Forbearance by Samuel Taylor Coleridge (Poem, Summary, & Analysis)

 

Forbearance

by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

(Poem, Summary, & Analysis) 

Forbearance

(Beareth all things.---1 Cor. xiii. 7.)

Gently I took that which ungently came,

And without scorn forgave:--Do thou the same.

A wrong done to thee think a cat's-eye spark

Thou wouldst not see, were not thine own heart dark.

Thine own keen sense of wrong that thirsts for sin,

Fear that--the spark self-kindled from within,

Which blown upon will blind thee with its glare,

Or smother'd stifle thee with noisome air.

Clap on the extinguisher, pull up the blinds,

And soon the ventilated spirit finds

Its natural daylight. If a foe have kenn'd,

Or worse than foe, an alienated friend,

A rib of dry rot in thy ship's stout side,

Think it God's message, and in humble pride

With heart of oak replace it;--thine the gains--

Give him the rotten timber for his pains!

 

Summary

The poem Forbearance by Samuel Taylor Coleridge reflects on the virtue of patience, forgiveness, and self-restraint in the face of wrongdoing. The speaker begins by stating that he accepted an unkind act with gentleness and forgave it without resentment. He urges the reader to do the same, emphasizing the idea that harboring anger only darkens one’s own heart.

He compares a minor offense to a “cat’s-eye spark,” a tiny glimmer that is barely noticeable unless one's heart is clouded by negativity. This suggests that those who are pure-hearted would not even perceive small wrongs as significant. The speaker advises that if one finds an offense unbearable, it is a reflection of their own internal state rather than the gravity of the wrongdoing itself.

Through the poem, the speaker advocates for forbearance—exercising patience and restraint rather than reacting with anger. The poem implies that true strength lies in responding to negativity with kindness and maintaining inner peace despite external provocations.

 

Analysis

Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem Forbearance is a meditation on patience, forgiveness, and moral strength. It emphasizes the importance of responding to wrongdoing with gentleness and self-restraint rather than anger or retaliation. Below is a detailed analysis of the poem:

 

1. Theme of Forgiveness and Restraint

The poem begins with the speaker stating that he accepted an unkind act “gently” and forgave it “without scorn.” This sets the tone for the poem, highlighting the virtue of forbearance—responding to negativity with grace. Coleridge contrasts this with the natural human tendency to react with resentment, urging the reader to follow his example.

The idea of forgiveness without contempt is central to the poem. True forgiveness, according to Coleridge, is not just about refraining from revenge but also about avoiding internal bitterness.

 

2. The Symbolism of the “Cat’s-Eye Spark”

The poet uses the imagery of a “cat’s-eye spark” to describe a minor wrongdoing. A cat’s-eye spark is small and faint, barely noticeable, much like an insignificant offense. Coleridge suggests that such wrongs only appear significant when one’s heart is already darkened by negativity. In other words, the perception of offense is influenced by one’s inner state.

This symbolism reinforces the idea that a person with a pure heart will not dwell on small injustices, while someone harboring anger or resentment will perceive even minor slights as significant.

 

3. Moral and Philosophical Perspective

Coleridge’s poem aligns with Christian values of forgiveness and humility. The poem suggests that reacting with anger only perpetuates negativity, whereas responding with patience leads to inner peace. The speaker encourages self-reflection: rather than focusing on the wrongdoing of others, one should examine their own heart.

This perspective is deeply philosophical, resonating with Stoic ideals—that our reactions to external events determine our emotional state. A person who practices forbearance remains unaffected by external negativity.

 

4. Gentle yet Firm Tone

The tone of the poem is calm yet persuasive. The speaker does not preach aggressively but rather invites the reader to adopt a more forgiving perspective. The use of personal experience (“Gently I took that which ungently came”) makes the message more relatable and effective.

 

5. Conciseness and Impact

The poem is short but profound. It conveys its message succinctly, relying on powerful imagery and direct moral instruction. The brevity enhances the impact, making it a memorable lesson in forbearance.

 

Conclusion

Coleridge’s Forbearance is a timeless reflection on the virtue of patience and forgiveness. Through its simple yet profound message, it teaches that true strength lies in responding to wrongs with gentleness, rather than anger. By controlling our own reactions and maintaining a pure heart, we can rise above petty offenses and cultivate inner peace.

