"Kubla Khan" Response Coleridge is associating Kubla Khan's emotions with natural events and touching on the important of the individual and his genius and imagination, thus making this a romantic poem. As well as taking about on more natural religions. Coleridge also uses rhymes more consistently than Wordsworth. He also used more striking imagery to get his point across. I found this poem considerably more dramatic than Wordsworth and therefore more interesting. I found it to be clearer and to have better imagery. And I liked the historical subject.
On "Kubla Khan" Though Coleridge describes an enclosed garden as "romantic" and "enfolding sunny spots of greenery", he also praises the tumultuous happenings within the garden. Coleridge seems to acknowledge the barbarity and unexpectedness of nature and the characters' seemingly irrational and devilish actions by using words with negative connotations such as 'demon' and 'force' as well as analogies that illustrate the power of nature and its potential to damage. Yet all of these images are associated with feelings of joy and awe that exceed 'the measure of man' and overcome the constraining walls of the garden. Within the phrase, 'The shadow of the dome of pleasure' there seems to be a contradiction, yet it is this paradox between pleasure and untamed, gigantic forces of nature that drive Coleridge's points emulating romantic ideals home.
Through the use of dramatic descriptions and hefty syntax, the emotions of the author are clearly illustrated and contribute to the Romantic aspects of the poem. The descriptions of nature create a dismal tone because of the word choice. Although there was a slight rhythm it was not consistent throughout the entire poem which made the middle drag on longer. This tone then allows for the interpretation of the authors emotions which are along the lines of depressed and mournful. After reading this poem I felt heavier and tired because the dark descriptions were a lot to take in. - Mimi Strauss, 8th period
Much of the emotion in Coleridge’s poem is expressed through the elements. Instead of using pathos or tragedy to evoke emotion, Coleridge uses weather patterns to guide the emotions of his audience. The illustrative scenery is unruly and seems to follow its own set of rules, often spontaneously appearing and then disappearing seemingly without reason. In all this, Coleridge emphasizes the need for spontaneity in thought and action and in the expression of such thought. Even though he uses the spontaneous appearance of natural elements to drive the emotional aspect of this piece the piece is not just a slew of descriptive imagery. Much like a short story there are definite plot points. Thus Kubla Khan is an example of romantic literature that exalts nature and spontaneity above other aspects of plot.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s Kubla Khan expresses Romantic longing for the tangled wilderness: “But oh! that deep romantic chasm which slanted / Down the green hill athwart a cedarn cover! / A savage place!”. The savagery he describes evokes a yearning for more primal simplicity. The poem accentuates the individual by telling the tale of one man, Kubla Khan. The landscape is grand and sweeping, echoing the “moods of Nature” proposed by Romanticism. This poem has a more succinct description of nature, but the brevity emphasizes its simple beauty.
After reading "Kubla Khan", I can say that it was one of my favorite poems to read. For the most part in the poem, Coleridge uses descriptions of the garden and through his emotions and descriptions of words, this is revealed as romantic to his readers. What i find different in with Coleridge's writing is actually the form of poetry itself. It resembles more of a classic poem, as far as the rhyming scheme goes. Coleridge also used many literary techniques to get out what he wanted to say. The projection of nature (and at times religion) is seen repeatedly throughout the poem along with the walls of the garden which seem restricting. The imagery associated with the poem reveal happiness or acceptance. The 'forces' of nature and how they are portrayed in the poem also help Coleridge to get his points across and heavily contributes to the idea of romanticism in the poem.
In this poem, Colderidge uses emotions combined with imagery to create the meaning of this romantic poem. All throughout, this poem is mesmerizing by the way it is written. It’s beauty add enduring qualities help to add a romantic style. The imagery is unmistakably vivid and to produce an emotional appeal within the reader. This imagery was most likely used to offer an understanding to what the character was experiencing, but not be relatable. While reading this poem, the style and fluidity entranced me to a point where a almost forgot what the poem was about.
