Name : Mehak Arif

Course code; 9063

Assignment no: 2
Assignment no 2
Answer the following questions;

Question no 1:
How does Coleridge deal with the
supernatural in his poems? Give reference
to Kubla Khan and The Rime of the Ancient
Mariner.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge, a prominent

Romantic poet, frequently explores the
supernatural in his works. In "Kubla Khan" and
"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner", Coleridge
delves into the realm of the supernatural,
employing it to convey profound themes and
emotions.

*Kubla Khan*

In "Kubla Khan", Coleridge draws inspiration

from opium-induced dreams, crafting a
surreal, supernatural landscape. The poem
describes the mythical land of Xanadu, created
by the titular Khan. The supernatural elements
are:

1. *Visionary landscape*:
Xanadu is a fantastical realm, with "caverns
measureless to man" and "sunny domes"
(lines 2-3). This dreamlike environment blurs
the lines between reality and fantasy.
2. *The Khan's creative power*: Kubla Khan's
ability to create this fantastical land
showcases his supernatural, godlike power.
3. *The river Alph*:
The river's journey through "caverns
measureless to man" and into the "sunless
sea" (lines 3-4) symbolizes the connection
between the conscious and subconscious, as
well as the supernatural forces that govern the
universe.
4. *The damsel with the dulcimer*:
The mysterious damsel, singing of "Mount
Abora" (line 37), adds to the supernatural
atmosphere, evoking a sense of enchantment
and otherworldliness.
*The Rime of the Ancient Mariner*

In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner",

Coleridge employs supernatural elements to
explore guilt, isolation, and the human
condition. The supernatural aspects include:

1. *The albatross*:
The bird's appearance and subsequent death
serve as a supernatural harbinger of good and
bad fortune, influencing the mariner's journey.
2. *The ghost ship*:
The appearance of the ghostly vessel, crewed
by Death and Life-in-Death (lines 175-176),
marks a turning point in the poem,
emphasizing the supernatural forces at work.
3. *The curse*:
The mariner's killing of the albatross invokes a
supernatural curse, leading to the crew's
suffering and the mariner's isolation.
4. *The spirits*:
The "spirits" that surround the mariner (line
334) and the "voices" he hears (line 358)
contribute to the supernatural atmosphere,
underscoring the idea that the mariner is not
alone in his journey.

In both poems, Coleridge uses the

supernatural to:
1. *Explore the human psyche*
: By delving into the supernatural, Coleridge
examines the human condition, revealing the
complexities of the human mind.
2. *Create a sense of wonder*:
The supernatural elements evoke a sense of
awe and mystery, drawing the reader into the
poem's world.
3. *Convey moral lessons*: .
The supernatural serves as a tool for
conveying moral messages, such as the
consequences of actions (as seen in "The Rime
of the Ancient Mariner").

Through his use of the supernatural, Coleridge

creates rich, thought-provoking poems that
continue to captivate readers with their
haunting beauty and profound themes.
Coleridge masterfully weaves the supernatural
into his poetry, particularly in "Kubla Khan"
and "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner." His
approach to the supernatural is both subtle
and profound, creating a sense of awe and
mystery that enhances the thematic depth of
his works.

### **Kubla Khan**

In "Kubla Khan," the supernatural is evoked
through the vivid and dreamlike imagery that
dominates the poem. The description of the
palace of Kubla Khan, with its "stately
pleasure-dome" and the "caverns measureless
to man," suggests a place beyond the
ordinary, where natural laws do not seem to
apply. The river Alph, which flows through
"caverns measureless to man / Down to a
sunless sea," adds to the mystical atmosphere,
implying an otherworldly setting.

