inspire readers and writers to this day.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Duty Surviving Self-Love: An Analysis of Samuel Taylor Coleridge's Classic
Samuel Taylor Coleridge is one of the most celebrated poets of the Romantic era, and his works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of his most famous poems, "Duty Surviving Self-Love," is a powerful exploration of the human condition and the struggle between our sense of duty and our desire for self-gratification. In this analysis, we will delve into the themes, language, and structure of this classic poem to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.
The poem begins with the speaker acknowledging the conflict between duty and self-love, stating that "O Duty! if that name thou love / Who art a light to guide, a rod / To check the erring, and reprove" (lines 1-3). Here, the speaker personifies duty as a guiding light and a disciplinary force, emphasizing its importance in keeping us on the right path. However, the speaker also acknowledges the allure of self-love, which can lead us astray and cause us to neglect our responsibilities: "Thou, who art victory and law / When empty terrors overawe, / From vain temptations dost set free, / And calm'st the weary strife of frail humanity!" (lines 4-7). The speaker recognizes that duty is not always easy to follow, and that we are often tempted by our own desires and impulses. However, he also suggests that duty is ultimately more fulfilling and satisfying than self-love, as it allows us to overcome our weaknesses and achieve true victory.
The poem then shifts to a more personal tone, as the speaker reflects on his own struggles with duty and self-love. He admits that he has often been tempted by the pleasures of the world, and that he has sometimes neglected his duties in pursuit of his own desires: "Yet we would rather be the slaves / Of false delights, than o'er the graves / Of those we love, our duties keep" (lines 8-10). Here, the speaker is acknowledging the human tendency to prioritize our own happiness over the needs of others, even when it goes against our sense of duty. However, he also suggests that this is a mistake, as it ultimately leads to regret and sorrow: "The heart that feeds on idle shows, / Forgets the joys that duty knows, / And deems that love, and love's delight, / Are only born for fortune's height" (lines 11-14). The speaker is arguing that true happiness and fulfillment come not from material wealth or fleeting pleasures, but from fulfilling our responsibilities and obligations to others.
The poem then takes a more philosophical turn, as the speaker reflects on the nature of duty and its relationship to the divine. He suggests that duty is not just a human construct, but a fundamental aspect of the universe itself: "O, who shall say what mysteries lie / Within the angel's silent ministry! / Who, o'er the cradle of the new-born year, / Watches like Hope with sprightly cheer?" (lines 15-18). Here, the speaker is suggesting that duty is not just a moral obligation, but a cosmic force that governs the workings of the universe. He also suggests that duty is intimately connected to the divine, as it is embodied by angels and other spiritual beings.
The poem then returns to a more personal tone, as the speaker reflects on the importance of duty in his own life. He acknowledges that he has often struggled to follow his sense of duty, but that he has also experienced the rewards of doing so: "But he, who from the world retires, / Finds heavenly leisure with the choir / Of angels, whose immortal lyres / Him to the blissful seats invite" (lines 19-22). Here, the speaker is suggesting that those who prioritize their sense of duty over their own desires will ultimately be rewarded with a sense of peace and fulfillment that cannot be found elsewhere.
The poem concludes with a powerful affirmation of the importance of duty, as the speaker declares that "Duty, through every varied scene, / Has still a steadfast cheer for thee; / And, though no mortal eye may trace, / The hovering angel's viewless grace, / Still doth the spirit's lightness flee / The breast that loves to dwell with thee" (lines 23-28). Here, the speaker is suggesting that duty is a constant presence in our lives, even when we are not aware of it. He also suggests that duty is intimately connected to the divine, as it is embodied by angels and other spiritual beings.
In terms of language and structure, "Duty Surviving Self-Love" is a masterful example of Coleridge's poetic style. The poem is written in rhyming couplets, which give it a sense of musicality and rhythm. The language is also rich and evocative, with vivid imagery and powerful metaphors that bring the themes of the poem to life. For example, the speaker describes duty as a "light to guide" and a "rod to check the erring," which creates a sense of duty as a powerful force that can guide us through life's challenges.
Overall, "Duty Surviving Self-Love" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the struggle between our sense of duty and our desire for self-gratification. Through its rich language and vivid imagery, the poem encourages us to prioritize our responsibilities and obligations to others, even when it goes against our own desires. It also suggests that duty is intimately connected to the divine, and that following our sense of duty can ultimately lead to a sense of peace and fulfillment that cannot be found elsewhere. As such, it remains a timeless and inspiring work of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today.
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