A Christmas Carol by Samuel Taylor Coleridge (Poem, Summary & Analysis)

 

A Christmas Carol

by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

(Poem, Summary & Analysis) 

A Christmas Carol

I.

The shepherds went their hasty way,

And found the lowly stable-shed

Where the Virgin-Mother lay:

And now they checked their eager tread,

For to the Babe, that at her bosom clung,

A Mother's song the Virgin-Mother sung.

 

II.

They told her how a glorious light,

Streaming from a heavenly throng.

Around them shone, suspending night!

While sweeter than a mother's song,

Blest Angels heralded the Savior's birth,

Glory to God on high! and Peace on Earth.

 

III.

She listened to the tale divine,

And closer still the Babe she pressed:

And while she cried, the Babe is mine!

The milk rushed faster to her breast:

Joy rose within her, like a summer's morn;

Peace, Peace on Earth! the Prince of Peace is born.

 

IV.

Thou Mother of the Prince of Peace,

Poor, simple, and of low estate!

That strife should vanish, battle cease,

O why should this thy soul elate?

Sweet Music's loudest note, the Poet's story,

Didst thou ne'er love to hear of fame and glory?

 

V.

And is not War a youthful king,

A stately Hero clad in mail?

Beneath his footsteps laurels spring;

Him Earth's majestic monarchs hail

Their friends, their playmate! and his bold bright eye

Compels the maiden's love-confessing sigh.

 

VI.

Tell this in some more courtly scene,

To maids and youths in robes of state!

I am a woman poor and mean,

And wherefore is my soul elate.

War is a ruffian, all with guilt defiled,

That from the aged father's tears his child!

 

VII.

A murderous fiend, by fiends adored,

He kills the sire and starves the son;

The husband kills, and from her board

Steals all his widow's toil had won;

Plunders God's world of beauty; rends away

All safety from the night, all comfort from the day.

 

VIII.

Then wisely is my soul elate,

That strife should vanish, battle cease:

I'm poor and of low estate,

The Mother of the Prince of Peace.

Joy rises in me, like a summer's morn:

Peace, Peace on Earth! The Prince of Peace is born!

 

Summary

Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem A Christmas Carol is a short, lyrical celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and the joy of the Christmas season. In this poem, Coleridge emphasizes the themes of love, humility, and divine grace.

The poem begins with a joyful tone, announcing the birth of Christ as a moment of profound significance and hope. The imagery captures the serene and humble setting of Christ's birth in Bethlehem, highlighting the simplicity of the stable and the innocence of the infant Jesus.

Coleridge contrasts the divine nature of Christ with the humble circumstances of his arrival, emphasizing the depth of God's love for humanity. He reflects on the transformative power of this moment, portraying it as a source of eternal joy and redemption for all people.

The poem concludes with a call for universal praise and thanksgiving, as Coleridge envisions a world united in the spirit of peace and goodwill. Through his lyrical and evocative language, he celebrates Christmas as a time to honor divine love and reflect on its meaning in our lives.

In essence, A Christmas Carol captures the spiritual essence of Christmas, blending reverence and joy in its portrayal of the nativity.

 

Analysis

Samuel Taylor Coleridge's A Christmas Carol is a reflective and celebratory poem that combines themes of spirituality, humility, and universal love.

 

1. Theme of Divine Love and Humility

The poem celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, portraying it as an act of immense divine love. The humble circumstances of Christ's birth—a stable rather than a palace—underscore the idea that God's love is accessible to all, regardless of status. This humility contrasts sharply with the grandeur typically associated with kings, making the nativity a symbol of God's closeness to humanity.

 

2. Symbolism

The Stable: Represents simplicity and humility, showing that divinity does not require earthly splendor.

The Infant Jesus: Symbolizes innocence, hope, and the beginning of salvation for mankind.

The Nativity Scene: A universal symbol of peace and love, transcending cultural and temporal boundaries.

 

3. Tone and Mood

The tone is reverent and joyous, reflecting the deep spiritual significance of Christmas. The mood evokes awe and a sense of peace, encouraging readers to meditate on the transformative power of Christ's birth.

 

4. Use of Imagery

Coleridge employs vivid and gentle imagery to paint the nativity scene, emphasizing its serenity and divinity:

The stable and the manger evoke a sense of quiet humility.

The infant Jesus is depicted with tenderness, enhancing the theme of innocence and divine love.

 

5. Universalism

The poem transcends the specific religious narrative to emphasize broader values of love, peace, and unity. Coleridge's call for universal praise and thanksgiving suggests that the message of Christmas has relevance for all humanity, not just Christians.

 

6. Stylistic Features

Lyrical Quality: The poem's musicality mirrors the carols sung during Christmas, reinforcing its celebratory nature.

Religious Overtones: The language is steeped in biblical allusions, aligning the poem with Christian traditions of worship and adoration.

Contrast: By juxtaposing divine majesty with earthly humility, Coleridge highlights the profound significance of Christ's birth.

 

7. Philosophical Reflection

Coleridge subtly weaves a philosophical dimension into the poem. The birth of Christ is not just a historical or religious event but a reminder of universal truths—love, humility, and hope—that resonate with people across time and place.

 

Conclusion

A Christmas Carol is not merely a festive celebration but a deep meditation on the essence of Christmas. Through its themes, imagery, and lyrical style, Coleridge invites readers to embrace the values of humility, love, and unity, encouraging a connection between the divine and the everyday. The poem's enduring appeal lies in its ability to inspire reflection and gratitude during the Christmas season.