'France: An Ode' by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
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IYe clouds! that far above me float and pause,Whose pathless march no mortal may control!Ye Ocean-Waves! that, whereso'er ye roll,
Yield homage only to eternal laws!
Ye Woods! that listen to the night-birds singing,Midway the smooth and perilous slope reclined,
Save when your own imperious branches swinging,Have made a solemn music of the wind!
Where, like a man beloved of God,
Through glooms, which never woodmand trod,How oft, pursuing fancies holy,
My moonlight way o'er flowering weeds I wound,Inspired, beyond the guess of folly,
By each rude shape and wild unconquerable sound!
O ye loud Waves! and O ye Forests high!And O ye Clouds that far above me soared!
Thou rising Sun! thou blue rejoicing Sky!Yea! every thing that is and will be free!Bear witness for me, whereso'er ye be,With what deep worship I have still adoredThe spirit of divinest Liberty.IIWhen France in wrath her giant-limbs upreared,And with that oath, which smote air, earth, and sea,Stamped her strong foot and said she would be free,
Bear witness for me, how I hoped and feared!
With what a joy my lofty gratulationUnawed I sang, amid a slavish band:
And when to whelm the disenchanted nation,Like fiends embattled by a wizard's wand,The Monarchs marched in evil day,And Britain joined the dire array;Though dear her shores and circling ocean,
Though many friendships, many youthful lovesHad swoln the patriot emotion
And flung a magic light o'er all the hills and groves;
Yet still my voice, unaltered, sang defeatTo all that braved the tyrant-quelling lance,
And shame too long delayed and vain retreat!
For ne'er, O Liberty! with parial aim
I dimmed thy light or damped thy holy flame;But blessed the paeans of delivered France,
And hung my head and wept at Britain's name.III'And what,' I said, 'though Blasphemy's loud screamWith that sweet music of deliverance strove!Though all the fierce and drunken passions wove
A dance more wild than e'er was maniac's dream!Ye storms, that round the dawning East assembled,
The Sun was rising, though ye hid his light!'And when, to soothe my soul, that hoped and trembled,
The dissonance ceased, and all that seemed calm and bright;When France her front deep-scarr'd and goryConcealed with clustering wreaths of glory;When, unsupportably advancing,Her arm made mockery of the warrior's ramp;While timid looks of fury glancing,Domestic treason, crushed beneath her fatal stamp,
Writhed like a wounded dragon in his gore;Then I reproached my fears that would not flee;
'And soon,' I said, 'shall Wisdom teach her lore
In the low huts of them that toil and groan!
And, conquering by her happiness alone,Shall France compel the nations to be free,
Till love and Joy look round, and call the Earth their own.'Forgive me, Freedom! O forgive those dreams!I hear thy voice, I hear thy loud lament,
From bleak Helvetia's icy caverns sent-
I hear thy groans upon her blood-stained streams!Heroes, that for your peaceful country perished,
And ye that, fleeing, spot your mountain-snowsWith bleeding wounds; forgive me, that I cherished
One thought that ever blessed your cruel foes!To scatter rage, and traitorous guilt,Where Peace her jealous home had built;A patriot-race to disinherit
Of all that made their stormy wilds so dear;And with inexpiable spirit
To taint the bloodless freedom of the mountaineer-
O France, that mockest Heaven, adulterous, blind,And patriot only in pernicious toils!
Are these thy boasts, Champion of human kind?To mix with Kings in the low lust of sway,
Yell in the hunt, and share the murderous prey;
To insult the shrine of Liberty with spoilsFrom freemen torn; to tempt and to betray?The Sensual and the Dark rebel in vain,Slaves by their own compulsion!In mad gameThey burst their manacles and wear the nameOf Freedom, graven on a heavier chain!O Liberty! with profitless endeavour
Have I pursued thee, many a weary hour;But thou nor swell'st the victor's strain, nor ever
Didst breathe thy soul in forms of human power.Alike from all, howe'er they praise thee,(Nor prayer, nor boastful name delays thee)Alike from Priestcraft's harpy minions,And factious Blasphemy's obscener slaves,Thou speedest on thy subtle pinions,
The guide of homeless winds, and playmate of the waves!
