'To A Young Ass' by Samuel Taylor Coleridge


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Its mother being tethered near it

Poor little Foal of an oppressèd race!
I love the languid patience of thy face:
And oft with gentle hand I give thee bread,
And clap thy ragged coat, and pat thy head.
But what thy dulled spirits hath dismay’d,
That never thou dost sport along the glade?
And (most unlike the nature of things young)
That earthward still thy moveless head is hung?
Do thy prophetic fears anticipate,
Meek Child of Misery! thy future fate?
The starving meal, and all the thousand aches
‘Which patient Merit of the Unworthy takes’?
Or is thy sad heart thrill’d with filial pain
To see thy wretched mother's shorten’d chain?
And truly, very piteous is her lot -
Chain’d to a log within a narrow spot,
Where the close-eaten grass is scarcely seen,
While sweet around her waves the tempting green!

Poor Ass! they master should have learnt to show
Pity - best taught by fellowship of Woe!
For much I fear me that He lives like thee,
Half famished in a land of Luxury!
How askingly its footsteps hither bend?
It seems to say, 'And have I then one friend?'
Innocent foal! thou poor despis’d forlorn!
I hail thee Brother - spite of the fool's scorn!
And fain would take thee with me, in the Dell
Of Peace and mild Equality to dwell,
Where Toil shall call the charmer Health his bride,
And Laughter tickle Plenty's ribless side!
How thou wouldst toss thy heels in gamesome play,
And frisk about, as lamb or kitten gay!
Yea! and more musically sweet to me
Thy dissonant harsh bray of joy would be,
Than warbled melodies that soothe to rest
The aching of pale Fashion's vacant breast!

Editor 1 Interpretation

To A Young Ass: A Critical Interpretation

Oh boy, where do we even start with Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "To A Young Ass"? This poem is a classic example of Coleridge's ability to seamlessly blend humor with beauty and depth. It's a poem that's both lighthearted and profound, and its meaning is something that's been debated and interpreted by scholars for years. So, let's dig in and take a closer look at this literary masterpiece.

The Poem

First, let's read through the poem:

Poor little Foal of an oppressed race!
I love the languid patience of thy face:
And oft with gentle hand I give thee bread,
And clap thy ragged coat and pat thy head.

But what thy dulled spirits hath dismay'd,
That never thou dost sport along the glade?
And (most unlike the nature of things young)
That earthward still thy moveless head is hung?

Do thy prophetic fears anticipate,
Meek Child of Misery! thy future fate?
The starving meal, and all the thousand aches
Which patient merit of the unworthy takes?
Or is thy sad heart thrill'd with filial pain
To see thy wretched mother's shorten'd chain?
And truly, very piteous is her lot—
Chain'd to a log within a narrow spot,

Where the close-eaten grass is scarcely seen,
While sweet around her waves the tempting green!
Poor Ass! thy master should have learnt to show
Pity,—best taught by fellowship of woe!

For much I fear me, that He lives like thee,
Half famish'd in a land of luxury!
How askingly its footsteps hither bend?
It seems to say, 'And have I then one friend?'

Innocent foal! Thou poor despis'd forlorn!
I hail thee Brother—spite of the fool's scorn!
And fain would take thee with me, in the Dell
Of Peace and mild equality to dwell,

Where Toil shall call the charmer Health his bride,
And Laughter tickle Plenty's ribless side!
How thou would'st toss thy heels in gamesome play,
And frisk about, as lamb or kitten gay!

Yea! and more musically sweet to me
Thy dissonant harsh bray of joy would be,
Than warbled melodies that soothe to rest
The aching of pale Fashion's vacant breast!

## Analysis

Okay, now that we've read through the poem, let's dive into the analysis. First, we have to understand that the poem is addressed to a young ass, which is a metaphor for a person who is oppressed and downtrodden. The speaker of the poem is addressing this young ass and expressing his love and sympathy for it.

The poem starts out with the speaker acknowledging the young ass's oppressed race and expressing his affection for the animal. He describes the ass's face as having "languid patience," which is a beautiful way of expressing the animal's quiet suffering.

Next, the speaker expresses confusion at the young ass's behavior. Despite being young, the ass doesn't seem to play or frolic like other young animals. Instead, it hangs its head low and seems to be weighed down by some sort of burden.

The speaker then wonders if the young ass's behavior is due to some sort of prophetic fear of its future. Will the ass too, like its mother, be subject to starvation and oppression? Or is the young ass simply experiencing pain at seeing its mother's misery?

The speaker then turns his attention to the young ass's mother, who is chained up and barely able to graze on the sparse grass around her. The speaker expresses pity for the mother and notes that it's the duty of the young ass's master to show it and its mother some compassion.

The speaker then takes a jab at the young ass's master, suggesting that he too is living in a state of constant hunger and misery despite being surrounded by luxury. He notes that the ass's master should know better than anyone what it's like to be oppressed and downtrodden.

The poem then takes a hopeful turn as the speaker imagines a different world, one where the young ass can live in peace and equality with others. The young ass would be able to play and frolic like other young animals, and its dissonant bray of joy would be more beautiful to the speaker than any polished melody.

