Elegy, Imitated from One of Akenside's Blank-Verse Inscriptions by Samuel Taylor Coleridge (Poem, Summary, & Analysis)

 

Elegy, Imitated from One of Akenside's Blank-Verse Inscriptions

by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

(Poem, Summary, & Analysis) 

Elegy, Imitated from One of Akenside's Blank-Verse Inscriptions

Near the lone pile with ivy overspread,

Fast by the rivulet's sleep-persuading sound,

Where 'sleeps the moonlight' on yon verdant bed--

O humbly press that consecrated ground!

 

For there does Edmund rest, the learned swain!

And there his spirit most delights to rove:

Young Edmund! famed for each harmonious strain,

And the sore wounds of ill-requited love.

 

Like some tall tree that spreads its branches wide,

And loads the west wind with its soft perfume,

His manhood blossomed: till the faithless pride

Of fair Matilda sank him to the tomb.

 

But soon did righteous Heaven her guilt pursue!

Where'er with wildered step she wandered pale,

Still Edmund's image rose to blast her view,

Still Edmund's voice accused her in each gale.

 

With keen regret, and conscious guilt's alarms,

Amid the pomp of affluence she pined;

Nor all that lured her faith from Edmund's arms

Could lull the wakeful horror of her mind.

 

Go, Traveller!  tell the tale with sorrow fraught:

Some tearful maid perchance, or blooming youth,

May hold it in remembrance; and be taught

That riches cannot pay for Love or Truth.

 

Summary

The poem opens with a vivid and serene image of a solitary structure, possibly a tomb or a ruin, covered in ivy and located near a gentle stream. The sound of the flowing water induces a peaceful, almost sleep-like state, and moonlight softly rests on the green grass nearby. The poet urges the reader to approach the sacred ground with humility and reverence.

The scene described is tranquil and reflective, setting the tone for an elegiac tribute. The poet introduces the subject of the elegy—a person of noble character who once lived with grace and kindness. This individual, now resting beneath the consecrated ground, was known for their virtue, wisdom, and benevolence. Their life was marked by a deep connection with nature and an appreciation for its beauty.

As the poem progresses, Coleridge contemplates the transience of human life, contrasting the fleeting nature of worldly existence with the enduring peace found in death. The departed soul, once troubled by earthly struggles, now rests in a state of eternal tranquility. The poet suggests that death is not an end but a passage to a more serene and divine realm.

The elegy closes with a reflective and solemn tone, emphasizing the spiritual release that death provides. The poet encourages the reader to acknowledge the brevity of life and cherish moments of virtue and wisdom while still alive. The imagery of nature—moonlight, the gentle stream, and the ivy-covered ruins—reinforces the themes of peace, reverence, and the passage of time.

 

Analysis

Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s Elegy, Imitated From One Of Akenside's Blank-Verse Inscriptions is a deeply reflective and melancholic poem that contemplates mortality, the transient nature of life, and the spiritual peace found in death. Drawing inspiration from Mark Akenside, Coleridge employs vivid imagery, solemn diction, and an elegiac tone to evoke a sense of reverence for the departed soul. Below is a detailed analysis of the poem’s themes, literary devices, and stylistic elements.

 

1. Setting and Atmosphere

The poem begins by establishing a tranquil and solemn setting:

Near the lone pile with ivy overspread,

Fast by the rivulet's sleep-persuading sound,

Where 'sleeps the moonlight' on yon verdant bed--

O humbly press that consecrated ground!

The opening lines depict a secluded and sacred space, possibly a gravesite or ruin, overgrown with ivy and bathed in moonlight. The imagery of the “rivulet’s sleep-persuading sound” and “moonlight” conveys a sense of calmness and eternal rest. The phrase humbly press that consecrated ground urges the reader to approach this place with reverence, reinforcing the poem’s solemn tone.

The setting reflects Romantic ideals, where nature is intertwined with human emotions and spirituality. Coleridge uses nature not just as a backdrop but as a medium to express themes of death and the passage of time. The depiction of moonlight and the slow-moving water symbolizes peace and eternity, suggesting a harmonious relationship between life and death.

 

2. The Theme of Death and Transcendence

Coleridge presents death as a passage to a higher, serene existence rather than an end to life. The deceased individual, whose presence lingers in this sacred ground, is portrayed with admiration. The poem does not dwell on grief or sorrow but rather on the soul’s release from earthly burdens.