Coleridge's "Kubla Kahn" truly showcases his ability to smoothly implement rhythmic beat, as well as write what seems to be an iambic tetrameter. At any rate, one must note the sharp changes upon each stanza, a product of Coleridge's rich imagination and spontaneity. He manages to translate all of this into an explosion of nature and feeling that although arbitrary reveals a story behind Coleridge himself. As in several pieces of Romantic literature, the chronology is extremely skewed, and given what seems to be different topics within each stanza, Coleridge implements a variety of voices, heterogeneous narration, a common device of romantic literature. Nature is portrayed as an ultimate guide, a teacher, a plane in which Coleridge manifests his numerous feelings. Although arbitrary, I definitely appreciate the method in which Coleridge infuses what seems to be an arbitrary topic, into a classical structure.
Nature-oriented imagery mixes with an exhilarating and adventurous spirit in this poem. Like his contemporaries, such as Shelley, Coleridge uses melancholic emotions and feelings and juxtaposes them with natural imagery, a technique often found in Romantic poetry. But unlike other Romantic poetry, "Kubla Khan" adds a bit of Homeric bombast to the proceedings. Images of, say, "sunny spots of greenery" and "an incense-bearing tree" make way for "ancestral voices prophesying war" and what may be a volcano with "huge fragments vault(ing) like rebounding hail". Such exciting imagery is still Romantic at heart, as one key concept of Romanticism was an increased focus on the power of the imagination, and Coleridge put his own to its full potential. Because "Kubla Khan" conveyed Romantic concepts with a sense of adrenaline, I thought it was visually arresting, but also led us to interpret it in our own way. This poem is definitely a great one.
Pleasure dome in a fantasy place called Xanadu betrays rationality in its surrealistic descriptions of the natural serenity of the place that is at the same time tumultuously buffeted by the powerful acts of Mother Nature. It is a place that is both dreamlike and nightmarish, with sounds that sooth like music and haunts like a wailing woman. The scale of the pleasure dome is amplified by its placement amidst the sublime awe that comes from nature in the mountains, rivers, and oceans. It comes to life out of the turmoil that arises from the never ending struggle between Earth, wind, water and fire. Personification (Earth panting and breathing), simile (huge fragments vaulting like rebounding hail or chaffy grain), and hyperbole (caverns measureless to man) paint a scene of living geologic elements at war with each other and creating havoc on a vast scale (Kublai heard from afar Ancestral voices prophesying war). The initial calm and soothing feelings quickly end, awakened by the sounds of tumult and excitement of seismic proportions, evoked by the awe inspiring struggle of the elements of nature that is Earth. Perhaps Pleasure dome is a metaphor for Earth from vantage points on its surface.
Coleridge pays homage to the brilliance of the capricious imagination in “Kubla Khan”, filling his stanzas with rich depictions of an impossible utopia. Romanticism takes a starring role in the poem, with nature serving as the focal point of nearly every stanza. Coleridge glorifies the untamed beauty of nature by unleashing a torrent of adjectives, occasionally intentionally juxtaposing certain aspects of the natural world to create emotional depth. The poet, at one instance, describes a “sunny pleasure-dome with caves of ice”, placing two antithetical objects in close proximity to one another to heighten the intensity of his poem. While Coleridge achieves the seemingly insurmountable feat of effectively describing an idyllic world, his language frequently seems superfluous. However, the poet’s fervent desire at the culmination of the poem to create Kubla Khan’s utopia through “symphony and song” evokes a sense of tranquility, thus ending the poem in a manner befitting the nature of true Paradise.
Dejection: An Ode. Youry Aglyamov, Per. 1 Gah, I hate Blogspot. Typed up some stuff, lost it. Let's try again.