The supernatural is also present in the sudden

shift of tone in the second half of the poem,
where the speaker describes a vision of an
Abyssinian maid and the memory of a
powerful melody she plays. This vision
transcends reality, suggesting a connection
between the poetic imagination and a higher,
supernatural realm. The poet aspires to
recreate this vision and imagines himself as a
god-like figure capable of such creation, which
blurs the line between human and divine,
further emphasizing the supernatural element.
### **The Rime of the Ancient Mariner**
In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," the
supernatural is central to the narrative and
drives the plot. The poem recounts the
mariner's harrowing sea voyage, during which
he encounters various supernatural
phenomena. The killing of the albatross, a bird
considered a good omen, brings a curse upon
the mariner and his crew, leading to a series of
eerie and inexplicable events.

One of the most striking supernatural

elements is the appearance of the ghostly
ship, which carries Death and Life-in-Death,
two figures who play dice for the souls of the
crew. Life-in-Death wins the mariner's soul,
condemning him to a fate worse than death—
eternal wandering and suffering. The
supernatural in this poem is often tied to
themes of guilt, punishment, and redemption,
with the mariner's experiences serving as a
moral and spiritual lesson.

Furthermore, the poem’s supernatural

atmosphere is heightened by the appearance
of the "slimy things" that crawl on the sea, the
sudden stillness of the ocean, and the
mariner's encounter with spirits that guide the
ship home. These elements create a sense of a
world governed by forces beyond human
understanding, reinforcing the poem's moral
and spiritual dimensions.

### **Conclusion**
Coleridge's use of the supernatural in both
"Kubla Khan" and "The Rime of the Ancient
Mariner" serves to explore the boundaries
between reality and imagination, the known
and the unknown. In "Kubla Khan," the
supernatural is more abstract and symbolic,
reflecting the power of poetic creation. In
contrast, in "The Rime of the Ancient
Mariner," it is more narrative-driven, serving
to convey themes of sin, retribution, and
redemption. In both cases, Coleridge uses the
supernatural to evoke a sense of mystery and
wonder, drawing the reader into a world
where the ordinary laws of nature do not
apply, and deeper, more profound truths can
be glimpsed.
Question no 2
 .2 What is the significance of youth and
age in Coleridge's poetry?

In Coleridge's poetry, the themes of youth and

age are deeply intertwined with his
explorations of imagination, mortality,
wisdom, and the passage of time. Coleridge, as
one of the leading figures of the Romantic
movement, often delved into the
psychological and philosophical implications of
these themes, using them to express his views
on human experience, creativity, and the
limitations of life.

### 1. **Youth:
 The Symbol of Imagination and
Innocence**

Youth in Coleridge's poetry is often associated

with imagination, creativity, and the
boundless possibilities that come with a fresh
perspective on the world. This is especially
evident in works like *"Kubla Khan,"* where
the poetic persona dreams of an idealized,
paradisiacal world that embodies the creative
power of the imagination. The youthful mind
is seen as a source of inspiration, capable of
accessing visions and ideas that are beyond
the reach of ordinary perception.

For Coleridge, youth represents a time when

the imagination is at its peak, untainted by the
harsh realities of life. This is why in poems like
*"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,"* there is
a sense of loss when innocence is corrupted.
The Mariner's initial thoughtlessness and lack
of understanding are traits often associated
with youth, leading to his fateful decision to
shoot the albatross. This act, stemming from a
youthful lack of foresight, sets off a chain of
events that brings about profound suffering
and regret, underscoring the transition from
youthful innocence to the painful wisdom that
often comes with age.

### 2. **Age:
The Symbol of Wisdom and Reflection**

As characters in Coleridge's poems age, they

often gain a deeper understanding of the
world and themselves, but this wisdom is
often accompanied by a sense of loss or
melancholy. In *"The Rime of the Ancient
Mariner,"* the Mariner, after enduring great
suffering, becomes a wiser, albeit sorrowful,
figure. His tale is one of penance and
reflection, where age is linked to a heightened
awareness of the consequences of one's
actions. The Mariner's perpetual wandering
and the compulsion to share his story reflect
the burden of wisdom gained through
suffering—a wisdom that only comes with age.

