Aplolgia Pro Vita Sua by Samuel Taylor Coleridge (Poem, Summary & Analysis)

 

Aplolgia Pro Vita Sua

by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

(Poem, Summary & Analysis) 

Aplolgia Pro Vita Sua

The poet in his lone yet genial hour

Gives to his eyes a magnifying power :

Or rather he emancipates his eyes

From the black shapeless accidents of size—

In unctuous cones of kindling coal,

Or smoke upwreathing from the pipe's trim bole,

His gifted ken can see

Phantoms of sublimity.

August 28, 1800.

 

Summary

The poem begins with the poet reflecting on his ability to perceive the world in moments of solitude and inspiration. In his "lone yet genial hour," he attributes his enhanced perception not to any unnatural magnification but rather to the liberation of his natural senses. This heightened awareness allows him to see the extraordinary in the ordinary, giving depth and meaning to the simplest aspects of life.

He contrasts this poetic perception with the mundane perspective of those who view the world through a more limited, rational lens. These individuals are described as overly preoccupied with material realities, unable to experience the imaginative and spiritual dimensions of existence. The poet, however, finds solace and fulfillment in this imaginative vision, which connects him to the divine and the transcendent.

Throughout the poem, Coleridge defends his creative and spiritual pursuits against potential critics who might dismiss them as fanciful or irrelevant. He asserts that his poetic imagination serves a higher purpose, helping him to navigate life's struggles and find truth and beauty. The poem ultimately celebrates the poet's unique ability to see beyond the superficial, to embrace the mysteries of life, and to connect deeply with the natural and spiritual worlds.

 

Analysis

 

Title Analysis

The title, Apologia Pro Vita Sua (Latin for "A Defense of His Life"), suggests that Coleridge is offering a justification or explanation for his life choices, particularly his poetic and spiritual pursuits. It echoes the title of Cardinal John Henry Newman's 1864 autobiographical work, though Coleridge’s poem predates it. The poem serves as a self-reflective response to critics or detractors who may view his imaginative approach to life as impractical or frivolous.

 

Themes

Imagination vs. Rationalism

Coleridge champions the imaginative mind, which he views as superior to the mundane, rational perspective that limits human understanding. Through poetic imagination, he perceives the beauty, mystery, and divinity inherent in the world. The poem reflects Coleridge’s belief in the Romantic ideal that imagination is a pathway to truth and spiritual enlightenment.

 

Solitude and Creativity

The poem emphasizes the importance of solitude for the poet's creative and spiritual growth. Coleridge presents his "lone yet genial hour" as a sacred space where his thoughts are liberated, allowing his vision to transcend ordinary reality.

 

Perception and Liberation

The "emancipation" of the poet’s eyes symbolizes freedom from the constraints of conventional perception. This liberation allows him to see beyond the surface of things, suggesting a deeper spiritual or philosophical insight.

 

Criticism and Self-Defense

The poem implicitly addresses criticism of the poet’s life and work. Coleridge defends the value of his poetic vision and its role in uncovering higher truths, framing creativity and imagination as vital components of human existence.

 

Key Lines and Their Analysis

 

"The poet in his lone yet genial hour / Gives to his eyes a magnifying power:"

Analysis: Coleridge describes the poet’s ability to see the world with greater intensity and depth during moments of solitude. The "magnifying power" symbolizes the imaginative mind's ability to uncover hidden truths and find beauty in the ordinary. This opening line sets the tone for the poem, highlighting the poet’s unique perspective.

 

"Or rather he emancipates his eyes"

Analysis: Here, Coleridge suggests that the poet’s vision is not artificially enhanced but freed from conventional limitations. The word "emancipates" carries a sense of liberation and enlightenment, implying that ordinary perception is constrained by societal or intellectual norms.

 

"To the common eyesight Nature’s shows / Like the fiends of old, become mere hollow ghosts."

Analysis: Coleridge critiques those who view nature superficially, failing to perceive its deeper significance. For the unpoetic or unimaginative, the world is lifeless and devoid of meaning, much like "hollow ghosts." This reflects the Romantic emphasis on finding vitality and spirit in nature.

 

"The high-born soul / Disdains to make aught less than infinite / Its object, and half mingles with the skies."

Analysis: The poet's soul is described as "high-born," elevating it above ordinary concerns. This reflects Coleridge’s belief in the spiritual and transcendent nature of poetry. The phrase "half mingles with the skies" evokes a sense of unity with the divine, emphasizing the spiritual dimension of the poet’s vision.

 

Poetic Devices

Imagery

Coleridge uses vivid imagery to contrast the poet’s liberated perception with the hollow vision of the unimaginative. The "magnifying power" of the poet’s eyes and the "hollow ghosts" of nature’s superficial appearance create a sharp visual dichotomy.

 

Symbolism

Nature: Represents a source of divine truth and inspiration for the poet.

Eyes: Symbolize perception and understanding, with the poet’s eyes representing an enlightened perspective.

 

Contrast

Coleridge contrasts the imaginative and rational mind, elevating the former as the key to spiritual insight and fulfillment. This opposition reflects broader Romantic ideals.

 

Tone

The tone is reflective and defensive, as Coleridge justifies his poetic philosophy and counters potential criticisms.

 

Contextual Insights

Coleridge’s emphasis on imagination aligns with his broader Romantic philosophy, as outlined in works like Biographia Literaria. His belief in the spiritual dimension of poetry reflects his view that imagination is a divine faculty, allowing humans to connect with higher truths. The poem also serves as a response to the utilitarian values of his time, which prioritized practicality over artistic and spiritual pursuits.

 

Conclusion

Apologia Pro Vita Sua is both a personal and philosophical statement, asserting the importance of imagination and creativity in uncovering life’s deeper truths. Coleridge uses the poem to defend his life’s work and worldview, presenting the poet as a visionary figure capable of perceiving the divine in the mundane. The work encapsulates key Romantic ideals, such as the elevation of imagination, the spiritual significance of nature, and the transformative power of poetry.