Kubla Khan Homework

The Romantic era was well known for its artistic freedom and creativity in literature and music. Samuel Taylor Coleridge is considered one of the major Romantic figures. He was born in Ottery St Mary, Devonshire and was the youngest of ten children. Perhaps Coleridge’s birth order contributed to his creativity, as lastborns are risk takers and more liberal. He ran away at the age of seven- as lastborns are more likely to engage in more risky behavior. Throughout his life, Coleridge was addicted to opium and was in debt with opium, alcohol and women. He wrote a collection of Poems on Various Subjects which was published in 1796 and 1797. “Kubla Khan” was one of the many poems in Coleridge’s collection.

            “Kubla Khan” was inspired by a dream vision and takes place in a demonic world which first appears to be paradise. The scenary described in the beginning of a poem describes a dream world with a sacred river, fertile soil, and beautiful gardens and forests. However, water is spit up from a hill so forcefully that the river runs down the forest and turns it into a lifeless ocean. The place no longer appears to be a paradise, for a demonic world has taken over. Perhaps this poem reflects Coleridge’s transition from a child into an adult. Life became bitter and dark when he became addicted to opium, alcohol and women.

            It’s interesting how Coleridge uses scenery and nature to portray a certain mood for the reader. The ocean that washes the forest away is a lifeless place, almost similar to Hell. The river represents power, because the waves of the water are so strong that they have the ability to wipe away everything. Perhaps the constant movement of the river is a symbol for Coleridge’s life and how it is constantly changing from peacefulness to chaos.