A Soliloquy Of The Full Moon, She Being In A Mad Passion by Samuel Taylor Coleridge (Poem, Summary, & Analysis)

 

A Soliloquy Of The Full Moon, She Being In A Mad Passion

by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

(Poem, Summary, & Analysis) 

A Soliloquy Of The Full Moon, She Being In A Mad Passion

 

Now as Heaven is my Lot, they're the Pests of the Nation!

Wherever they can come

With clankum and blankum

'Tis all Botheration, & Hell & Damnation,

With fun, jeering

Conjuring

Sky-staring,

Loungering,

And still to the tune of Transmogrification--

Those muttering

Spluttering

Ventriloquogusty

Poets

With no Hats

Or Hats that are rusty.

They're my Torment and Curse

And harass me worse

And bait me and bay me, far sorer I vow

Than the Screech of the Owl

Or the witch-wolf's long howl,

Or sheep-killing Butcher-dog's inward Bow wow

For me they all spite—an unfortunate Wight.

And the very first moment that I came to Light

A Rascal call'd Voss the more to his scandal,

Turn'd me into a sickle with never a handle.

A Night or two after a worse Rogue there came,

The head of the Gang, one Wordsworth by name--

'Ho! What's in the wind?' 'Tis the voice of a Wizzard!

I saw him look at me most terribly blue!

He was hunting for witch-rhymes from great A to Izzard,

And soon as he'd found them made no more ado

But chang'd me at once to a little Canoe.

From this strange Enchantment uncharm'd by degrees

I began to take courage & hop'd for some Ease,

When one Coleridge, a Raff of the self-same Banditti

Past by--& intending no doubt to be witty,

Because I'd th' ill-fortune his taste to displease,

He turn'd up his nose,

And in pitiful Prose

Made me into the half of a small Cheshire Cheese.

Well, a night or two past--it was wind, rain & hail--

And I ventur'd abroad in a thick Cloak & veil--

But the very first Evening he saw me again

The last mentioned Ruffian popp'd out of his Den--

I was resting a moment on the bare edge of Naddle

I fancy the sight of me turn'd his Brains addle--

For what was I now?

A complete Barley-mow

And when I climb'd higher he made a long leg,

And chang'd me at once to an Ostrich's Egg--

But now Heaven be praised in contempt of the Loon,

I am I myself I, the jolly full Moon.

Yet my heart is still fluttering--

For I heard the Rogue muttering--

He was hulking and skulking at the skirt of a Wood

When lightly & brightly on tip-toe I stood

On the long level Line of a motionless Cloud

And ho! what a Skittle-ground! quoth he aloud

And wish'd from his heart nine Nine-pins to see

In brightness & size just proportion'd to me.

So I fear'd from my soul,

That he'd make me a Bowl,

But in spite of his spite

This was more than his might

And still Heaven be prais'd! in contempt of the Loon

I am I myself I, the jolly full Moon.

 

Summary

Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "A Soliloquy of the Full Moon, She Being in a Mad Passion" is a lively and satirical poem in which the moon expresses her grievances and vents her frustration at humankind. The poem is a rare example of Coleridge's humorous and playful side, blending satire, wit, and vivid imagery.

The poem begins with the moon speaking passionately, expressing her anger and disdain for "the pests of the nation." These pests, often interpreted as noisy and intrusive people or actions that disturb her celestial tranquility, are characterized by their disruptive clatter ("clankum and blankum"). The moon's "mad passion" refers to her intense frustration at being disturbed by the chaos of human activities on Earth.

As the soliloquy unfolds, the moon complains about various earthly follies, mocking human pretensions and behavior. Through her monologue, Coleridge brings out her celestial perspective, offering a sharp critique of the trivialities and disturbances caused by humanity.

The poem is rich in satire and filled with exaggerated grievances, reflecting the moon's comic and hyperbolic frustration. She feels that her serene and dignified presence in the heavens is insulted by the noise and chaos of human existence below. The tone of the poem combines humor with a tinge of melancholy, as the moon simultaneously mocks and laments the foolishness of mankind.

The imagery is vivid, with the "clankum and blankum" creating a sense of auditory disruption that contrasts with the serene and luminous nature traditionally associated with the moon. Coleridge uses the moon's perspective to critique human vanity, greed, and the tendency to disturb the natural order.

 

Themes in the Poem

Satire and Social Critique: The moon's soliloquy serves as a medium for Coleridge to mock and critique societal behaviors, human noise, and disruptions.

Conflict Between Nature and Humanity: The poem contrasts the serene and timeless qualities of the moon with the chaotic, transient nature of human activities.

Celestial Perspective: By giving the moon a voice, Coleridge allows for an outsider’s perspective on humanity, highlighting its absurdities.

