Home-Sick. Written In Germany by Samuel Taylor Coleridge (Poem, Summary, & Analysis)

 

Home-Sick. Written In Germany

by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

(Poem, Summary, & Analysis) 

Home-Sick. Written In Germany

'Tis sweet to him, who all the week

Through city-crowds must push his way,

To stroll alone through fields and woods,

And hallow thus the Sabbath-day.

 

And sweet it is, in summer bower,

Sincere, affectionate and gay,

One's own dear children feasting round,

To celebrate one's marriage-day.

 

But what is all, to his delight,

Who having long been dommed to roam,

Throws off the bundle from his back,

Before the door of his own home?

 

Home-sickness is a wasting pang;

This feel I hourly more and more:

There's healing only in thy wings,

Thou Breeze that play'st on Albion's shore!

 

Summary

The poem begins by expressing the joy of escaping the crowded city life and spending a peaceful Sabbath day in the countryside. The poet describes how refreshing it is for someone who endures the rush of city life throughout the week to walk alone through fields and woods, appreciating nature's beauty.

However, the poet’s own experience contrasts with this ideal. He finds himself in a foreign land (Germany), far from home, feeling isolated and nostalgic. The surrounding scenery, though picturesque, fails to comfort him. Instead, he longs for his homeland and loved ones, realizing that nature's beauty does not bring solace when one is away from familiar places and dear ones.

Coleridge then reflects on the deep emotional connection one has with home. He describes how even the simplest pleasures—like the sight of a familiar landscape or the voices of loved ones—hold far greater joy than any foreign land’s grandeur. His longing for home intensifies as he recalls England’s warm and welcoming atmosphere, which no foreign place can replace.

The poem ends with a poignant sense of homesickness, emphasizing that true happiness lies not merely in nature’s beauty but in the warmth of home and family. No matter how beautiful a foreign land may be, it cannot replace the comfort and emotional fulfillment of one’s homeland.

 

Analysis

Theme of the Poem

The poem explores the themes of homesickness, nostalgia, the contrast between urban and rural life, and the emotional bond with one’s homeland. Coleridge conveys a deep sense of longing for England while he is in Germany, emphasizing that no matter how beautiful a foreign land may be, it cannot replace the warmth and familiarity of home.

 

Contrast Between City Life and Nature

The opening lines describe the joy of escaping urban life. Coleridge paints a vivid picture of a person who endures the rush and crowds of the city throughout the week and finds solace in nature on the Sabbath day. The phrase "Tis sweet to him, who all the week / Through city-crowds must push his way" suggests the overwhelming and exhausting nature of city life. The poet highlights the contrast between the artificial, noisy city and the peaceful, rejuvenating countryside.

However, Coleridge quickly shifts from this general reflection to his personal experience, revealing that although he is in a place surrounded by nature, he does not find the same peace and contentment. Instead of joy, he feels homesick because he is in a foreign land.

 

Homesickness and Nostalgia

A major theme of the poem is the deep emotional attachment to one’s homeland. Coleridge's time in Germany is marked by loneliness, and despite the beauty of the place, he longs for England. This homesickness overshadows the pleasantness of nature, proving that true happiness does not come from the external surroundings but from emotional connections to familiar places and people.

His nostalgia grows stronger as he recalls his homeland’s simple joys—the comfort of family, familiar landscapes, and a sense of belonging. The poem suggests that home is not just a physical location but an emotional space filled with memories and love.

 

The Limitations of Nature’s Beauty

Coleridge contrasts the romantic ideal of nature with his personal reality. While many poets (including the Romantics) glorified nature as a source of healing and joy, Coleridge’s experience is different. Though he is in a beautiful countryside, it does not bring him the peace and comfort he expects because he is far from home. This challenges the notion that nature alone is enough to bring contentment—one’s emotional state and sense of belonging are equally important.

 

Personal Reflection and Universality

The poem is deeply personal, reflecting Coleridge’s own feelings during his stay in Germany. However, it also carries a universal message—the feeling of homesickness is something many can relate to. Anyone who has been far from home, no matter how beautiful the new place is, can understand the poet’s longing.