First, this is in fact a Romantic poem. There's quite a bit of natural imagery:
"the wind, Which long has raved unnoticed. What a scream Of agony by torture lengthened out That lute sent forth! Thou Wind, that rav'st without, Bare crag, or mountain-tairn, or blasted tree, Or pine-grove whither woodman never clomb,"
et cetera. But though this has a lot of nature in it, none of this can help the poet's pure depression like a pill. In other words, the nature's almost bad for his expressed melancholy- the wind cannot distract him from a pure malaise. Of course, emotion is Romantic too, but falls as well to melancholy thoughts.
Second, yes, there's imagery. For instance: "void, dark, and drear" which is interesting, actually, because it describes a mood. Therefore this is also a metaphor.
Third, I found this poem boring. It goes on too long and loses coherence. It's Romantic, but in parts it's also romantic and about nature- but not throughout.
Last, a Wyrmist critique. Dejection: an Ode is a poem about Coleridge being unable to escape depression (due to Prozac not yet being invented.) The reason is likely based on life. Thinking too much inevitably leads to such matters. Coleridge escapes the depression- temporarily- by focusing on listening to nature, but even that can't help and thought claws its way back. At the end, though, Coleridge finally fights off depression by thinking of a female friend- but not, in likelihood, for long. That is his fate, as he does not desire- or can't take- sleep, and action seems beyond him in the night. Thus, in a sense, the poem speaks of the time when night could not be used productively, and Coleridge asks for progress on that front.
Coleridge typifies the spirit of Romanticism in this work, personifying nature and expressing the disorder of the natural world. Coleridge describes the wind as a "dull sobbing draft, that moans" as well as the night...unroused by winds" to give a sense of the power and primal force behind the approaching storm. The speaker of the poem wishes for the storm to arrive to alleviate the "dull pain" of his grief, the grief caused by the dejection of his love. The speaker states that staring at the "green light that lingers in the west" will not form passion and life in him, because those feelings come from within. Emotion is confined to our soul, the speaker argues, and even the beauty of the natural world cannot influence it.
Khubla Khan employs several contrasting statements to describe the paradise of Xanadu. When first mentioned Xanadu has a finite area, constricted by walls, while the infinite caves where the river runs are surrounding. As Coleridge begins to describe the surrounding mountains, an awe-inspiring natural place which is simultaneously savage. At the start of the river Alph a fountain is forced upwards. Fountaints often represent life, or the beginning of a journey, since the fountain at the start of the river is pushed it represents some sort of forced creation such as the constructed Xanadu in an otherwise holy place. Overall the place of Xanadu is one of death and destruction but we are always reminded of the miraculousness of Kubla Khan's creation. The poem's stress of nature and natural things proves it to be an example of Romanticism, where a fascination with the power of nature is prevalent. The very end of the poem sums leaves a final warning, where Khan is "drunk on the milk of Paradise" to not get caught up in the interest of life.
This poem depicts the Romantic distinction between "Fancy" and "Imagination". Coleridge describes imagination as "A light, a glory, a fair luminous cloud -Enveloping the Earth." Already, imagination is portrayed as something that is truer and beyond what can be perceived by normal senses. He elaborates that imagination is "spirit and the power - Which wedding Nature to us gives in dower." This extols the Romantic view that imagination is natural and is a power bestowed upon all individuals. In the sixth stanza, Coleridge makes the distinction between "Imagination" and "Fancy" using the imagery of foliage that grew round him "like the twisting vine" to imply that Fancy is merely a series of happy dreams that capture and bog down the mind. Likewise, Imagination is a higher faculty of the mind that acts on a higher level. Imagination is "what nature gave me at my birth." This poem exemplifies the fascination of the Romantic movement with the origins of Imagination and its distinction from thoughts and ideas of Fancy.
