Sexuality and Violence in Chirstabel and Kubla Khan By Samuel Taylor Coleridge - Research Paper Example

? s School Sexuality and Violence in Chirstabel and Kubla Khan By Samuel Taylor Coleridge Taylor Coleridge is known for his dark and rhythmic poetry with vision and extreme imagery involved. His poems are also known for bold themes discussed in unique, indirect yet impactful way for instance sexuality, homosexuality for that matter along with other themes involving violence. To make a generalized statement regarding the themes stressed upon by Coleridge, two of his most popular poems, i.e. “Christabel” and “Kubla Khan” will be discussed in detail focusing mainly on the bold and intricate themes being identified after a thorough analysis of these poems. Christabel is a gothic poem, as are many of his other poems as well, which focuses on the protagonist Christabel who meets Geraldine, who claims to have been abducted by some men. However, Geraldine`s character is a complicated one, which keeps changing as the poem proceeds, and in this incomplete poem of Coleridge many elements of sexuality and lesbianism can be traced, which have also been a source of controversy for many, violence being yet another theme of the poem. On the other hand, Kubla Khan is another opium induced piece which addresses the beauty and violence involved with nature, however deals nature to explain, commend and even comment on sexuality and other intimate moments arousing pleasure in a very tricky manner indeed. Thus, the nature of the work produced by Samuel Taylor Coleridge can be generalized after having discusses the poems, all of which will be the focus of the paper. However, prior to commenting on the works, it is crucial to discuss the context and general style of writing used by Coleridge. Samuel Taylor Coleridge was born at Devon in 1772, his father being clergymen. He was sent to London for studies while he was still young and he went to Cambridge to pursue a degree, however left without completing the full course of study. Since he was the poet of the eighteenth century, the socio-political situation can`t be ignored, however it must be considered as an important driving source behind his style of writing. This era marked the beginning on French revolution and a time of war between major European States. During this time, he started his journey as a political radical poet along with other major poets like William Wordsworth, and his most impactful contribution was for the Lyrical Ballad. Coleridge got married in 1795, and stayed close to Wordsworth and his sister during that time, where he happened to meet Sara Hutchinson whom he fell in love with and the relationship was meant to last for a long time (Ashton pp 185). Owing much to the complications of his life, he became an Opium addict which later made him move with a Surgeon to maintain his health. He was a devoted poet which he proved by contributing for literature until the time he died, and his contribution today is also valued for having set the roots for the movement for Romanticism which got momentum and perspective years later. (Radley pp 99-100) After having analyzed the context regarding his life, it is now quite convenient to comment on his writings and relate them to the kind of life he has lived. Imagination has been one of the strong points behind the work of Coleridge. Though all authors and poets have been believed to possess this trait, however, Coleridge has been believed to possess extra-ordinary qualities in this regard. His works and the use of imagery and words is unique in the sense that they are symbolic for themes which an ordinary thinker wouldn’t even imagine linking. Also, the characters produced by Coleridge have the potential to entirely switch from one mode to another, completely giving up on the surrounding and yet being able to give meanings to the abrupt shift which seems to make perfect sense for the readers who then become deeply attached to the context and the themes. This is also one of the reasons for the sudden and long term impacts which his poems leave on the readers most of the time. Also, though the works of Coleridge are deeply induced by imagery and abstract thinking, but still it can`t be labeled as being meaningless and unattached with deeper meanings. In other words, his works clearly seem to be a product of deeper intellectual understanding on intricate concepts, and his works also discuss significant issues for instance, religion etc. He also uses supernatural concepts and characters, even immortal and existential yet mystical subjects like spirituality, God, evil, Vampires etc. Also, since he was a radical by nature also the context made his disagree with the surroundings and the happenings, thus even his poetic style was quite different from the traditional one, as he has often found using conversational style for his poems. Though, during that time, the literature was ought to be produced only for the upper class, however he, along with Wordsworth has often been found to break the Cliches and addressing rather the lower and the middle class. Also, his poems clearly indicate the impact of the death of his father on him, as in many of his poems he is found expressing deep concern and imaginative images of a lonely son sitting neat fire. However, when it comes to nature, it won`t be wrong to assume that he used to worship nature as expressed through his works, which is why he is appraised by other romantics. The explanations and detailing in his works is completely out of this world, which is only possible due to the use of powerful imagery and