Coleridge contrasts this with the younger

characters in his poems, who are often
depicted as more impulsive or less aware of
the complexities of life. For example, the
Wedding Guest in *"The Rime of the Ancient
Mariner"* is initially youthful and carefree,
but by the end of the Mariner's tale, he is "a
sadder and a wiser man," having gained
insight into the nature of sin, redemption, and
human frailty.

### 3. **The Passage of Time:

Transition from Youth to Age**

The transition from youth to age in Coleridge’s

poetry often symbolizes the inevitable passage
of time and the loss of innocence that comes
with experience. In *"Frost at Midnight,"*
Coleridge reflects on his own youth with a
sense of nostalgia, contrasting it with the
responsibilities and burdens of adulthood. The
poem is filled with a longing for the simplicity
and purity of youth, even as the poet
recognizes the necessity of growth and
maturity.

In this way, Coleridge often uses the contrast

between youth and age to explore the tension
between the ideal and the real, between the
boundless possibilities of the imagination and
the harsh limitations imposed by the physical
world and the passage of time. His treatment
of these themes reflects a deep ambivalence—
on one hand, youth is celebrated for its
creativity and potential, but on the other, age
is valued for the wisdom it brings, albeit at the
cost of lost innocence and the encroachment
of mortality.

### 4. **Imagination vs. Reality**

In Coleridge's work, youth is often connected
to the imagination, which he considered a vital
force that shapes how we perceive and
interact with the world. Age, by contrast, is
associated with reality, where the boundless
dreams of youth are tempered by the
experiences and limitations of life. This
dichotomy can be seen in Coleridge’s
preoccupation with the idea of the “willing
suspension of disbelief,” a concept central to
his poetic theory. This idea suggests that in
youth, one is more capable of engaging with
the fantastical and the imaginative, while age
brings a more skeptical, rational approach to
the world.
Youth and Age in Coleridge's
Poetry**### 5. **Conclusion: The Interplay
of

The significance of youth and age in

Coleridge’s poetry lies in their symbolic roles
as representations of imagination and reality,
innocence and experience, potential and
limitation. Coleridge's exploration of these
themes reveals his broader concerns with the
human condition—the fleeting nature of life,
the consequences of one's actions, and the
inevitable passage from innocence to
experience. By juxtaposing youth and age,
Coleridge not only underscores the
transformative power of time but also invites
readers to reflect on their own journeys from
the exuberance of youth to the reflective
wisdom of age.

Question no 3:
How does Shelley's use of
language and literary
techniques contribute to the
overall meaning of his poetry?

Percy Bysshe Shelley, a prominent Romantic

poet, is celebrated for his masterful use of
language and literary techniques, which
deeply contribute to the overall meaning of
his poetry. Shelley's work is characterized by a
passionate advocacy for individual freedom, a
profound connection with nature, and a
visionary idealism. The following exploration
will detail how Shelley's use of language,
imagery, symbolism, form, and other literary
techniques enhances the themes and
meanings of his poetry.

### 1. **Imagery and Symbolism**

Shelley’s poetry is rich in vivid imagery and

powerful symbolism, both of which serve to
evoke emotional responses and communicate
complex ideas. For example, in "Ode to the
West Wind," Shelley uses the wind as a
symbol of change and revolution. The wind is
depicted as a powerful force of nature,
capable of both destruction and creation:
 *"O wild West Wind, thou breath of
Autumn's being,
Thou, from whose unseen presence the
leaves dead
Are driven, like ghosts from an enchanter
fleeing..."*

Here, the imagery of dead leaves being driven

like ghosts emphasizes the wind’s power to
sweep away the old and make way for the
new. The wind becomes a metaphor for
Shelley’s own desire for personal and societal
transformation, symbolizing the poet’s hope
for political and social renewal.

### 2. **Personification and

Apostrophe**
Shelley frequently employs personification
and apostrophe to give life to abstract
concepts and natural forces, making them
seem almost divine. In "Ode to the West
Wind," the wind is personified as a mighty
force that Shelley directly addresses in an
apostrophic plea:

*"Make me thy lyre, even as the forest is:

What if my leaves are falling like its own!"*

By addressing the wind directly, Shelley

imbues it with a sense of agency and power,
elevating it to a divine status. This technique
not only underscores the poet's reverence for
nature but also aligns with Romanticism’s
emphasis on the sublime in nature. It allows
Shelley to convey a sense of personal
communion with the natural world and to
express his yearning for inspiration and
renewal.