Alina Vega Kubla Kahn The very first stanza contains an immediate hint of Romanticism — “through caverns measureless to man,” it says, immediately connecting this poem to nature. This poem takes a darker spin on nature, expressing it as a sinister, yet mysterious and alluring place. The chasm is “a savage place,” “haunted by woman wailing for her demon-lover.” Outside the chasm, however, nature is lighter and beautiful, filled with “sunny spots of greenery.” However, there is an underlying story that the reader struggles to follow. It is difficult to focus on the story and the language at the same time. It’s obviously a darker story, thick with shouts of “Beware! Beware!” and “holy dread.” It’s an odd, surreal story, very loose to translation, but leading to the same general theme of human temptation tied to nature.
The garden is this poem is described as savage and tumultuous. Coleridge seems as if he is in awe of this fearsome garden. This awe of nature was common in many Romantic works. As I read I could feel the wildness of the untamed garden. The haphazard rhyme scheme helped this feeling along.
Allan Sadun, 7th period, responding to "Kubla Khan"
Coleridge, high on opium as usual, here depicts his personal utopia. Half the poem is spent describing the "savage place" (a classic Romantic theme) where Kubla builds his dome, and its beauty. The most interesting part of the poem, however, is when Coleridge describes himself visiting the site - enlightened by the sight of the area, he has driven himself insane with joy. I don't understand, however, why this near-ecstacy is viewed as dangerous. Why does he, a Romantic, see natural beauty as something that turns him into a raving madman, with hair standing on end? It's a chilling depiction - one of the most poignant of all the Romantic poems in this selection - but my only guess as to its purpose is as an analogy for the opium.
In Kubla Khan the Romanticism movement is evident through the thorough description of many natural elements using visuals and feelings. Nature was exemplified through “dancing rocks” and a “lifeless Ocean” and other personifications which are key to the Romanticism movement. Nature withing the poem was also seen as “holy and enchanted” which suggests that nature was viewed as basic, powerful, and measureless to man. The amount of interest which is given to the scenery is also striking. Almost all of the poem (except for a few lines about a woman) is devoted to describing the beauty of nature and its Majesty.
Response to "Kubla Khan": The poem is filled with natural imagery common to Romantic poems. Within this "holy and enchanted" place, Kubla Khan decides to build a dome. As domes are a staple of grand architecture, this is not surprising, but the golden "pleasure dome" takes on a sinister meaning by the end of the play, as it begins to suggest temptation. Also, the wailing woman adds another sinister element to what would otherwise be a cheery garden. The fact that man is the source of both evils further reinforces the feeling of Romanticism. I think Coleridge's time would be better spent writing awesome epics than writing silly romantic poetry like this. Arlen W 8th
"Kubla Khan" Coleridge introduces surrealism, one major concept found in Romaniticism. Several uses of creative potential of the unconscious mind can be found in this piece of writing. For instance, the "measureless caverns," the "romantic chasm seething with turmoil," and the "caves of ice in a sunny pleasure dome" all carry out a surrealistic approach to literature. They all evoke certain emotions, conveying feeling and sensations that were not often alluded to in the Age of Enlightenment. Coleridge uses literary devices such as personification, simile, and hyperbole to create meaning. Examples of personification include the "earth panting and breathing," the "dancing rocks," and the "lifeless ocean." He also uses simile to offer a different perspective and to further arouse emotions of the audience. "huge fragments vaulted like rebounding hail or chaffy grain" introduces a textural perspective to the "huge fragments." Lastly, hyperbole is used to exaggerate Coleridge's points while putting emphasis on them as well. Coleridge describes the caverns as "measureless to man" as an example. My emotional reaction to this poem was a peaceful and serene response to the earthy illustrations drawn by Coleridge.
"Kubla Khan" Response
ReplyDeleteColeridge is associating Kubla Khan's emotions with natural events and touching on the important of the individual and his genius and imagination, thus making this a romantic poem. As well as taking about on more natural religions. Coleridge also uses rhymes more consistently than Wordsworth. He also used more striking imagery to get his point across. I found this poem considerably more dramatic than Wordsworth and therefore more interesting. I found it to be clearer and to have better imagery. And I liked the historical subject.