## Interpretation

There are a few different interpretations of "To A Young Ass," but one common theme is the concept of empathy and compassion towards those who are oppressed and downtrodden. The young ass serves as a metaphor for anyone who is suffering due to their race, class, or other factors beyond their control.

The speaker of the poem expresses deep sympathy for the young ass and its mother, and he calls on others to show them compassion as well. In a way, the poem is a call to action, urging readers to recognize the suffering of others and to take steps to alleviate that suffering.

Another interpretation of the poem is that it's a critique of the societal structures that allow for oppression and inequality to exist. The young ass and its mother are not suffering because of anything they've done wrong; they're suffering because of the actions of others. The poem calls on those in positions of power to recognize the harm they're causing and to take steps to remedy it.

Finally, the poem can be seen as a celebration of life and joy in the face of adversity. Despite the young ass's suffering, the speaker imagines a world where the animal can play and frolic like any other young creature. The dissonant bray of joy that the young ass makes is more beautiful to the speaker than any polished melody, suggesting that the imperfections and hardships of life can be just as beautiful as perfection.

## Conclusion

"To A Young Ass" is a beautiful and complex poem that speaks to a number of different themes and ideas. Whether you interpret it as a call to action, a critique of societal structures, or a celebration of life, the poem is a testament to Coleridge's skill as a writer and his ability to convey profound ideas through simple and beautiful language.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry To A Young Ass: A Masterpiece of Satire and Irony

Samuel Taylor Coleridge is one of the most celebrated poets of the Romantic era, known for his lyrical and imaginative works that explore the mysteries of nature, the human psyche, and the divine. Among his many poems, one stands out for its wit, humor, and biting social commentary: Poetry To A Young Ass.

Written in 1794, Poetry To A Young Ass is a satirical poem that mocks the pretensions and follies of the literary world, particularly the poets who claim to be inspired by the Muses and the gods. The poem takes the form of a conversation between an old donkey, who represents the voice of reason and experience, and a young ass, who symbolizes the naive and ambitious poet.

The poem begins with the old donkey asking the young ass why he is braying so loudly and proudly, as if he were a great poet or a prophet. The young ass replies that he has just had a vision of the Muses, who have anointed him as their chosen bard and given him the gift of poetic inspiration. He describes how he saw the Muses dancing on a hill, and how they beckoned him to join them and drink from their sacred spring.

The old donkey, however, is not impressed. He tells the young ass that he is being foolish and deluded, and that the Muses are nothing but a figment of his imagination. He reminds him that he is just a humble donkey, born to carry burdens and plow fields, and that he should not aspire to be something he is not.

The young ass, however, is not deterred. He insists that he has a divine calling, and that he must fulfill it no matter what. He recites some of his verses, which are full of bombastic language, grandiose imagery, and obscure allusions. He claims that his poetry is inspired by the gods themselves, and that it will change the world and bring enlightenment to humanity.

The old donkey, again, is not impressed. He tells the young ass that his poetry is nothing but nonsense, and that he should learn to speak plain and simple language, like a donkey should. He mocks the young ass's use of Latin and Greek words, which he cannot even pronounce correctly, and his reliance on cliches and stereotypes.

The old donkey then proceeds to give the young ass a lesson in the art of poetry, which he says is not about impressing others with fancy words and ideas, but about expressing one's own feelings and experiences in a sincere and authentic way. He tells him that the best poets are those who write from the heart, and who are not afraid to be themselves.

The old donkey also warns the young ass about the dangers of fame and fortune, which he says are fleeting and illusory. He tells him that true happiness comes from within, and that he should not seek validation or approval from others. He advises him to live a simple and humble life, and to enjoy the simple pleasures of nature and friendship.

The poem ends with the young ass realizing the wisdom of the old donkey's words, and thanking him for his guidance. He admits that he was foolish to think that he could be a great poet without first learning the basics of life and language. He promises to follow the old donkey's advice, and to become a better donkey and a better poet.

Poetry To A Young Ass is a masterpiece of satire and irony, which exposes the hypocrisy and vanity of the literary world, and celebrates the virtues of simplicity and sincerity. The poem is full of witty and memorable lines, such as "O thou, whatever title suit thee, Auld Hornie, Satan, Nick, or Clootie!" and "But, O! beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock The meat it feeds on." The poem also showcases Coleridge's mastery of language and rhythm, as well as his ability to blend humor and pathos.

The poem is also a reflection of Coleridge's own struggles as a poet and a human being. Coleridge was known for his erratic behavior, his drug addiction, and his spiritual quest for meaning and transcendence. He was also a close friend and collaborator of William Wordsworth, with whom he co-authored the famous Lyrical Ballads. Poetry To A Young Ass can be seen as a response to the Romantic ideal of the inspired poet, who is seen as a prophet and a visionary. Coleridge, however, challenges this ideal by showing that poetry is not a mystical or supernatural gift, but a human and social practice that requires discipline, craft, and empathy.

In conclusion, Poetry To A Young Ass is a timeless and universal poem that speaks to the human condition and the nature of art. It is a poem that celebrates the power of language and imagination, while also warning against the dangers of ego and illusion. It is a poem that invites us to reflect on our own aspirations and limitations, and to embrace the wisdom of experience and humility. It is a poem that reminds us that we are all donkeys, but that we can also be poets, if we learn to listen to our own braying and to the voices of others.

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