Ode to Dejection by s.t. Coleridge

👉 About the poet 

"Ode to Dejection" is a famous poem written by Samuel Taylor Coleridge in 1802. It expresses the poet's feelings of despair and melancholy.


Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834) was an English poet, literary critic, philosopher, and theologian. He isko best known for his contributions to the Romantic movement in literature and his influential works in both poetry and prose. Here are some key points about the poet:


Early Life: Coleridge was born on October 21, 1772, in Ottery St Mary, Devon, England. He came from a relatively humble background but showed a strong inclination for literature and learning from a young age.


Friendship with Wordsworth: Coleridge is often associated with William Wordsworth, another prominent Romantic poet. They collaborated on several works, including "Lyrical Ballads," which is considered a cornerstone of English Romanticism.


Poetic Works: Coleridge's most famous poems include "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," "Kubla Khan," and "Christabel." These poems are celebrated for their vivid imagery, supernatural elements, and exploration of the human psyche.


Philosophy and Criticism: He also wrote extensively on philosophy and literary criticism. His critical works, such as "Biographia Literaria," had a significant impact on literary theory and criticism.


Opium Addiction: Coleridge struggled with opium addiction for much of his life, which had a profound influence on his health and work. "Kubla Khan" is believed to have been written in an opium-induced state.


Religious Interests: In addition to his literary pursuits, Coleridge had a deep interest in theology and philosophy. He explored themes of spirituality and the human condition in his writings.


Later Life: Coleridge faced financial difficulties and health problems in his later years. He spent some time in Malta and Italy before returning to England.


Legacy: Samuel Taylor Coleridge is regarded as one of the key figures in English Romantic literature. His poems and writings continue to be studied and admired for their imaginative power and exploration of complex themes.


Coleridge's life and work continue to be subjects of fascination and study in the field of English literature, and his contributions to the Romantic movement have left an enduring legacy in the world of poetry and literary criticism.

             Samuel Taylor Coleridge 

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Poem  

Dejection: An ode

Stanza 1: 

The speaker addresses a "gentle Lady" and expresses his deep sadness and dejection. He compares his melancholy state to a "fitful fever," indicating that it is something he cannot control or overcome.

Stanza 2: 

The speaker turns to nature for solace. He describes the beauty of the moon, stars, and nightingale's song, emphasizing how they contrast with his inner turmoil. Nature provides a glimmer of hope and a sense of transcendence.

Stanza 3: 

The speaker reflects on the power of the imagination to relieve his dejection. He believes that through his creative faculties, he can construct a world of beauty and harmony that can counteract his despair. He longs for his imaginative powers to rescue him from his misery.

Stanza 4: 

The speaker acknowledges that his melancholy is cyclical, with periods of joy and sorrow. He feels like a "barren bough" that cannot bear fruit, symbolizing his emotional emptiness. He seeks comfort in the idea that his imagination can elevate him from these emotional lows.

Stanza 5: 

The speaker describes how his sadness can lead to self-destructive thoughts. He contemplates suicide but rejects it as a solution, recognizing that it's his creative imagination that gives him the potential for transcendence.

Stanza 6: 

In the final stanza, the speaker resolves to embrace his imaginative powers as a means to overcome his dejection. He believes that the imagination can create a world of beauty, joy, and harmony, ultimately redeeming him from his emotional suffering.

"Ode to Dejection" explores the themes of melancholy, the healing power of nature, and the redemptive potential of the human imagination. Coleridge uses vivid imagery and introspective reflection to convey the speaker's journey from despair to hope and creative inspiration.