And there I felt thee!-on that sea-cliff's verge,Whose pines, scarce travelled by the breeze above,
Had made one murmur with the distant surge!
Yes, while I stood and gazed, my temples bare,
And shot my being through earth, sea, and air,Possessing all things with intensest love,O Liberty!my spirit felt thee there.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"France: An Ode" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Have you ever read a poem that made you feel as if you were transported to another time and place? A poem that not only captures the essence of a nation, but also the very soul of its people? If not, then you need to read "France: An Ode" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
This ode is a masterpiece of literature, a stunning tribute to a nation that has inspired countless artists, writers, and poets throughout history. It is a celebration of the beauty, culture, and spirit of France, a nation that Coleridge clearly held in high regard.
In this detailed 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the many layers of meaning in this magnificent ode, examining its themes, structure, language, and symbolism to gain a deeper understanding of Coleridge's vision of France.
Themes
The themes of "France: An Ode" are many and varied, reflecting the complexity of the nation itself. At its core, this ode is a celebration of France's cultural heritage, from its majestic architecture to its vibrant artistic traditions. But it is also a tribute to the resilience and strength of the French people, who have endured countless struggles and triumphs throughout their history.
One of the most prominent themes in the poem is the idea of France as a land of freedom and enlightenment. Coleridge writes:
O France, that mockest Heaven, adulterous, blind,
And patriot only in pernicious toils,
Are these thy boasts, champion of human kind?
To mix with hells in the sulphurous pools,
But thou, that didst appear so fair
To fond imagination, dost betray
Thy babbling streams, to foul ignoble drains!
In these lines, Coleridge laments the fact that France has strayed from its lofty ideals, becoming a nation that is "adulterous, blind, and patriot only in pernicious toils." However, he also recognizes the enduring spirit of the French people, who have the strength to overcome even the darkest of times.
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of France as a land of beauty and art. Coleridge writes:
Ye citadels of noblest architecture,
That rear your stately heads, and lift your spires
More proudly up, the more your foundations deep
Are lay'd in earth; in memory of those
Who, with combining skill, and zealous hands,
Rear'd you aloft, and pour'd amid your vaults
The solemn organ's rich and swelling tones.
These lines evoke the grandeur and majesty of French architecture, from the soaring spires of Notre Dame to the intricate carvings of the Palace of Versailles. Coleridge celebrates the artistry and skill of those who created these wonders, recognizing the deep cultural heritage that they represent.
Structure
"France: An Ode" is structured in four stanzas, each consisting of twenty lines. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which gives it a sense of rhythm and flow. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABABCB, with the final line of each stanza standing alone.
The structure of the poem is both simple and elegant, allowing Coleridge to focus on the themes and imagery that he wishes to convey. The use of iambic pentameter gives the poem a sense of movement and momentum, while the rhyme scheme provides a subtle sense of unity and coherence.
Language
One of the most striking aspects of "France: An Ode" is Coleridge's use of language. His words are evocative and powerful, creating vivid images that transport the reader to another time and place. Consider, for example, these lines:
Ye Alps, that look majestic from the wall
Of heaven, as if the giant brood of war,
Had rear'd their dreadful features to the sky,
And from destruction's caverns loudly spoke
The howling winds, as if with them they sought
To rouse the spirit of the sinking world.
In these lines, Coleridge uses language to create a vivid sense of the grandeur and majesty of the Alps. His words are carefully chosen to convey the sense of awe that the mountains inspire, from their "majestic" appearance to their "dreadful features."
The use of imagery is a hallmark of Coleridge's poetry, and "France: An Ode" is no exception. Throughout the poem, he uses vivid descriptions and metaphors to evoke the spirit of France, from its "babbling streams" to its "citadels of noblest architecture."
Symbolism
Finally, "France: An Ode" is rich with symbolism, reflecting the many layers of meaning that Coleridge wished to convey. One of the most prominent symbols in the poem is the idea of France as a land of contrasts, a nation that is both beautiful and flawed.
Consider these lines:
O France! that loudest voiced of nations,
Once thy proud name was magic in all tongues;
And still, to the unskilful and the young,
Illustrious, as e'er in the days of old,
When minstrelsy first framed heroic tales.
Here, Coleridge uses the symbol of France's "loud voice" to represent the nation's power and influence. However, he also recognizes the flaws that exist beneath the surface, such as the "pernicious toils" that have led France astray.