On "Kubla Khan"
ReplyDeleteThough Coleridge describes an enclosed garden as "romantic" and "enfolding sunny spots of greenery", he also praises the tumultuous happenings within the garden. Coleridge seems to acknowledge the barbarity and unexpectedness of nature and the characters' seemingly irrational and devilish actions by using words with negative connotations such as 'demon' and 'force' as well as analogies that illustrate the power of nature and its potential to damage. Yet all of these images are associated with feelings of joy and awe that exceed 'the measure of man' and overcome the constraining walls of the garden. Within the phrase, 'The shadow of the dome of pleasure' there seems to be a contradiction, yet it is this paradox between pleasure and untamed, gigantic forces of nature that drive Coleridge's points emulating romantic ideals home.
"Measureless to man"
Kubla Khan
ReplyDeleteThrough the use of dramatic descriptions and hefty syntax, the emotions of the author are clearly illustrated and contribute to the Romantic aspects of the poem. The descriptions of nature create a dismal tone because of the word choice. Although there was a slight rhythm it was not consistent throughout the entire poem which made the middle drag on longer. This tone then allows for the interpretation of the authors emotions which are along the lines of depressed and mournful. After reading this poem I felt heavier and tired because the dark descriptions were a lot to take in. - Mimi Strauss, 8th period
Samuel Taylor Coleridge "Kubla Khan"
ReplyDeleteMuch of the emotion in Coleridge’s poem is expressed through the elements. Instead of using pathos or tragedy to evoke emotion, Coleridge uses weather patterns to guide the emotions of his audience. The illustrative scenery is unruly and seems to follow its own set of rules, often spontaneously appearing and then disappearing seemingly without reason. In all this, Coleridge emphasizes the need for spontaneity in thought and action and in the expression of such thought. Even though he uses the spontaneous appearance of natural elements to drive the emotional aspect of this piece the piece is not just a slew of descriptive imagery. Much like a short story there are definite plot points. Thus Kubla Khan is an example of romantic literature that exalts nature and spontaneity above other aspects of plot.
Lydia Liou 8th period
Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s Kubla Khan expresses Romantic longing for the tangled wilderness: “But oh! that deep romantic chasm which slanted / Down the green hill athwart a cedarn cover! / A savage place!”. The savagery he describes evokes a yearning for more primal simplicity. The poem accentuates the individual by telling the tale of one man, Kubla Khan. The landscape is grand and sweeping, echoing the “moods of Nature” proposed by Romanticism. This poem has a more succinct description of nature, but the brevity emphasizes its simple beauty.
ReplyDelete~Raeneisha Cole/Period 8
ReplyDeleteAfter reading "Kubla Khan", I can say that it was one of my favorite poems to read. For the most part in the poem, Coleridge uses descriptions of the garden and through his emotions and descriptions of words, this is revealed as romantic to his readers. What i find different in with Coleridge's writing is actually the form of poetry itself. It resembles more of a classic poem, as far as the rhyming scheme goes. Coleridge also used many literary techniques to get out what he wanted to say. The projection of nature (and at times religion) is seen repeatedly throughout the poem along with the walls of the garden which seem restricting. The imagery associated with the poem reveal happiness or acceptance. The 'forces' of nature and how they are portrayed in the poem also help Coleridge to get his points across and heavily contributes to the idea of romanticism in the poem.
In this poem, Colderidge uses emotions combined with imagery to create the meaning of this romantic poem. All throughout, this poem is mesmerizing by the way it is written. It’s beauty add enduring qualities help to add a romantic style. The imagery is unmistakably vivid and to produce an emotional appeal within the reader. This imagery was most likely used to offer an understanding to what the character was experiencing, but not be relatable. While reading this poem, the style and fluidity entranced me to a point where a almost forgot what the poem was about.