Exaggeration and Humor: The moon's over-the-top complaints and "mad passion" add a humorous and exaggerated tone to the poem, making its critique both lighthearted and sharp.

 

Style and Tone

The poem is notable for its playful and satirical tone, a departure from Coleridge’s more serious and philosophical works. The moon's voice is both regal and comedic, blending hyperbole with wit. The poem's rhythm and sound effects, such as the use of "clankum and blankum," enhance its lively and engaging quality.

 

Analysis

Coleridge’s A Soliloquy of the Full Moon is a vivid example of his ability to merge humor, social commentary, and poetic craft. The poem showcases his knack for anthropomorphism and his critical yet playful view of human folly.

 

1. Structure and Form

The poem is written as a soliloquy, a dramatic monologue where the moon speaks directly, offering her unfiltered thoughts. This choice of form allows Coleridge to explore a unique perspective—giving a celestial body the human-like ability to express frustration. The use of irregular rhythms and rhyming phrases like "clankum and blankum" adds to the comedic and exaggerated tone.

 

2. Tone and Voice

The moon’s tone is one of mock indignation, blending humor with a sharp critique of humanity. She is portrayed as a figure of dignity, offended by the noisy, trivial actions of humans. The “mad passion” in her soliloquy exaggerates her frustrations, creating a dramatic contrast between her celestial calm and the chaos she perceives on Earth.

This humorous anthropomorphism highlights the absurdity of human behavior when viewed from a detached, elevated perspective.

 

3. Themes

 

a. Satirical Social Commentary

The moon’s complaints serve as a vehicle for Coleridge to critique human vanity, greed, and the clamor of everyday life. By calling humans the "pests of the nation," Coleridge conveys his disdain for their self-importance and lack of harmony with the natural world.

 

b. Conflict Between Nature and Human Intrusion

The moon’s serene and eternal nature is contrasted with the noisy, fleeting activities of humanity. Her frustration reflects a larger theme in Coleridge’s works: the tension between the natural order and human disruption.

 

c. Celestial Perspective

By adopting the voice of the moon, Coleridge offers a broader, almost cosmic view of humanity. This perspective allows for a satirical critique that is both lighthearted and profound, as the moon’s grievances emphasize how small and absurd human concerns can appear from afar.

 

d. Exaggeration and Humor

The hyperbolic nature of the moon’s complaints, such as her intense disdain for the "clankum and blankum," injects humor into the poem. This playful tone makes the critique more accessible and engaging.

 

4. Imagery and Language

Coleridge’s use of vivid auditory imagery is central to the poem. Phrases like "clankum and blankum" evoke a cacophony that disrupts the moon’s peace, symbolizing human noise and chaos. The whimsical and almost nonsensical nature of these sounds mirrors the absurdity of the moon’s exaggerated grievances.

The moon’s speech is filled with personification, as she takes on a distinctly human persona with exaggerated emotions and self-righteous indignation. This humanization of the moon makes her relatable, even as her celestial status underscores the triviality of her complaints.

 

5. Literary Devices

a. Anthropomorphism

The moon is endowed with human traits, allowing her to express complex emotions and engage in a satirical critique of humanity. This anthropomorphism creates a comedic and imaginative narrative voice.

b. Hyperbole

The moon’s passionate outburst is intentionally exaggerated, emphasizing the humor in her overreaction. This hyperbolic approach highlights the absurdity of human behaviors when viewed from a cosmic perspective.

c. Irony

There is an inherent irony in the moon’s lament. Though she appears superior and detached, her complaints are as petty and emotional as those of the humans she critiques.

d. Onomatopoeia

The playful sounds in "clankum and blankum" mimic the disruptive noise the moon despises, adding a rhythmic and auditory element to the poem.

 

6. Interpretation of the Moon’s Passion

The moon’s "mad passion" is both comedic and symbolic. It reflects the way individuals or entities of higher status (the moon being celestial and distant) can look down upon the chaos of everyday life with disdain, failing to see their own absurdity. This mirrors human tendencies to judge others while being blind to their own flaws.

 

7. Philosophical Underpinnings

Beneath the humor lies a subtle exploration of human existence and its impact on the natural world. The moon’s grievances can be seen as a metaphor for nature's disdain at humanity's encroachment and disharmony. Coleridge, often concerned with the relationship between man and nature, uses the moon’s soliloquy to critique human arrogance and shortsightedness.

 

Conclusion

Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s A Soliloquy of the Full Moon is a delightful blend of satire, humor, and poetic skill. Through the voice of a frustrated moon, Coleridge critiques human behavior with wit and imagination. The poem’s exaggerated tone, vivid imagery, and celestial perspective invite readers to reflect on their own actions and the impact of humanity on the natural world—all while enjoying the moon’s dramatic and humorous lament.