### 3. **Alliteration and Assonance**

Shelley's use of sound devices like alliteration

and assonance contributes to the musicality
and rhythm of his poetry, enhancing its
emotional impact. In "Ozymandias," for
instance, Shelley uses alliteration to convey
the decay and erosion of time:

*"Round the decay

 Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away."*

The repetition of the "l" sound in "lone,"

"level," and "stretch" evokes a sense of
desolation and emptiness, reinforcing the
poem’s theme of the impermanence of human
power and the inevitable decline of even the
mightiest empires.

### 4. **Metaphor and Simile**

Shelley’s poetry is replete with metaphors and

similes that deepen the reader’s
understanding of his themes. In "To a Skylark,"
the skylark is used as a metaphor for pure,
unbounded joy and inspiration:
 *"Hail to thee, blithe Spirit!
Bird thou never wert,
That from Heaven, or near it,
Pourest thy full heart
In profuse strains of unpremeditated art."*

The skylark, which is described as a "blithe

Spirit," becomes a symbol of transcendent
beauty and creativity. By comparing the
skylark to a "spirit" rather than a mere bird,
Shelley elevates it to a higher plane,
suggesting that true inspiration and joy are
otherworldly and beyond the reach of human
experience.
### 5. **Form and Structure**

Shelley often employs specific forms and

structures that reflect and enhance the
themes of his poems. In "Ode to the West
Wind," Shelley uses the terza rima structure, a
complex rhyme scheme (ABA BCB CDC) that
propels the poem forward with a sense of
urgency and momentum, mirroring the
relentless force of the wind itself. The poem’s
structure also reflects the poet’s desire for
revolution and change, with each stanza
building upon the last in a continuous flow of
energy and emotion.

Similarly, in "Ozymandias," the sonnet form is

used to encapsulate the ironic contrast
between the poem's subject—a once-great
king—and the ultimate futility of his hubris.
The strict structure of the sonnet contrasts
with the poem’s content, highlighting the
tension between human ambition and the
inevitable decay wrought by time.

### 6. **Romantic Ideals**

Shelley’s use of language and literary

techniques is also deeply rooted in the
Romantic ideals of imagination, emotion, and
individualism. His poetry often explores the
tension between the ideal and the real, using
lofty, imaginative language to express his
vision of a better world. In "Prometheus
Unbound," for example, Shelley uses highly
symbolic and metaphorical language to depict
the triumph of human spirit and intellect over
tyranny and oppression.

*"To suffer woes which Hope thinks infinite;

To forgive wrongs darker than death or
night;
To defy Power, which seems omnipotent;
To love, and bear; to hope till Hope creates
From its own wreck the thing it
contemplates;"*

In these lines, Shelley’s idealism shines

through in his use of language that suggests
resilience, hope, and the ultimate triumph of
the human spirit. The language is both grand
and evocative, reflecting Shelley’s belief in the
power of the imagination to transcend the
limitations of the physical world.

### Conclusion

In conclusion, Shelley’s use of language and

literary techniques is integral to the overall
meaning of his poetry. Through his use of
imagery, symbolism, personification, sound
devices, metaphor, and form, Shelley not only
conveys his themes but also engages the
reader on a deeper emotional and intellectual
level. His poetry embodies the Romantic spirit,
celebrating the power of nature, the
imagination, and the individual’s capacity for
transformation and renewal. Shelley's mastery
of language allows him to create works that
are not only beautiful and moving but also rich
in meaning and significance.