ReplyDelete-Anna Provenzano, 1st period
"Kubla Kahn"
ReplyDeleteColeridge's "Kubla Kahn" truly showcases his ability to smoothly implement rhythmic beat, as well as write what seems to be an iambic tetrameter. At any rate, one must note the sharp changes upon each stanza, a product of Coleridge's rich imagination and spontaneity. He manages to translate all of this into an explosion of nature and feeling that although arbitrary reveals a story behind Coleridge himself. As in several pieces of Romantic literature, the chronology is extremely skewed, and given what seems to be different topics within each stanza, Coleridge implements a variety of voices, heterogeneous narration, a common device of romantic literature. Nature is portrayed as an ultimate guide, a teacher, a plane in which Coleridge manifests his numerous feelings. Although arbitrary, I definitely appreciate the method in which Coleridge infuses what seems to be an arbitrary topic, into a classical structure.
On "Kubla Khan"
ReplyDeleteWill Whitehurst, 7th Period
Nature-oriented imagery mixes with an exhilarating and adventurous spirit in this poem. Like his contemporaries, such as Shelley, Coleridge uses melancholic emotions and feelings and juxtaposes them with natural imagery, a technique often found in Romantic poetry. But unlike other Romantic poetry, "Kubla Khan" adds a bit of Homeric bombast to the proceedings. Images of, say, "sunny spots of greenery" and "an incense-bearing tree" make way for "ancestral voices prophesying war" and what may be a volcano with "huge fragments vault(ing) like rebounding hail". Such exciting imagery is still Romantic at heart, as one key concept of Romanticism was an increased focus on the power of the imagination, and Coleridge put his own to its full potential. Because "Kubla Khan" conveyed Romantic concepts with a sense of adrenaline, I thought it was visually arresting, but also led us to interpret it in our own way. This poem is definitely a great one.
Pleasure dome in a fantasy place called Xanadu betrays rationality in its surrealistic descriptions of the natural serenity of the place that is at the same time tumultuously buffeted by the powerful acts of Mother Nature. It is a place that is both dreamlike and nightmarish, with sounds that sooth like music and haunts like a wailing woman. The scale of the pleasure dome is amplified by its placement amidst the sublime awe that comes from nature in the mountains, rivers, and oceans. It comes to life out of the turmoil that arises from the never ending struggle between Earth, wind, water and fire. Personification (Earth panting and breathing), simile (huge fragments vaulting like rebounding hail or chaffy grain), and hyperbole (caverns measureless to man) paint a scene of living geologic elements at war with each other and creating havoc on a vast scale (Kublai heard from afar Ancestral voices prophesying war). The initial calm and soothing feelings quickly end, awakened by the sounds of tumult and excitement of seismic proportions, evoked by the awe inspiring struggle of the elements of nature that is Earth. Perhaps Pleasure dome is a metaphor for Earth from vantage points on its surface.
ReplyDeleteKubla Khan
ReplyDeleteHamsini Sriraman Period 7
Coleridge pays homage to the brilliance of the capricious imagination in “Kubla Khan”, filling his stanzas with rich depictions of an impossible utopia. Romanticism takes a starring role in the poem, with nature serving as the focal point of nearly every stanza. Coleridge glorifies the untamed beauty of nature by unleashing a torrent of adjectives, occasionally intentionally juxtaposing certain aspects of the natural world to create emotional depth. The poet, at one instance, describes a “sunny pleasure-dome with caves of ice”, placing two antithetical objects in close proximity to one another to heighten the intensity of his poem. While Coleridge achieves the seemingly insurmountable feat of effectively describing an idyllic world, his language frequently seems superfluous. However, the poet’s fervent desire at the culmination of the poem to create Kubla Khan’s utopia through “symphony and song” evokes a sense of tranquility, thus ending the poem in a manner befitting the nature of true Paradise.
Dejection: An Ode.
ReplyDeleteYoury Aglyamov, Per. 1
Gah, I hate Blogspot. Typed up some stuff, lost it. Let's try again.