 

Tone and Mood

The tone of the poem starts as reflective and peaceful but gradually shifts to melancholic and emotional. The mood evokes a sense of sorrow and longing, making the reader empathize with Coleridge’s feelings. The contrast between expectation (finding joy in nature) and reality (feeling lonely and disconnected) adds to the emotional depth of the poem.

 

Conclusion

Through Home-Sick. Written in Germany, Coleridge expresses a deep yearning for home that surpasses the beauty of any foreign land. The poem highlights the emotional bond between a person and their homeland, suggesting that true happiness comes from familiar surroundings and loved ones rather than just nature’s beauty. By capturing the essence of homesickness, Coleridge creates a deeply relatable and poignant work that resonates with anyone who has ever longed for home.

 

Critical Evaluation

Samuel Taylor Coleridge, a key figure of the Romantic Movement, is known for his deep reflections on nature, emotions, and human experiences. Home-Sick. Written in Germany is a deeply personal poem that captures the universal feeling of homesickness. Written during Coleridge’s stay in Germany, the poem explores the contrast between the tranquility of nature and the emotional distress of being away from home.

While Romantic poets often celebrated nature as a source of healing, Coleridge presents a more complex perspective—showing that even the most beautiful landscapes cannot replace the warmth and familiarity of one’s homeland.

 

Coleridge’s Use of Romanticism

The poem aligns with the Romantic ideals of:

✔️ Nature as a refuge – The opening lines describe the relief of escaping from the chaos of city life into the peaceful countryside.

✔️ Deep emotions and personal experience – The poet’s homesickness dominates the poem, showing an intense emotional struggle.

✔️ Imagination and nostalgia – Coleridge’s longing for home is heightened by his memories of England, making his emotions even more vivid.

However, unlike the usual Romantic glorification of nature, Coleridge questions its ability to bring true solace. While nature is often portrayed as a healing force, here, it fails to comfort him because his emotional connection to home is stronger than the physical beauty of his surroundings.

 

The Theme of Homesickness and Belonging

The central theme of the poem is homesickness—a deep emotional yearning for home that overshadows all other experiences. The poem suggests that:

✔️ True comfort comes from familiarity – Even the most stunning foreign landscapes cannot replace the emotional security of home.

✔️ Physical surroundings do not determine happiness – One’s emotional state plays a crucial role in shaping their experience of the world.

✔️ Home is more than just a place – It is a space of love, warmth, and connection.

Coleridge’s portrayal of alienation in a foreign land makes the poem highly relatable, especially to those who have experienced being away from home.

 

Tone and Mood

The tone of the poem shifts from calm and reflective at the beginning to melancholic and emotional as the poet expresses his longing for home.

The mood evokes a strong sense of nostalgia, sadness, and emotional isolation, drawing the reader into Coleridge’s inner turmoil.

 

Use of Imagery and Language

Coleridge’s use of imagery enhances the depth of his emotions:

✔️ Nature imagery – He describes fields, woods, and the beauty of the countryside, but instead of feeling joy, he feels disconnected.

✔️ Contrast between the city and nature – The city is depicted as crowded and overwhelming, while nature is peaceful yet emotionally empty without a sense of belonging.

✔️ Emotional imagery – The poem is rich with expressions of longing and sorrow, making the reader feel the poet’s distress.

His language is simple yet deeply expressive, making the poem accessible while carrying profound emotions.

 

Philosophical Undertones

The poem subtly questions the human need for belonging. It suggests that while external beauty (such as nature) can offer temporary relief, it is our connections and memories that provide true fulfillment. This idea is in contrast with many Romantic works that emphasize nature as the ultimate source of peace.

 

Conclusion

Home-Sick. Written in Germany is a deeply moving poem that challenges the Romantic ideal of nature as a universal comfort. Coleridge’s personal experience of homesickness transforms the poem into a universal reflection on the importance of home and belonging. His powerful imagery, emotional depth, and philosophical undertones make it a significant piece in both Romantic and personal poetry.

Ultimately, the poem highlights that no foreign beauty can replace the warmth of home, making it timeless and deeply relatable.

 

Line-by-Line Interpretation

 

Lines 1–4:

“'Tis sweet to him, who all the week

Through city-crowds must push his way,

To stroll alone through fields and woods,

And hallow thus the Sabbath-day.”