 

Critical Evaluation

Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem Forbearance is a short yet profound meditation on patience, forgiveness, and moral integrity. The poem not only offers ethical guidance but also provides insight into human nature and the way individuals perceive and react to wrongdoing. Below is a critical evaluation of the poem.

 

1. Philosophical and Ethical Depth

The central idea of the poem aligns with Christian moral philosophy and Stoic ideals—both emphasizing restraint in the face of provocation. Coleridge suggests that the way we perceive an offense is a reflection of our own inner state rather than the nature of the offense itself. This philosophical approach is reminiscent of thinkers like Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, who advocated for emotional self-regulation as a path to wisdom.

Moreover, the poem reflects Christian teachings on forgiveness, particularly those found in the Bible, where believers are encouraged to turn the other cheek and love their enemies. By advising the reader to forgive "without scorn," Coleridge presents forbearance as an active, conscious choice rather than passive submission.

 

2. The Use of Symbolism

Coleridge employs the “cat’s-eye spark” as a metaphor for small, insignificant wrongs that only appear large when one’s heart is darkened. This image is particularly effective because it conveys how human perception is influenced by one’s emotional and moral state. A pure-hearted person does not dwell on minor offenses, while someone consumed by negativity magnifies them.

This idea is closely related to Romantic notions of subjectivity—a key feature of Coleridge’s literary style. Romantic poets often explored how personal emotions shape one’s experience of reality, and here, Coleridge extends that idea to the realm of moral perception.

 

3. The Poetic Structure and Style

The poem is composed in rhymed couplets, a form that lends it a sense of balance and harmony, reinforcing its theme of inner peace and self-restraint. The concise and controlled structure mirrors the very quality of forbearance that the poem advocates.

Coleridge’s diction is simple yet powerful. He does not overcomplicate his message with elaborate imagery or extended metaphors. Instead, he employs direct, instructive language to make his moral lesson clear. The tone is both gentle and authoritative, inviting the reader to reflect on their own behavior without feeling chastised.

 

4. Psychological Insight

The poem delves into human psychology by suggesting that offense is often subjective. It presents the idea that when people harbor resentment, they are more likely to perceive slights that may not even exist. This insight predates modern psychological theories on cognitive biases and emotional intelligence, making the poem remarkably forward-thinking.

Coleridge’s understanding of emotional self-regulation aligns with contemporary ideas about mindfulness and personal responsibility for one’s reactions. The poem’s message is timeless—encouraging emotional maturity and resilience in dealing with conflict.

 

5. Universality and Relevance

Despite being written in the 19th century, Forbearance remains highly relevant today. In an age where people often react impulsively—especially on social media—the poem’s message serves as a reminder to pause, reflect, and choose kindness over resentment. Its themes are universally applicable, making it a work that transcends its historical and cultural context.

 

Conclusion

Coleridge’s Forbearance is a masterful exploration of patience, forgiveness, and moral strength. Its concise yet profound message, coupled with its effective use of symbolism and psychological depth, makes it a timeless piece of ethical poetry. By advocating for emotional self-regulation and a forgiving spirit, Coleridge not only presents a moral lesson but also offers a path to personal peace and wisdom.

 

Line-by-Line Analysis

Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s Forbearance is a short but deeply philosophical poem that teaches the value of patience, self-restraint, and forgiveness. Below is a line-by-line analysis, explaining the meaning and significance of each part.

 

Lines 1-2:

"Gently I took that which ungently came,

And without scorn forgave:—Do thou the same."

The speaker begins by describing his response to an unkind or unjust act. Instead of reacting with anger, he accepted it calmly (“gently”), even though it was delivered in a harsh or rude manner (“ungently came”).

He emphasizes that he forgave the offense “without scorn”, meaning without contempt or superiority. This suggests true forgiveness—not only letting go of resentment but also not looking down on the offender.

The phrase “Do thou the same” is a direct instruction to the reader, urging them to adopt the same approach of forbearance in their own lives.

 

Lines 3-4:

"A wrong done to thee think a cat's-eye spark

Thou wouldst not see, were not thine own heart dark."

Coleridge uses the metaphor of a “cat’s-eye spark” to describe a minor wrongdoing—something small, fleeting, and insignificant.