Question no 4

What is the significance of John

Keats in the Romantic literary
movement?
John Keats is a central figure in the
Romantic literary movement, and his
significance can be understood through
his unique contributions to the themes,
style, and philosophy that defined
Romanticism. Here’s a detailed
explanation:
### 1. **Focus on Imagination and
Emotion:**
- **Imagination as Supreme**:
Keats believed in the supremacy of
imagination over reason, which aligns with the
core Romantic ideal. His poetry often explores
the transformative power of imagination, as
seen in poems like "Ode to a Nightingale,"
where he imagines escaping the pains of the
real world through the immortal song of the
nightingale.
- **Emotional Depth**
: Keats's poetry is noted for its deep emotional
resonance. He explored themes of love,
beauty, melancholy, and mortality with a
profound sensitivity that captured the
Romantic emphasis on personal emotion as a
source of artistic inspiration.

### 2. **Celebration of Beauty:**

- **Beauty as a Central Theme**: For Keats,
beauty was an eternal truth. This belief is
encapsulated in his famous lines from "Ode on
a Grecian Urn": "Beauty is truth, truth
beauty." Keats saw beauty as a refuge from
the harsh realities of life, and his poetry often
seeks to capture fleeting moments of beauty.
- **Sensory Imagery**: Keats’s
descriptions are rich with sensory details,
which bring his celebration of beauty to life.
His vivid imagery appeals to the senses,
creating an immersive experience that is a
hallmark of Romantic poetry.
### 3. **Nature and the Sublime:**
- **Nature as a Source of Inspiration**: Like
other Romantics, Keats revered nature. His
poetry often reflects an awe for the natural
world and its power to evoke sublime
emotions. However, Keats’s approach to
nature is often more personal and less political
compared to contemporaries like
Wordsworth.
- **The Sublime**:
Keats’s exploration of the sublime is evident
in his portrayal of nature’s grandeur and its
ability to inspire a sense of wonder and
sometimes fear. This is seen in poems like
"Ode to a Nightingale," where the natural
world becomes a space for transcendence and
escape.
### 4. **Transience and Mortality:**
- **Focus on the Fleeting Nature of Life**: A
recurring theme in Keats’s work is the
awareness of life’s transience. This
preoccupation with mortality is partly due to
Keats's own life experiences, including the
early loss of his parents and his own struggles
with illness. His poetry often reflects a longing
for permanence in a world where beauty and
joy are fleeting.
- **Melancholy**
: Keats’s contemplation of mortality is
intertwined with a deep sense of melancholy,
which he saw as an essential part of the
human experience. In "Ode on Melancholy,"
he suggests that beauty and joy are
inseparable from sorrow, as the awareness of
life's impermanence heightens the
appreciation of its moments of beauty.

### 5. **Negative Capability:**

- **Concept of Negative Capability**: Keats
introduced the idea of "Negative Capability,"
the ability to embrace uncertainty, doubt, and
ambiguity without seeking logical answers.
This concept is central to his poetic philosophy
and reflects the Romantic embrace of mystery
and the unknown. It allows Keats to explore
complex emotions and themes without forcing
a resolution, leaving space for multiple
interpretations.
- **Ambiguity in Poetry**:
This principle is evident in poems like "La Belle
Dame sans Merci," where the reader is left to
ponder the mysterious nature of the femme
fatale and the knight’s fate. The lack of clear
answers adds to the poem’s haunting quality
and reflects Keats’s belief in the beauty of
unresolved questions.

### 6. **Innovative Use of Form and

Language:**
- **Odes and Sonnets**: Keats is particularly
renowned for his mastery of the ode form,
especially in his series of great odes such as
"Ode to a Nightingale," "Ode on a Grecian
Urn," and "Ode on Indolence." His use of the
sonnet is also notable, as seen in "Bright Star."
Keats's innovations in these forms helped to
refine and elevate them within the Romantic
tradition.
 - **Rich,
Lush Language**: Keats’s language is marked
by its sensuousness and rich, lyrical quality.
His use of language often mirrors the themes
of his poetry, with the sounds and rhythms of
his words enhancing the emotional and
sensory impact of his work.

