As some vast Tropic tree, itself a wood (fragment) by Samuel Taylor Coleridge (Poem, Summary & Analysis)

 

As some vast Tropic tree, itself a wood (fragment)

by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

(Poem, Summary & Analysis) 

As some vast Tropic tree, itself a wood (fragment)

As some vast Tropic tree, itself a wood,

That crests its Head with clouds, beneath the flood

Feeds its deep roots, and with the bulging flank

Of its wide base controls the fronting bank,

(By the slant current's pressure scoop'd away

The fronting bank becomes a foam-piled bay)

High in the Fork the uncouth Idol knits

His channel'd Brows; low murmurs stir by fits

And dark below the horrid Faquir sits;

An Horror from its broad Head's branchy wreath

Broods o'er the rude Idolatry beneath—

 

Summary

Samuel Taylor Coleridge compares a massive tropical tree to a self-contained ecosystem, emphasizing its grandeur and power. The tree is described as "vast," so large and intricate that it could be likened to a "wood" by itself. Its towering head reaches the clouds, symbolizing its immense height and presence, while its roots delve deeply into the waters below, drawing sustenance from the flood.

The tree's expansive base, described as "bulging," exerts control over the riverbank in front of it. The flow of the slanting current gradually erodes this bank, transforming it into a bay where foam collects. This imagery highlights the tree's interaction with its environment, showcasing its dominance and the dynamic forces at play.

High in the tree's fork, an "uncouth Idol" is placed, characterized by channelled brows that give it a mysterious and ominous appearance. Around this idol, faint murmurs occasionally arise, adding a sense of unease. Below, a "horrid Faquir" sits in contemplation or ritual, reinforcing the eerie and foreboding atmosphere.

The tree's broad canopy, adorned with a "branchy wreath," casts a shadow of "Horror" over the scene of idol worship below. This dark and brooding presence emphasizes the tension between nature's grandeur and the unsettling idolatry occurring beneath its branches. The fragment concludes with an air of mystery, awe, and unease, blending natural and supernatural elements seamlessly.

 

Analysis

Theme and Meaning

The poem fragment intertwines themes of nature's vastness, its capacity to inspire awe, and its connection to human spirituality, ritual, and mystery. Coleridge juxtaposes the grandeur of a mighty tropical tree with the ominous practices of idol worship and mysticism beneath it. This blend of natural majesty and human superstition explores the tension between the sublime and the eerie.

 

Imagery and Symbolism

 

The Tree as a Central Image:

The tropical tree symbolizes vastness and self-sufficiency, described as "itself a wood." Its massive scale and intricate structure suggest a microcosm of nature.

Its roots delving into the flood and its canopy reaching the clouds convey a connection between earth and sky, grounding and transcendence.

 

The Interaction with Water:

The riverbank, eroded into a "foam-piled bay" by the current, highlights the dynamic relationship between the tree and its environment. This imagery suggests both power and vulnerability, as the tree controls the bank but is also shaped by natural forces.

 

The Idol and the Faquir:

The "uncouth Idol" with "channelled Brows" suggests an enigmatic and unsettling human creation. It evokes ancient, perhaps primitive, spiritual practices that seem out of place amid the grandeur of the natural world.

The "horrid Faquir" sitting beneath emphasizes the human connection to this idol. Faquirs, often associated with asceticism and mysticism, introduce an element of spiritual austerity that contrasts with the tree's natural vitality.

 

Brooding Horror:

The tree's broad head and "branchy wreath" cast an ominous shadow over the scene, personifying nature as a witness or even a participant in the unsettling rites below. The "Horror" suggests a supernatural or metaphysical unease, perhaps reflecting Coleridge’s exploration of the darker aspects of the human psyche.

 

Tone and Atmosphere

The tone shifts between awe and dread. Coleridge’s description of the tree evokes admiration for its natural beauty and scale, but the presence of the idol, the faquir, and the brooding shadow casts an oppressive, haunting atmosphere. The poem captures the sublime, blending beauty with terror.

 

Structure and Language

Descriptive and Layered Syntax:

Coleridge employs long, flowing sentences filled with rich imagery, mimicking the complexity and vastness of the tree itself. The syntax mirrors the interplay of natural and supernatural elements.

Sound and Rhythm:

The use of alliteration ("broad Head's branchy wreath") and internal rhymes enhances the musical quality of the verse. The murmurs and flows described in the poem echo the movement of water and the whispers of nature.

Contrast:

The natural magnificence of the tree contrasts sharply with the crude, unsettling human practices of idolatry. This contrast underscores the tension between the spiritual grandeur of nature and the darker impulses of humanity.

Interpretation

The fragment may be interpreted as a meditation on the interplay of nature, spirituality, and human superstition. The tree serves as a symbol of the sublime—both awe-inspiring and terrifying—while the idol and faquir represent humanity's attempt to grapple with the mysteries of existence, often in ways that feel small or unsettling compared to nature's grandeur. Coleridge explores how the natural world and human rituals coexist, sometimes harmoniously but often uneasily.