The second line suggests that the only reason one notices such small wrongs is if their own heart is darkened—meaning if they are already burdened with negativity, resentment, or anger.

The implication is that a pure heart would not be troubled by minor offenses, while a troubled heart magnifies even the smallest perceived slights. This reflects Romantic philosophy, which emphasizes the subjective nature of perception.

 

Interpretation and Thematic Insights

The poem advocates self-reflection: Instead of blaming others for wrongdoing, the speaker suggests examining one’s own heart and mindset.

The metaphor of the cat’s-eye spark reinforces the psychological aspect of taking offense—if a person is already in a negative state, they are more likely to feel wronged.

The brevity of the poem adds to its impact. Coleridge delivers a timeless moral lesson in just four lines, making it both memorable and powerful.

 

Conclusion

Coleridge’s Forbearance teaches the value of forgiveness, emotional restraint, and self-awareness. By advising the reader to accept offenses with grace and suggesting that offense is often subjective, he offers a path to inner peace and moral strength. The poem remains highly relevant today, encouraging individuals to rise above negativity and cultivate a forgiving heart.

 

A line-by-line interpretation

Coleridge’s Forbearance is a short yet profound poem that teaches patience, forgiveness, and self-awareness. Below is a line-by-line interpretation, explaining the deeper meaning behind each phrase.

 

Line 1:

"Gently I took that which ungently came,"

The speaker describes how he responded with gentleness to something that was delivered in a harsh or unkind manner.

This suggests that he did not retaliate or react negatively, even though the action or words directed at him were unpleasant.

It reflects the idea that one can choose to respond with kindness, regardless of how they are treated.

 

Line 2:

"And without scorn forgave:—Do thou the same."

The speaker not only accepted the wrong done to him but also forgave it “without scorn”, meaning without bitterness, resentment, or a sense of superiority.

True forgiveness, as emphasized here, is not just about letting go of anger but also avoiding judgment or condescension toward the offender.

The phrase “Do thou the same” is a direct instruction to the reader, urging them to adopt this same mindset of forbearance and mercy.

 

Line 3:

"A wrong done to thee think a cat's-eye spark"

The speaker encourages the reader to view any wrong done to them as something small and insignificant, like a “cat’s-eye spark.”

A cat’s-eye spark is a tiny flicker of light, almost imperceptible unless one is looking for it.

This metaphor implies that many perceived wrongs are minor and do not deserve a strong emotional reaction.

 

Line 4:

"Thou wouldst not see, were not thine own heart dark."

Here, the speaker shifts the focus inward, suggesting that the perception of wrongdoing often depends on one’s own state of mind.

If someone’s heart is darkened—filled with anger, negativity, or resentment—they will be more likely to notice and dwell on small offenses.

Conversely, if a person’s heart is pure and peaceful, they will overlook minor wrongs instead of being disturbed by them.

 

Overall Meaning:

Coleridge teaches that forgiveness and patience are essential virtues. Rather than reacting with hostility to an offense, one should accept it with grace and not let it taint their inner peace. The poem also highlights that our perception of wrongs is influenced by our own emotional state—if we are already troubled or bitter, we will be more sensitive to perceived insults.

The key message is that true strength lies in controlling one’s own reactions and maintaining a kind heart, regardless of how others behave.

 

Poetic Devices Used

Coleridge employs several poetic devices in Forbearance to enhance its meaning and impact. Below is an analysis of the key literary techniques used in the poem:

 

1. Alliteration (Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words)

"Gently I took that which ungently came" → The repetition of the soft "g" sound in "Gently" and "ungently" emphasizes the contrast between the speaker’s kind reaction and the harsh action he received.

"Think a cat’s-eye spark" → The repetition of the "c" sound in "cat’s-eye" creates a rhythmic flow, making the imagery more vivid.

 

2. Antithesis (Placing two contrasting ideas together for effect)

"Gently I took that which ungently came" → The contrast between "gently" and "ungently" highlights the idea of responding to rudeness with kindness.

"Thou wouldst not see, were not thine own heart dark" → The contrast between "see" (awareness) and "dark" (a troubled mind) suggests that perception of wrongdoing is influenced by one's inner state.