metaphorical style of writing whereby nature stands for something else, rather something concrete. Also, he is often appraised for using symbols in a tricky yet appealing manner, for instance, he has used Sun as a symbol many times which stands for power, influence and other Godly traits. Similarly, while moon represents the darkness of night, while at the same time it can also be attributed with many positive traits, such as the aesthetics associated with the moonlight among many other things. Thus, Coleridge is known as a dreamy poet who has managed to put his vision into words for the readers to understand and be effected from. However, as a general observation, his vision and strong imagery often results into expressing bold themes along with violence portrayed in his works, which has also many times become a source of criticism for him. Now, to shed light on his works, i.e. Kubla Khan and Christabel it is first crucial to understand the context of this poem after which a thorough analysis can be made which can be used to draw patterns regarding the bold and even the violent themes expressed in his works. Thus, to achieve this, both poems need to be analyzed one by one, since one poem is about nature and various aspects of nature which imply, rather are symbolic for other crucial aspects of life. However, the other poem revolves around a woman who encounters another woman, whereby, quite bold words and themes have been used to explain the complexities of life. Starting off with Kubla Khan, this poem has been a result of opium intake by Coleridge after which he fell asleep (Scheiner pp10). This poem is thus deemed to be a product of that drug induced sleep, as Coleridge himself tells how he had seen the contents of the poem in his dreams which he had penned down into words. In Xanadu did Kublai Khan A stately Pleasure-Dome decree, Where Alph, the sacred river ran Through caverns measureless to man Down to a sunless sea. So twice five miles of fertile ground With walls and towers was girdled ’round, And there were gardens bright with sinuous rills, Where blossomed many an incense-bearing tree; And here were forests ancient as the hills, Enfolding sunny spots of greenery (Lines 1-10) Quoted above are the starting verses of the poem, which reflect the core theme rather setting of the poem, i.e. since he had slept after reading a piece on Xanadu which was a palace of the Chinese ruler thus he claims to have seen the place in his dreams. Thus, once he woke up, he started penning down the images and his own thoughts about these images by using a strong yet appealing language. However, according to the words of Coleridge himself, he was interrupted by a person from Perlock while he was writing the poem after which he forgot the poem, and whatever he had written after the interruptions is said to be his own interpretations and his own work of creativity not being affected by the dream which he had forgotten. Since the author was ill during the time he had written the poem, thus he was living at a lonely place situated between Linton and Porlock, where he was prescribed certain drugs to cure his illness. Thus, the deep images he saw in his dreams were penned down by him in quite unique yet impactful words. However, a contradiction between nature and violence is often observed during the course of reading this poem, for instance, when he was interrupted by someone, he then continued his verse saying; Then all the charm Is broken--all that phantom-world so fair Vanishes, and a thousand circlets spread, And each mis-shape the other. Stay awhile, Poor youth! who scarcely dar'st lift up thine eyes-- The stream will soon renew its smoothness, soon The visions will return! And lo! he stays, And soon the fragments dim of lovely forms Come trembling back, unite, and now once more The pool becomes a mirror. (Lines 9-16) Thus, one can clearly identify strong words like phantom-world, thine eyes, trembling back etc, thus a paradox can be observed implying that behind nature there is hidden a plot or rather a possibility which contributes in harsh realities of life, which the author explains in context of Kubla Khan who holds decree to the Palace which Coleridge has placed as the centre of attention for the poem. He also describes various elements of nature explaining various elements of nature which he observed in the palace. For instance, he first beautifies the Alph fountain which can be implied as the conception of creativity which has been forced by individuals. Also, a fountain is also said to be symbolic of the cycle which results on death, which implies how humans are bound to die no matter how much they ignore it. Also, he uses quotes like, “And 'mid this tumult Kubla heard from far, ancestral voices prophesying war!” where he tries to explain how he hears the voices of the dead which is yet another gothic theme and when read in a context results in scaring away the readers and making them realize the dark aspects of life. Along with these images, he further goes on describing images of Dead Sea and a dome and cavern which also contributes in describing the darkness associated with life. Then, in the latter stanzas he mentions a, “damsel with dulcimier”, who is an Abyssinian maid, whom he earlier wants to please, however at the same time gives a paradoxical statement saying that, “all who heard him crying, Beware!”