### 7. **Influence and Legacy:**

- **Posthumous Recognition**: Although
Keats died young and was not widely
recognized during his lifetime, his work had a
profound influence on later poets and the
development of English literature. His
exploration of beauty, emotion, and
imagination, as well as his innovative poetic
forms, have made him a lasting figure in the
Romantic canon.
- **Aestheticism**:
Keats's focus on beauty and art for art’s sake
foreshadowed the Aesthetic Movement of the
late 19th century, influencing poets and artists
who emphasized the importance of beauty
and the sensory experience in art.

### Conclusion:
John Keats’s significance in the Romantic
literary movement lies in his deep emotional
resonance, celebration of beauty, exploration
of nature and the sublime, and innovative
poetic techniques. His ability to capture the
fleeting moments of life and his embrace of
ambiguity and uncertainty have left a lasting
legacy in English literature, making him one of
the most revered poets of the Romantic era.
Question no 5:
What is the central theme explored in
She Walks in Beauty, and how is it
conveyed through the poem's imagery?
The central theme of Lord Byron's poem
*She Walks in Beauty* is the harmonious
blend of inner goodness and outer beauty.
Byron celebrates the way in which the
woman's physical appearance reflects her
moral purity and inner serenity. This
theme is conveyed through the poem's rich
imagery and the careful balance of light
and dark, as well as the juxtaposition of
the woman's physical attributes with her
inner virtues.
### Analysis of Imagery and Themes

**1. Light and Darkness:**

- The poem opens with the famous lines:
*"She walks in beauty, like the night / Of
cloudless climes and starry skies;"* Here,
Byron uses the imagery of a clear, starry night
to describe the woman's beauty. The
comparison to the night suggests a subtle and
serene beauty rather than a bright or
flamboyant one. The "cloudless climes"
symbolize purity, and the "starry skies"
represent the sparkle in her eyes, indicating an
inner light or moral clarity.

- The interplay of light and dark is a recurring

motif in the poem. Byron uses contrasts such
as "One shade the more, one ray the less,"
which suggests that her beauty is a perfect
balance between light and darkness. This
balance is not only a physical description but
also a metaphor for the harmony between her
inner qualities and outer appearance.

**2. Purity and Innocence:**

- The imagery of light in the poem is often
associated with the woman's innocence and
purity. For instance, Byron describes the
woman's "nameless grace" and her "thoughts
serenely sweet expressed," suggesting that
her outward appearance is a reflection of her
pure, untainted soul. The use of the word
"serenely" underscores the peacefulness and
purity that radiates from within her.
 - In the second stanza, Byron focuses on the
woman's physical features: *"Where thoughts
serenely sweet express / How pure, how dear
their dwelling place."* Here, her face is
described as the "dwelling place" of her pure
thoughts, emphasizing that her outward
beauty is a manifestation of her inner virtues.

**3. Inner and Outer Beauty:**

- The poem blurs the line between physical
beauty and moral goodness, suggesting that
true beauty encompasses both. The woman's
physical appearance is described in terms of
her inner qualities, as seen in lines like, *"And
on that cheek, and o'er that brow, / So soft, so
calm, yet eloquent,"* where her face reflects
her peaceful and eloquent nature.
 - Byron concludes with the lines: *
"The smiles that win, the tints that glow, / But
tell of days in goodness spent, / A mind at
peace with all below, / A heart whose love is
innocent!"* This final stanza ties the woman's
beauty directly to her virtuous character. Her
"smiles" and "tints" (complexion) are not
merely physical traits but are symbols of her
life well-lived in goodness, peace, and
innocence.

### Conclusion

In *She Walks in Beauty,* Byron conveys the

central theme of the unity of inner and outer
beauty through a sophisticated use of
imagery. The interplay of light and dark, the
association of purity and innocence with the
woman's appearance, and the reflection of her
inner virtues through her physical features all
work together to portray a complete and
idealized vision of beauty. The poem suggests
that true beauty is not just about physical
appearance but is deeply connected to the
soul's purity and the mind's serenity.