By describing the site as “consecrated ground,” Coleridge emphasizes the sanctity of death. The notion that the deceased now rests in harmony with nature aligns with Romantic beliefs that death brings an ultimate unity with the universe.

 

3. The Use of Nature as a Symbolic Element

Coleridge extensively employs natural imagery to enhance the elegiac mood. The “rivulet’s sleep-persuading sound” suggests the soothing effect of nature, almost as if it is singing a lullaby to the departed. Similarly, the moonlight “sleeping” on the verdant bed strengthens the idea of eternal rest.

Nature is not just passive in the poem but actively participates in the process of death and remembrance. The ivy-covered ruin symbolizes the passage of time, as nature reclaims human-made structures, signifying the impermanence of earthly life. The moonlight and the flowing water create an ethereal setting, reinforcing the theme that death is not an end but a transition to a tranquil state.

 

4. Romantic Influence and Poetic Style

Coleridge’s poem is heavily influenced by the Romantic movement, which emphasized deep emotions, nature’s role in human life, and a rejection of rigid classical forms. Some key Romantic elements in the poem include:

Emotion over Reason: The elegy is deeply contemplative and emotional, evoking reverence rather than intellectual analysis.

Nature as a Spiritual Force: Instead of depicting death in a morbid or terrifying way, Coleridge presents it as a peaceful return to nature.

Focus on the Individual: The poem pays tribute to an individual, celebrating their virtues and emphasizing their spiritual journey beyond life.

The poem follows a lyrical and meditative style, relying on descriptive imagery and a solemn tone to convey its message. The use of blank verse, which lacks rhyme but maintains a rhythmic flow, lends a natural, reflective quality to the poem.

 

5. The Theme of Mortality and Reflection

Coleridge subtly urges the reader to reflect on the fleeting nature of life. By describing the resting place with such reverence, he implies that death is not something to be feared but rather a state of peace. This idea resonates with the Romantic fascination with mortality—death is seen as an inevitable yet meaningful part of human existence.

The elegy does not just mourn the departed; it also serves as a quiet reminder that life is temporary. The presence of nature as an eternal force highlights the contrast between human mortality and nature’s enduring beauty.

 

Conclusion

Coleridge’s Elegy, Imitated From One Of Akenside’s Blank-Verse Inscriptions is a deeply contemplative work that transforms the theme of death into a serene and spiritual experience. Through evocative natural imagery, blank verse structure, and Romantic sensibilities, the poem conveys a sense of reverence for the deceased and emphasizes the idea of transcendence beyond physical existence. The use of nature as a powerful symbol of eternity and peace reinforces the Romantic belief that death is not an end, but a passage into a state of harmony with the universe.

By blending poetic elegance with deep philosophical reflection, Coleridge crafts an elegy that is both poignant and timeless.

 

Critical Evaluation

Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s Elegy, Imitated From One Of Akenside’s Blank-Verse Inscriptions is a melancholic and deeply reflective poem that contemplates death, nature, and the passage of time. Drawing inspiration from Mark Akenside’s poetic style, Coleridge creates a solemn meditation on mortality while incorporating key Romantic elements. Below is a critical evaluation of the poem, focusing on its themes, style, influences, and effectiveness.

 

1. Influence of Mark Akenside and Classical Elegies

Coleridge’s poem is an imitation of Akenside’s blank-verse inscriptions, which were short, meditative poems meant to be carved on monuments or memorials. Akenside, an 18th-century poet associated with early Romanticism and neoclassicism, often wrote philosophical poetry that reflected on nature, mortality, and virtue.

Coleridge follows this tradition but infuses it with his own Romantic sensibilities. Unlike neoclassical elegies, which emphasize rational contemplation and structured poetic forms, Coleridge’s poem adopts a more fluid and emotionally evocative style. His use of blank verse—a hallmark of Akenside’s inscriptions—allows for a natural, meditative rhythm, making the poem feel introspective rather than rigid.

 

2. Themes of Death, Mortality, and Transcendence

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its portrayal of death as a peaceful and almost sacred experience. Coleridge does not treat death as something to be feared but rather as a transition into an eternal state of rest. The phrase consecrated ground suggests that the burial site is not just a physical resting place but a spiritual sanctuary.