. Now, a reader may be wonder how this account of Kubla Khan has discussed sexuality or violent themes, however, in order to understand that, one has to read between the lines and understand nature which is symbolic for sexual pleasures, thus Coleridge has cloaked sexual descriptions under the imitations of natural phenomena. Right in the first stanza, he relates the beauty of the palace with the beauty of a woman, where he uses the term, “stately-pleasure dome” which expresses sensuality associated with the acts of sexuality. Further on in the poem, he describes nature on context to the elements of fertility related to woman where he expresses his thoughts in phrases like, “caverns measureless to man” and “fertile ground”, “enfolding the greenery”, which clearly indicates the reproductive traits of women. In the second stanza, he goes ahead to describe the pleasure associated with intercourse with a woman. Here he describes the feeling of men for women in terms of sexuality quoting, “wailing for demon lover” during the course of the poem. Also, while he goes ahead stressing on the intense pleasure sought during the intercourse by using phrases like, “as if this earth is fast thick pants were breathing”, thus every line in this very stanza contributes in describing how each step in the process is sensual and pleasurable thus using strong sense of sexuality. Further, while he describes how water falls from the sacred river in a slow motion and meets the garden which is clearly symbolic for orgasm in men which contributes towards mating between man and woman resulting from sex. Further, when he mentions damsel and her beauty, here too he has been expressing the beauty and sexuality associated with a woman by virtue of which a man finds her attractive and appealing to be fit for mating. Coming to the poem Christabel, which is yet another classic written by Coleridge, this poem is the description of a story of a woman named Christabel who is the protagonist of this poem. This is a lengthy poem which consists of two parts, while Coleridge had also planned three more parts however he was unable to do so. The story takes a turn when Christabel meets another woman, Geraldine, who is a stranger however claims that she had been abducted from her house by some evil men. Christabel goes to the woods where there is an oak tree and she goes by to pray beside the tree, where she happens to hear a voice, which turned out to be Geraldine, who as mentioned above says that she had been abducted by some men. Christabel being a kind women pities Geraldine and thus, takes her home with herself, where she encounters strange supernatural signs which indicate that there must be something wrong. While Christabel is spending her night with Geraldine owing to the circumstance, Geraldine undresses which reveals a strange mark on her body, which is described by Coleridge in quotes saying, “Behold, her bosom and half her side – A sight to dream of, not to tell – And she is to sleep by Christabel” (246-48). The poem though is an unfinished one, but the piece available ends where Sir Leoline, who is the father of Christabel, is captivated by Geraldine and thus dispatches orders of her rescue. (Hayes pp 34) To comment on the violence and sexuality expressed in the works, the theme and the setting of the poem also needs to be kept in mind. In this poem, Coleridge has followed a Gothic theme, which often utilizes the supernatural good and evil spirits, characters and concepts to stress on the theme of the poem. Right in the beginning of the poem where the poet expresses, "'Tis the middle of night by the castle clock, / And the owls have awakened the crowing cock" (Bloom ll 1-2). This part automatically sets the tone of the entire poem as a Gothic one, where a sense of negativity and uncertainity can automatically be sensed. To further make sense in this regard, a stanza may be quoted in this regard; Is the night chilly and dark ? The night is chilly, but not dark. The thin gray cloud is spread on high, It covers but not hides the sky. The moon is behind, and at the full ; And yet she looks both small and dull. The night is chill, the cloud is gray : 'Tis a month before the month of May, And the Spring comes slowly up this way. The lovely lady, Christabel, Whom her father loves so well, What makes her in the wood so late, A furlong from the castle gate ? She had dreams all yesternight Of her own betrothed knight ; And she in the midnight wood will pray For the weal of her lover that's far away. (Bloom pp 267) Thus, these two stanzas clearly indicate the tone, as well as the story telling technique used in this poem. As the poem progresses, it takes sharp yet appealing turns whereby Geraldine changes her character and a paradox can be identified clearly in the context which makes it even more interesting, and the dark gothic elements are intensified. At first, Geraldine plays tired and innocent as if she can`t carry herself, thus, Christabel carries her to the house by dragging her all the way. Then, when Geraldine finds out that Chistabel`s mother is dead, at first she pities her but later changes perceptions instantly. This marks the beginning of intense violence expressed in the poem, as instantly, Geraldine rids the entire room of the mother`s spirit to take over Christabel, however, Christabel ignores, upon which Geraldine tales action which is further expressed in intensely strong words and imagery, which is highly violent in nature and leaves a strong impact on the readers. Moreover, there are many instances when sexuality and themes like lesbianism are also expressed by Coleridge in the poem, by showing instances between Geraldine and the pleasure which Christabel seeks in her. The sexuality of Geraldine, though is related to the evil spirits and her demonic powers owing to which she is deemed as a