First, this is in fact a Romantic poem. There's quite a bit of natural imagery:
"the wind,
Which long has raved unnoticed. What a scream
Of agony by torture lengthened out
That lute sent forth! Thou Wind, that rav'st without,
Bare crag, or mountain-tairn, or blasted tree,
Or pine-grove whither woodman never clomb,"
et cetera. But though this has a lot
of nature in it, none of this can help
the poet's pure depression like a pill.
In other words, the nature's almost bad
for his expressed melancholy- the wind
cannot distract him from a pure malaise.
Of course, emotion is Romantic too,
but falls as well to melancholy thoughts.
Second, yes, there's imagery. For instance:
"void, dark, and drear"
which is interesting, actually, because it describes a mood. Therefore this is also a metaphor.
Third, I found this poem boring. It goes on too long and loses coherence. It's Romantic, but in parts it's also romantic and about nature- but not throughout.
Last, a Wyrmist critique. Dejection: an Ode is a poem about Coleridge being unable to escape depression (due to Prozac not yet being invented.) The reason is likely based on life. Thinking too much inevitably leads to such matters. Coleridge escapes the depression- temporarily- by focusing on listening to nature, but even that can't help and thought claws its way back. At the end, though, Coleridge finally fights off depression by thinking of a female friend- but not, in likelihood, for long. That is his fate, as he does not desire- or can't take- sleep, and action seems beyond him in the night. Thus, in a sense, the poem speaks of the time when night could not be used productively, and Coleridge asks for progress on that front.
"Dejection: An Ode"
ReplyDeleteColeridge typifies the spirit of Romanticism in this work, personifying nature and expressing the disorder of the natural world. Coleridge describes the wind as a "dull sobbing draft, that moans" as well as the night...unroused by winds" to give a sense of the power and primal force behind the approaching storm. The speaker of the poem wishes for the storm to arrive to alleviate the "dull pain" of his grief, the grief caused by the dejection of his love. The speaker states that staring at the "green light that lingers in the west" will not form passion and life in him, because those feelings come from within. Emotion is confined to our soul, the speaker argues, and even the beauty of the natural world cannot influence it.
Roger Cain
Period 3
Khubla Khan employs several contrasting statements to describe the paradise of Xanadu. When first mentioned Xanadu has a finite area, constricted by walls, while the infinite caves where the river runs are surrounding. As Coleridge begins to describe the surrounding mountains, an awe-inspiring natural place which is simultaneously savage. At the start of the river Alph a fountain is forced upwards. Fountaints often represent life, or the beginning of a journey, since the fountain at the start of the river is pushed it represents some sort of forced creation such as the constructed Xanadu in an otherwise holy place. Overall the place of Xanadu is one of death and destruction but we are always reminded of the miraculousness of Kubla Khan's creation. The poem's stress of nature and natural things proves it to be an example of Romanticism, where a fascination with the power of nature is prevalent. The very end of the poem sums leaves a final warning, where Khan is "drunk on the milk of Paradise" to not get caught up in the interest of life.
ReplyDeleteSamuel Taylor Coleridge: Dejection: An Ode
ReplyDeleteThis poem depicts the Romantic distinction between "Fancy" and "Imagination". Coleridge describes imagination as "A light, a glory, a fair luminous cloud -Enveloping the Earth." Already, imagination is portrayed as something that is truer and beyond what can be perceived by normal senses. He elaborates that imagination is "spirit and the power - Which wedding Nature to us gives in dower." This extols the Romantic view that imagination is natural and is a power bestowed upon all individuals. In the sixth stanza, Coleridge makes the distinction between "Imagination" and "Fancy" using the imagery of foliage that grew round him "like the twisting vine" to imply that Fancy is merely a series of happy dreams that capture and bog down the mind. Likewise, Imagination is a higher faculty of the mind that acts on a higher level. Imagination is "what nature gave me at my birth." This poem exemplifies the fascination of the Romantic movement with the origins of Imagination and its distinction from thoughts and ideas of Fancy.