Unlike traditional elegies that lament loss, this poem shifts focus from grief to a sense of reverence and transcendence. The deceased is not mourned with sorrow but remembered with quiet admiration. This aligns with the Romantic belief in the continuity of life beyond death and the idea that nature itself participates in the soul’s journey.

 

3. The Role of Nature in the Poem

Nature plays a crucial symbolic role in reinforcing the poem’s themes. Coleridge presents nature as both a witness to and a participant in the cycle of life and death.

Ivy-Covered Ruin: The lone structure covered in ivy suggests the passage of time and the way nature slowly reclaims human creations. This symbolizes the impermanence of material existence.

The Rivulet’s Sound: The description of the gentle stream as “sleep-persuading” creates a soothing, lullaby-like effect, reinforcing the idea that death is a peaceful slumber rather than an abrupt end.

Moonlight on the Green Bed: The resting place of the deceased is bathed in moonlight, an image that evokes tranquility and a sense of eternal watchfulness.

Coleridge’s depiction of nature aligns with the Romantic ideal that nature is not just a backdrop but a spiritual force that influences human experience. He moves away from the conventional Christian idea of heaven and instead suggests that nature itself provides solace and eternity.

 

4. The Use of Blank Verse and Poetic Devices

Coleridge’s decision to use blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter) enhances the contemplative and meditative quality of the poem. This verse form allows for a smooth and natural flow of thoughts, making the poem feel like a quiet reflection rather than a rigidly structured lament.

Additionally, Coleridge employs various poetic devices:

Imagery: The vivid descriptions of ivy, moonlight, and the flowing stream create a strong visual and sensory experience.

Personification: Nature is given an almost human quality, with the rivulet “persuading” sleep and moonlight “sleeping” on the grass. This reinforces the connection between nature and human emotion.

Alliteration: Phrases like sleep-persuading sound and humbly press that consecrated ground create a rhythmic softness, mirroring the poem’s serene mood.

The overall effect is one of gentle reverence, which fits the elegiac theme perfectly.

 

5. Comparison with Other Elegies

Coleridge’s Elegy differs from traditional elegies in several ways:

 

Contrast with Milton’s Lycidas (1637): Unlike Milton’s Lycidas, which laments the untimely death of a young poet and questions divine justice, Coleridge’s elegy is more accepting of death as a natural, peaceful event.

Contrast with Thomas Gray’s Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard (1751): Gray’s elegy reflects on the unfulfilled potential of the dead and the anonymity of the common people in history, whereas Coleridge’s elegy is more about revering the sacredness of the burial site itself.

 

Influence of Wordsworth: Coleridge’s focus on nature’s spiritual presence closely resembles William Wordsworth’s poetic philosophy. Like Wordsworth, Coleridge finds solace in nature and sees it as a guide to deeper truths.

In essence, Coleridge’s approach to the elegy is uniquely Romantic, moving away from rigid structure and intellectual lamentation to embrace emotional depth and nature’s role in the human experience.

 

6. Effectiveness and Lasting Impact

Coleridge’s Elegy is an effective and beautifully crafted meditation on death. It succeeds in creating an atmosphere of quiet reverence rather than overwhelming sorrow. The natural imagery, combined with the contemplative tone, allows readers to reflect on mortality in a peaceful rather than tragic way.

However, one could argue that the poem lacks the personal, direct emotional engagement often found in elegies. While it is beautifully written, it does not focus on a specific individual’s life or achievements but rather on the universal idea of death and nature’s role in it. Some readers might find this approach too abstract, preferring elegies that offer a stronger personal connection to the deceased.

Despite this, the poem remains a fine example of Romantic poetry’s ability to elevate everyday experiences—such as the sight of a ruin or a moonlit landscape—into profound philosophical reflections.

 

Conclusion

Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s Elegy, Imitated From One Of Akenside’s Blank-Verse Inscriptions is a masterful exploration of death, nature, and transcendence. By adopting a Romantic approach, Coleridge transforms the traditional elegy from a lament into a serene meditation on mortality. His use of blank verse, natural symbolism, and introspective tone creates a poem that is both solemn and peaceful.

While it may lack the deep personal grief of more traditional elegies, its emphasis on nature’s eternal presence and the sacredness of the resting place makes it a powerful and enduring work. The poem encapsulates the Romantic belief that death is not an end but a return to nature, where the soul finds eternal harmony.