lesbian, though this aspect is still debated over and criticized by many. These instances are implied during various instances where firstly, sexually arouses instances have been portrayed and secondly two women sharing a bed has been mentioned which clearly shows the sexuality which is mentioned in the poem. Like one that shuddered, she unbound The cincture from beneath her breast: Her silken robe, and inner vest, Dropt to her feet, and in full view, Behold! her bosom - and her side (Bloom pp 252) Thus, this is the phrase where descriptions regarding Geraldine have been quoted, where any reader can clearly identify sexual themes, and rather very clear and direct ones can be traced. The naked body of Geraldine is the focus in this context, where the detailing is found to be mentioning all the parts of the body. In the stanza`s following this one, various other instances have also been mentioned where other modes of sexuality have been discussed very openly, For instance, at another instance, Coleridge writes that; Such gentle thankfulness declare, That (so it seemed) her girded vests Grew tight beneath her heaving breasts `Sure I have sinn'd !' said Christabel, `Now heaven be praised if all be well !' (Bloom pp 269) Thus, these themes have been discussed at various instances throughout the poem, however, this is not the only aspect which has been discussed, rather, additionally, and lesbianism has also been one of the core themes of this very poem. Quoted below is one such quote where an episode of such an instance has been expressed; Quoth Christabel, So let it be ! And as the lady bade, did she. Her gentle limbs did she undress And lay down in her loveliness. But through her brain of weal and woe So many thoughts moved to and fro, That vain it were her lids to close ; So half-way from the bed she rose, And on her elbow did recline To look at the lady Geraldine (Bloom pp 270) Thus, both women undressing in front of each other, laying together on the same bed and portraying movements which would elsewhere be unacceptable. Thus, in this instance, Coleridge hasn’t just written on sexuality rather he has reversed roles and challenged the norms and rules of the nature, and portrayed lesbianism i.e. sexual relations between same sexes which is yet another bold enactment of sexuality by the poet (Ritter pp 23-24). Coleridge has used the technique of associating supernatural traits to the supernatural processes and beings, after which one can assume that Coleridge is not endorsing homosexuality as a normal process, however, in another case others are of the view that this is not the case, and also that he has every right to voice his opinions. Thus, conclusively, Coleridge has the habit of using bold themes like sexuality and violence in his works. Sometimes, he cloaks this theme into other elements like nature, whereby he very intelligently explains processes, movements and action between objects of nature to explain the sexual concepts and processes. However, in other works, he is not hesitant in directly using a language to explain sex arousing concepts and to beautify the parts of body which are otherwise considered to be vulgar. He even at times, doesn’t feel any hesitation in mentioning homosexuality rather explaining the entire process involving two people from the same sex. As far as violence is concerned, though he doesn’t directly uses text where violence is being endorsed, rather he uses such themes, settings or language which tricks the human mind to such an extent that it scares off. Coleridge thus uses paradox and Gothic themes, along with dark imagery and negative tone which is regarded as very impactful and aggressive by the readers, thus in other words it is said to induce violence. His style of writing and use of bold themes in a very appealing manner owes much to the kind of life he has had. Since he had lived alone all his life, without a family as his father had died while he was too young, it had affected him profoundly. Also, he was a radical who had written and contributed much at a time when war was prevalent all around Europe and thus the restlessness prevailed in his mind. Also, the sexual contexts and imagery, and negative connotation which he had related can be related to his married life, after which he had affair with another girl which lasted for a few years, thus his disturbed relations have also immensely effected his works. Thus, in any case, sexuality and violence are two most pressing themes found common in almost all works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Works cited Ashton, Rosemary. The Life of Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Blackwell Publishing, 1996: pp. 184-185. Bloom, Harold and Tr illing, Lionel ed. The Oxford Anthology of English Literature: Romantic Poetry and Prose. New York: Oxford University Press, 1973. pp 257-273. Hayes, Kevin J. The Cambridge Companion to Edgar Allan Poe. United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press, 2002. Radley, Virginia L. "Samuel Taylor Coleridge." Twayne's English Author Series. New York: G.K. Hall & Co., 1999. Ritter, Susan. "Gothic Elements in the Poetry of Coleridge and Keats." 2002. Cedar Crest College. 15 April 2006.http://courses.wcupa.edu/fletcher/britlitweb/sritter b.html Coleridge, Samuel T. Kubla Khan. Champaign, Ill: Project Gutenberg, 1990. Internet resource. Schneider, Elisabeth W. Coleridge, Opium, and Kubla Khan. New York: Octagon Books, 1966. Print Coleridge, Samuel T, and Tuley F. Huntington. Coleridge's Ancient Mariner, Kubla Khan and Christabel. New York: The Macmillan Co, 1899. Print. Read More