 

3. Metaphor (An implicit comparison without using "like" or "as")

"A wrong done to thee think a cat’s-eye spark" → The wrong is metaphorically compared to a cat’s-eye spark (a tiny, insignificant glimmer), suggesting that offenses are often small and unworthy of anger.

"Were not thine own heart dark" → Here, "dark" symbolizes bitterness, resentment, or negativity in one’s heart, implying that a person with an untroubled mind would not even notice small wrongs.

 

4. Imperative Tone (Giving direct commands or advice)

"Do thou the same." → The poet directly instructs the reader to practice forbearance, making the message clear and impactful.

 

5. Symbolism (Using an object or image to represent a deeper meaning)

"Cat’s-eye spark" → Symbolizes small offenses that only appear significant when one’s heart is troubled.

"Dark heart" → Represents a mind clouded by negativity, anger, or resentment, which affects how one perceives others' actions.

 

6. Rhyme Scheme (The pattern of rhyming words in a poem)

The poem follows an AABB rhyme scheme:

"Came" / "Same" (A)

"Spark" / "Dark" (B)

This structured rhyme scheme gives the poem a balanced and rhythmic flow, reinforcing its theme of emotional control and stability.

 

7. Conciseness (Economy of Words)

Coleridge conveys a profound moral lesson in just four lines.

The brief yet powerful structure makes the message memorable and impactful.

 

Conclusion

Through alliteration, antithesis, metaphor, symbolism, and a strong imperative tone, Coleridge crafts a simple yet deeply meaningful poem. The use of poetic devices enhances the poem’s moral lesson, urging readers to practice forbearance, forgiveness, and emotional self-control.

 

Comparison with other works

Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s Forbearance shares themes of patience, forgiveness, and emotional self-control with several other literary and philosophical works. Below is a comparison of Forbearance with other significant texts that explore similar ideas.

 

1. Comparison with William Blake’s The Poison Tree

Similarities:

Both poems discuss the effects of harboring anger and the consequences of one’s inner emotional state.

Forbearance suggests that a “dark heart” magnifies offenses, while The Poison Tree shows how anger, when nurtured, grows into something destructive.

Differences:

Coleridge promotes immediate forgiveness as a way to maintain inner peace.

Blake’s poem warns about repressed anger, showing that if left unresolved, it can lead to revenge and destruction.

 

2. Comparison with William Wordsworth’s Lines Written in Early Spring

Similarities:

Both poets were Romantics who emphasized the importance of inner peace and harmony.

Wordsworth’s poem suggests that human conflict disrupts natural harmony, much like how resentment darkens the heart in Forbearance.

Differences:

Forbearance focuses on individual self-control, while Wordsworth reflects on humanity’s broader failings in disrupting nature’s peace.

 

3. Comparison with the Bible (Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5:39-44)

Similarities:

Both Forbearance and the Sermon on the Mount encourage turning the other cheek and responding to negativity with kindness.

Coleridge’s idea of forgiving “without scorn” aligns with Jesus' teaching of loving one’s enemies and showing grace.

Differences:

The Bible frames forgiveness within divine commandments, while Coleridge presents it as a philosophical and psychological choice.

 

4. Comparison with Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations (Stoic Philosophy)

Similarities:

Both emphasize self-control over emotions and the idea that one’s reaction determines suffering, not the event itself.

Marcus Aurelius, like Coleridge, suggests that a person with inner peace remains unaffected by external wrongs.

Differences:

Forbearance is a poetic expression of forbearance, while Meditations is a philosophical text focused on logical self-discipline.

 

5. Comparison with Rudyard Kipling’s ‘If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs’

Similarities:

Both poems teach emotional resilience and the ability to remain calm under adversity.

Kipling’s “If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs” echoes Coleridge’s “Do thou the same” in advocating for composure.

Differences:

Forbearance focuses on forgiveness and perspective, while If— emphasizes broader personal virtues like patience, confidence, and perseverance.

 

Conclusion

Coleridge’s Forbearance stands alongside some of the greatest moral and philosophical reflections in literature. Whether compared to Blake’s critique of suppressed anger, Wordsworth’s longing for peace, Biblical teachings on forgiveness, or Stoic principles of self-control, Forbearance remains a timeless lesson on emotional wisdom and resilience.