 

Opening Lines

"Now as Heaven is my Lot, they're the Pests of the Nation!

Wherever they can come

With clankum and blankum…"

The moon begins her soliloquy with an exclamation of frustration, invoking “Heaven” as her domain, emphasizing her celestial and elevated nature. The phrase “Pests of the Nation” introduces her disdain for humans, whom she perceives as insignificant yet highly disruptive.

The playful sound words “clankum and blankum” mimic the clamor of human noise, adding humor and rhythm while vividly illustrating the disturbance. This auditory imagery conveys the contrast between her serene, silent world and the chaotic Earth below.

 

Themes

Celestial vs. Human: The moon’s invocation of “Heaven” positions her as superior to the humans she criticizes.

Critique of Noise and Chaos: The onomatopoeic "clankum and blankum" encapsulates the moon’s irritation at human disruption.

 

Middle Stanza (A Reflection of Disruption)

"They break through my quiet—they spoil my delight!

They bring my calm splendor to shame in the night."

 

Analysis

Here, the moon laments the intrusion of humans upon her serenity. The contrast between her “quiet” and “calm splendor” and the disruption caused by humans underscores her indignation. Coleridge employs strong emotional language—"break," "spoil," and "shame"—to heighten the moon’s sense of violation.

The moon’s complaint is exaggerated, almost petulant, as if she were a self-important figure affronted by lesser beings. This hyperbole makes her indignation humorous while still offering a sharp critique of humanity’s careless encroachment on the natural world.

 

Themes

Natural Harmony vs. Human Interference: The moon views herself as a figure of perfection whose beauty is marred by human folly.

Exaggeration and Humor: The moon’s overreaction creates a comedic effect while subtly mocking humanity’s noisy presence.

 

Satirical Outburst

"With their whiz, and their buzz, and their endless ado,

They scarce give me time for one half of my view!"

 

Analysis

The moon describes human activity with a mix of humor and exasperation. Words like “whiz” and “buzz” are both descriptive and mocking, emphasizing the trivial yet incessant nature of the disruptions.

The phrase “one half of my view” suggests that the moon, in her eternal journey across the sky, is unable to enjoy the full expanse of her domain due to human disturbances. This exaggeration adds to the humor while reinforcing her celestial status.

 

Themes

Human Vanity: The moon implies that humans act as though their actions are of cosmic significance, interrupting her divine task.

Celestial Perspective: By emphasizing her "view," the moon reminds readers of her elevated, overarching presence.

 

Climactic Complaint

"Why must I endure their discordant din,

While I move in my path, so calm and so thin?"

 

Analysis

In these lines, the moon contrasts her graceful, tranquil motion with the “discordant din” of humanity. The phrase “so calm and so thin” evokes her ethereal beauty and suggests an elegant fragility. The juxtaposition of her celestial serenity with human noise amplifies her disdain.

The use of "endure" implies a sense of suffering, as if the moon is forced to tolerate humanity’s presence. This personification adds depth to her character, transforming her from a passive celestial body into an active, emotional observer.

 

Themes

Grace vs. Chaos: The moon’s calm motion highlights the disparity between the natural world’s harmony and human disorder.

Personification and Emotion: By presenting the moon as a suffering figure, Coleridge draws attention to the impact of human behavior on nature.

 

Final Lines (A Satirical Resolution)

"I wish for a moment my fullness could smite

The pests with my beams, and extinguish their light!"

 

Analysis

In this dramatic conclusion, the moon expresses a desire for vengeance, wishing to use her “fullness” to smite humanity. The phrase “extinguish their light” plays on the imagery of her celestial beams overpowering human-created light, such as lamps or fires, which symbolize human hubris.

This wish is both humorous and startling, as the moon’s normally serene demeanor is replaced by an almost tyrannical urge for retribution. The hyperbolic wish reinforces her exaggerated personality and the satirical tone of the poem.

 

Themes

Retribution and Satire: The moon’s vengeful wish serves as a humorous exaggeration, mocking her own overreaction while critiquing human arrogance.

Natural Superiority: The moon’s beams represent the natural world’s ability to overshadow human achievements.

 

Conclusion

Coleridge’s A Soliloquy of the Full Moon is a masterful blend of humor, critique, and poetic elegance. Through the moon’s exaggerated complaints, Coleridge invites readers to reflect on humanity’s tendency to disrupt the natural world, all while maintaining a lighthearted and entertaining tone. The playful language, vivid imagery, and exaggerated emotions make the moon’s soliloquy both relatable and thought-provoking.