Matt Goodman - Period 7
Alina Vega
ReplyDeleteKubla Kahn
The very first stanza contains an immediate hint of Romanticism — “through caverns measureless to man,” it says, immediately connecting this poem to nature. This poem takes a darker spin on nature, expressing it as a sinister, yet mysterious and alluring place. The chasm is “a savage place,” “haunted by woman wailing for her demon-lover.” Outside the chasm, however, nature is lighter and beautiful, filled with “sunny spots of greenery.” However, there is an underlying story that the reader struggles to follow. It is difficult to focus on the story and the language at the same time. It’s obviously a darker story, thick with shouts of “Beware! Beware!” and “holy dread.” It’s an odd, surreal story, very loose to translation, but leading to the same general theme of human temptation tied to nature.
Kubla Khan
ReplyDeleteThe garden is this poem is described as savage and tumultuous. Coleridge seems as if he is in awe of this fearsome garden. This awe of nature was common in many Romantic works. As I read I could feel the wildness of the untamed garden. The haphazard rhyme scheme helped this feeling along.
Katelyn Alexander 7th
Allan Sadun, 7th period, responding to "Kubla Khan"
ReplyDeleteColeridge, high on opium as usual, here depicts his personal utopia. Half the poem is spent describing the "savage place" (a classic Romantic theme) where Kubla builds his dome, and its beauty. The most interesting part of the poem, however, is when Coleridge describes himself visiting the site - enlightened by the sight of the area, he has driven himself insane with joy. I don't understand, however, why this near-ecstacy is viewed as dangerous. Why does he, a Romantic, see natural beauty as something that turns him into a raving madman, with hair standing on end? It's a chilling depiction - one of the most poignant of all the Romantic poems in this selection - but my only guess as to its purpose is as an analogy for the opium.
In Kubla Khan the Romanticism movement is evident through the thorough description of many natural elements using visuals and feelings. Nature was exemplified through “dancing rocks” and a “lifeless Ocean” and other personifications which are key to the Romanticism movement. Nature withing the poem was also seen as “holy and enchanted” which suggests that nature was viewed as basic, powerful, and measureless to man. The amount of interest which is given to the scenery is also striking. Almost all of the poem (except for a few lines about a woman) is devoted to describing the beauty of nature and its Majesty.
ReplyDeleteBen G
Response to "Kubla Khan":
ReplyDeleteThe poem is filled with natural imagery common to Romantic poems. Within this "holy and enchanted" place, Kubla Khan decides to build a dome. As domes are a staple of grand architecture, this is not surprising, but the golden "pleasure dome" takes on a sinister meaning by the end of the play, as it begins to suggest temptation. Also, the wailing woman adds another sinister element to what would otherwise be a cheery garden. The fact that man is the source of both evils further reinforces the feeling of Romanticism. I think Coleridge's time would be better spent writing awesome epics than writing silly romantic poetry like this.
Arlen W 8th
"Kubla Khan"
ReplyDeleteColeridge introduces surrealism, one major concept found in Romaniticism. Several uses of creative potential of the unconscious mind can be found in this piece of writing. For instance, the "measureless caverns," the "romantic chasm seething with turmoil," and the "caves of ice in a sunny pleasure dome" all carry out a surrealistic approach to literature. They all evoke certain emotions, conveying feeling and sensations that were not often alluded to in the Age of Enlightenment. Coleridge uses literary devices such as personification, simile, and hyperbole to create meaning. Examples of personification include the "earth panting and breathing," the "dancing rocks," and the "lifeless ocean." He also uses simile to offer a different perspective and to further arouse emotions of the audience. "huge fragments vaulted like rebounding hail or chaffy grain" introduces a textural perspective to the "huge fragments." Lastly, hyperbole is used to exaggerate Coleridge's points while putting emphasis on them as well. Coleridge describes the caverns as "measureless to man" as an example. My emotional reaction to this poem was a peaceful and serene response to the earthy illustrations drawn by Coleridge.