About The Nightingale by Samuel Taylor Coleridge (Poem, Summary, & Analysis)

 

About The Nightingale

by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

(Poem, Summary, & Analysis) 

About The Nightingale

In stale blank verse a subject stale

I send per post my Nightingale;

And like an honest bard, dear Wordsworth,

You'll tell me what you think, my Bird's worth.

My own opinion's briefly this—

His bill he opens not amiss;

And when he has sung a stave or so,

His breast, and some small space below,

So throbs and swells, that you might swear

No vulgar music's working there.

So far, so good; but then, 'od rot him!

There's something falls off at his bottom.

Yet, sure, no wonder it should breed,

That my Bird's Tail's a tail indeed

And makes it's own inglorious harmony

Æolio crepitû, non carmine.

 

Summary

The poem begins with Coleridge addressing his friend, the poet William Wordsworth, in a light-hearted and conversational tone. He describes sending Wordsworth his poem about the nightingale, inviting honest feedback. Coleridge criticizes the conventional portrayal of the nightingale as a symbol of melancholy, suggesting that this association is overly simplistic and unjust.

Coleridge offers a new perspective, arguing that the nightingale's song is not mournful but rather joyous and harmonious with nature. He describes an idyllic scene by a riverbank where the nightingale's song blends with the murmuring of the stream and the rustling leaves. This setting creates a sense of tranquility and beauty, suggesting that the nightingale's song is part of the natural world's celebration of life.

The poet reflects on how different people interpret the nightingale's song based on their own emotions and states of mind. He acknowledges that those who are sad or troubled might perceive the bird's song as melancholic, while those who are happy will hear its joy.

In the latter part of the poem, Coleridge describes a night spent outdoors with his infant son. He paints a serene picture of the moonlit night, the gentle breeze, and the nightingale's music. He expresses hope that his son will grow up to love nature and find joy in its beauty, just as the poet does.

Coleridge concludes by reinforcing the idea that the nightingale should be seen as a cheerful creature, whose song is a celebration rather than a lament. He seeks to shift the traditional literary view of the nightingale from one of sorrow to one of happiness and natural harmony.

 

Analysis

 

Introduction and Address to Wordsworth:

The poem opens in a conversational manner, directly addressing William Wordsworth. Coleridge's tone is casual and playful, setting a friendly atmosphere. He mentions sending his poem about the nightingale to Wordsworth for feedback, which immediately establishes the poem as a reflection on poetic tradition and literary criticism.

 

Critique of Conventional Imagery:

Coleridge critiques the traditional portrayal of the nightingale as a symbol of melancholy. He challenges the stale associations made in previous literature, suggesting that such depictions are overly simplistic and fail to capture the bird's true essence. This critique aligns with the Romantic emphasis on personal experience and the rejection of outdated conventions.

 

Nature and Sensory Experience:

Coleridge paints vivid images of nature, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living things. His descriptions of the riverbank, the flowing stream, and the rustling leaves create a serene and harmonious setting. The sensory language—auditory (song of the nightingale, murmuring stream), visual (moonlit scene), and tactile (gentle breeze)—immerses the reader in the natural environment, exemplifying the Romantic ideal of nature as a source of inspiration and solace.

 

Subjectivity of Perception:

A significant theme in the poem is the subjectivity of human perception. Coleridge argues that the nightingale's song is not inherently mournful or joyful; instead, its interpretation depends on the listener's emotional state. This concept reflects the Romantic belief in the individual's experience and the personal nature of beauty and art.

 

Personal Reflection and Fatherhood:

In the later stanzas, Coleridge shifts to a more personal reflection, describing an evening spent outdoors with his infant son. The scene is imbued with a sense of peace and wonder. The poet's hope for his son to appreciate and find joy in nature underscores the Romantic emphasis on the formative power of nature and childhood innocence.

 

Reinterpretation of the Nightingale:

Coleridge's portrayal of the nightingale challenges the traditional literary symbol of melancholy. He reinterprets the bird as a joyful and harmonious creature, whose song is part of the larger celebration of life in nature. This reinterpretation aligns with the Romantic celebration of nature's beauty and the rejection of overly pessimistic views.

 

Conclusion:

The poem concludes with a reaffirmation of the nightingale's role in the natural world as a symbol of joy and harmony. Coleridge's depiction serves as a gentle critique of literary conventions and a call to appreciate the natural world on its own terms.

 

Key Themes and Romantic Elements:

1. Nature as a Source of Inspiration: The poem emphasizes nature's beauty and its ability to inspire human creativity and joy.

2. Personal Experience and Emotion: Coleridge's reflections on his own experiences and emotions highlight the Romantic focus on the individual's perspective.

3. Critique of Tradition: The poem critiques the conventional literary imagery of the nightingale, promoting a fresh, personal interpretation.

4. Childhood and Innocence: The portrayal of Coleridge's son and the hope for his future connection with nature reflect the Romantic idealization of childhood and the formative power of nature.