Another symbol that runs throughout the poem is the idea of France as a land of culture and art. Coleridge writes:
Ye spirits of the mighty dead,
That walk with Fame beneath her solemn plumes,
Go, bid our fathers' shades assemble round
Your thrones, and ye, that from the crystal cliffs
Of fairy-land the wide horizon scann'd,
Whose spangled turrets crown the yellow stream,
Revisit oft these heart-enchanted vales,
And teach your sisters to behold in men
The lofty forms of bright intelligence.
In these lines, Coleridge uses the symbol of the "mighty dead" to represent the great artists, writers, and thinkers of France's past. He recognizes the importance of their legacy, and calls upon them to inspire future generations to greatness.
Conclusion
"France: An Ode" is a magnificent tribute to a nation that has inspired countless artists, writers, and poets throughout history. Coleridge's use of language, imagery, and symbolism creates a vivid portrait of France, capturing both its beauty and its flaws.
At its core, this ode is a celebration of France's cultural heritage, from its majestic architecture to its vibrant artistic traditions. But it is also a tribute to the resilience and strength of the French people, who have endured countless struggles and triumphs throughout their history.
In reading "France: An Ode," we are reminded of the enduring power of art and culture, and the ways in which they can inspire us to greatness. Coleridge's words are a testament to the enduring spirit of France, and a reminder of the importance of recognizing the beauty and complexity of the world around us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry France: An Ode - A Masterpiece of Romanticism
Samuel Taylor Coleridge, one of the greatest poets of the Romantic era, wrote the poem "France: An Ode" in 1798. This ode is a masterpiece of Romanticism, a literary movement that emphasized emotion, imagination, and individualism. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in this poem.
Themes
The poem "France: An Ode" is a tribute to the French Revolution, which began in 1789 and lasted for ten years. The poem celebrates the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity that inspired the revolutionaries. Coleridge was a supporter of the French Revolution, and he saw it as a symbol of hope for oppressed people all over the world. The poem is also a critique of the British government, which Coleridge believed was corrupt and oppressive.
The poem begins with a description of the French Revolution as a "mighty world of eye and ear." Coleridge uses vivid imagery to convey the chaos and excitement of the revolution. He describes the "stormy music" of the revolutionaries and the "flashing of swords" as they fight for their freedom. The poem also celebrates the courage and determination of the French people, who are willing to risk their lives for their ideals.
Structure
The poem "France: An Ode" is divided into four stanzas, each with a different rhyme scheme. The first stanza has a rhyme scheme of ABAB, the second stanza has a rhyme scheme of ABCC, the third stanza has a rhyme scheme of ABAB, and the fourth stanza has a rhyme scheme of ABCC. This structure gives the poem a sense of balance and symmetry.
The first stanza sets the scene and establishes the theme of the poem. The second stanza describes the French Revolution in vivid detail. The third stanza celebrates the courage and determination of the French people. The fourth stanza is a call to action, urging the British people to follow the example of the French and fight for their own freedom.
Literary Devices
Coleridge uses a variety of literary devices in "France: An Ode" to create a powerful and emotional poem. One of the most striking devices he uses is imagery. He uses vivid descriptions of the revolutionaries, the streets of Paris, and the French countryside to create a sense of drama and excitement. For example, he describes the "stormy music" of the revolutionaries and the "flashing of swords" as they fight for their freedom.
Another literary device Coleridge uses is personification. He personifies the French Revolution as a "mighty world of eye and ear" and as a "giant angel." This personification gives the revolution a sense of power and majesty.
Coleridge also uses alliteration and assonance to create a musical quality to the poem. For example, he uses the phrase "stormy music" to describe the sound of the revolutionaries. He also uses the repetition of the "s" sound in the phrase "sweet is the breath of morn" to create a sense of calm and tranquility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "France: An Ode" is a masterpiece of Romanticism that celebrates the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Coleridge uses vivid imagery, personification, and literary devices such as alliteration and assonance to create a powerful and emotional poem. The poem is a tribute to the French Revolution and a critique of the British government. It is a call to action, urging people to fight for their freedom and their ideals. "France: An Ode" is a timeless work of literature that continues to inspire and move readers today.
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