'To Nature' by Samuel Taylor Coleridge


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It may indeed be fantasy when I
Essay to draw from all created things
Deep, heartfelt, inward joy that closely clings;
And trace in leaves and flowers that round me lie
Lessons of love and earnest piety.
So let it be; and if the wide world rings
In mock of this belief, it brings
Nor fear, nor grief, nor vain perplexity.
So will I build my altar in the fields,
And the blue sky my fretted dome shall be,
And the sweet fragrance that the wild flower yields
Shall be the incense I will yield to Thee,
Thee only God! and thou shalt not despise
Even me, the priest of this poor sacrifice.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Wonder of Nature in Coleridge's Poem

Have you ever stood in the presence of a great natural wonder and felt overwhelmed by its beauty and power? Samuel Taylor Coleridge, in his poem "To Nature," captures the awe and reverence that we often feel in the face of nature's wonders. Through his use of vivid imagery and romantic language, Coleridge conveys the importance of nature in our lives and celebrates its ability to inspire us and connect us to something greater than ourselves.

The Power of Nature

In the opening lines of the poem, Coleridge addresses nature as a "mighty oracle" and a "voice of solemn sound." He sets the tone for the rest of the poem by establishing nature's power and authority. Coleridge views nature as a source of knowledge and wisdom, something to be respected and honored.

As the poem progresses, Coleridge uses powerful imagery to describe the forces of nature. He speaks of the "vast and measureless abyss" and the "ocean's mighty roar." These images convey the overwhelming size and power of nature, reminding us of our own smallness in the face of such majesty.

The Beauty of Nature

Despite its power, Coleridge also recognizes the beauty of nature. He describes the "verdant groves" and the "rosy bowers" of the natural world, painting a picture of a vibrant and colorful landscape. Nature, for Coleridge, is not just a force to be reckoned with, but also a source of joy and wonder.

The poem also contains several references to animals and birds, further emphasizing the diversity and richness of the natural world. Coleridge writes of the "playful fawns" and the "feathered choir," reminding us of the many different creatures that inhabit the earth alongside us.

Nature and the Human Experience

Throughout the poem, Coleridge makes it clear that he sees nature as an essential part of the human experience. He writes of the "healing power" of nature and its ability to soothe our troubled minds. Nature, for Coleridge, is not just something to be admired from a distance, but something that can provide comfort and solace in difficult times.

At the same time, Coleridge recognizes the fragility of the natural world. He speaks of the "dreadful power" of man to destroy nature, and warns of the consequences of such destruction. For Coleridge, nature is not just a source of beauty and wonder, but also something that we must strive to protect and preserve.

Conclusion

In "To Nature," Samuel Taylor Coleridge captures the power and beauty of the natural world. Through his use of vivid imagery and romantic language, he reminds us of the importance of nature in our lives and celebrates its ability to inspire us and connect us to something greater than ourselves. As we continue to face environmental challenges in the modern world, Coleridge's poem serves as a reminder of the value and significance of the natural world. So let us take a moment to pause and appreciate the wonders of nature around us, and to remember the importance of treating our planet with care and respect.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

To Nature: A Poem that Celebrates the Beauty of the Natural World

Samuel Taylor Coleridge, one of the greatest poets of the Romantic era, was known for his love of nature and his ability to capture its essence in his poetry. In his poem "To Nature," Coleridge celebrates the beauty and power of the natural world, and reflects on the ways in which it can inspire and uplift the human spirit.

The poem begins with a vivid description of the natural world, as Coleridge addresses nature directly:

"O Nature! I do not aspire To be the highest in thy choir, To be a meteor in thy sky, Or comet that may range on high; Only a zephyr that may blow Among the reeds by the river low; Give me thy most privy place Where to run my airy race."

Here, Coleridge expresses his humility in the face of nature's grandeur, acknowledging that he does not seek to be a "meteor" or "comet" in its sky, but rather a humble "zephyr" that can move among the reeds by the river. He asks nature to grant him a place where he can run his "airy race," suggesting a desire to be free and unencumbered, like the wind.

In the second stanza, Coleridge continues to describe the beauty of nature, using vivid imagery to paint a picture of the natural world:

"In some withdrawn, unpublic mead Let me sigh upon a reed, Or in the woods, with leafy din, Whisper the still evening in: Some still work give me to do, Only--be it near to you!"

Here, Coleridge imagines himself in a quiet, secluded meadow, where he can sigh upon a reed and enjoy the peacefulness of the natural world. He also expresses a desire to work, but only if it is "near to" nature, suggesting that he finds inspiration and fulfillment in the natural world.

In the third stanza, Coleridge reflects on the ways in which nature can inspire and uplift the human spirit:

"For the subtlest wits of all Are subject to the chance of all, And common as the common air, Be they less or be they fair, Love and fortune play their part In shaping of the human heart. Tell me, if you found a cure To pluck the wandering stars, and pure, Would you leave them, all, to dwell In the dark and silent well? So with the mind:--when once we've given Aught to be sav'd from air or heaven, We may behold the grim endeavour Give labour to eternity."

Here, Coleridge suggests that even the most brilliant minds are subject to the whims of love and fortune, and that the human heart is shaped by these forces. He then poses a hypothetical question, asking whether one would leave the stars in the sky if they could be plucked and made pure. The answer, of course, is no - just as we would not want to remove the stars from the sky, we should not seek to remove ourselves from the natural world. Coleridge argues that when we give something to be saved from the air or heaven, we are giving something of ourselves to eternity.

In the fourth and final stanza, Coleridge concludes the poem with a powerful statement about the beauty and power of nature:

"Ah, no! then would no zephyr blow For us again, nor river flow, Nor cloud float high above the hills; No meteor lighting the night's chills; Orbit and grave would disappear, And, wandering many a year, Spirit and frame would surely sever, We'd be lost upon forever!"

Here, Coleridge suggests that if we were to remove ourselves from the natural world, we would lose everything that makes life worth living. Without the wind, the river, the clouds, and the stars, we would be lost forever. He emphasizes the importance of nature in our lives, and the need to appreciate and celebrate its beauty and power.

In conclusion, "To Nature" is a beautiful and powerful poem that celebrates the beauty and power of the natural world. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Coleridge captures the essence of nature and reflects on the ways in which it can inspire and uplift the human spirit. As we continue to face environmental challenges in the modern world, this poem serves as a reminder of the importance of nature in our lives, and the need to protect and preserve it for future generations.

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