 

Interpretation:

The poet begins by highlighting the contrast between city life and nature. He suggests that for someone who spends the entire week struggling through the crowded city, it is a great relief to escape into nature on a Sunday (Sabbath day). The word hallow (meaning "to make holy") implies that walking through the fields and woods is almost a spiritual experience, bringing peace and reflection.

 

Lines 5–8:

“But we, who from our native land

Have stray’d, or been by fortune driv’n,

When once we feel, we feel for ever

The burden of the curse of Heav’n.”

 

Interpretation:

Coleridge now shifts from a general observation to his personal experience. Unlike those who can enjoy nature, he and others who are away from their homeland feel a deep and lasting sorrow. The phrase "strayed, or been by fortune driven" suggests that some people leave home by choice, while others are forced to leave by circumstances.

The “burden of the curse of Heaven” implies that homesickness is a painful, unending feeling, almost as if being away from home is a form of divine punishment. This intense sorrow remains with a person forever once they experience it.

 

Lines 9–12:

“But, howsoe’er it be, a week

Of toil, of sorrow, or of pain,

Him who has earn’d the night’s repose,

No fears disturb, no dreams in vain.”

 

Interpretation:

Coleridge acknowledges that no matter what hardships a person endures—whether work, sorrow, or pain—the one who has truly worked hard can at least sleep peacefully at night.

This might contrast with his own experience: while physical labor brings restful sleep, emotional suffering (like homesickness) does not allow the same relief.

 

Lines 13–16:

“Our breast and blanket, aching limb,

Warm hearth and moonlight circle o’er,

Are images of thoughts as dim

As those that wake our dreamy hour.”

 

Interpretation:

The poet now describes a scene of physical rest, mentioning a warm hearth, a cozy blanket, and the moonlight. However, despite this physical comfort, his thoughts remain unclear and troubled.

Even in dreams, his mind is clouded with sadness and longing. The phrase “images of thoughts as dim” suggests that he cannot even find clear relief in sleep—his thoughts are just as troubled as his waking hours.

 

Lines 17–20:

“Ah! painful is it to reflect,

That all our labors are in vain!

That still the roving Fancy brings

The same sad prospect back again!”

 

Interpretation:

Coleridge expresses his frustration and helplessness. He realizes that no matter what he does, his homesickness remains. Even if he tries to distract himself, his wandering thoughts (Fancy) always return to the same painful memories and longing for home.

This reinforces the idea that homesickness is an inescapable sorrow.

 

Lines 21–24:

“Still to ourselves in memory fair,

We paint our happy youthful track;

And still, as in Reflection’s glass,

The dear-beloved home looks back.”

 

Interpretation:

The poet explains how the mind holds onto happy memories of home. When people are far from home, they tend to idealize the past, remembering it as a perfect, joyful place.

Coleridge uses the metaphor “Reflection’s glass” to suggest that when he looks into his mind, all he sees is his beloved home staring back at him. This imagery highlights the power of nostalgia, making home seem even more beautiful in memory than it may have been in reality.

 

Lines 25–28:

“We dream of hope, and thus deceived

Are happy for a little while;

But, ah! the heart is soon bereaved

Of that short joy and hollow smile!”

 

Interpretation:

Coleridge acknowledges that hope can sometimes provide temporary happiness—he may try to convince himself that he will return home, or that things will improve.

However, this happiness is an illusion. Reality soon reminds him of his loneliness, and his brief smile fades into sorrow again. The phrase “hollow smile” suggests forced happiness—an attempt to mask true emotions.

 

Lines 29–32 (Final Stanza):

“Few are the pleasures, sweet and true,

Which flow from home’s endearing ties!

Happier than any smile they leave

Upon the cheek, and in the eyes.”

 

Interpretation:

Coleridge ends the poem by emphasizing the irreplaceable joy of home. He suggests that true happiness comes from the deep emotional bonds of home and family, not from fleeting pleasures.

Even the simple joys of home are far greater than any superficial happiness one might find elsewhere. The last two lines suggest that the genuine happiness of home is something that can be physically seen—in a person’s smile and eyes—showing that it is authentic and deeply felt.

 

Conclusion

Coleridge’s poem is a powerful exploration of homesickness, illustrating how physical beauty and comfort cannot replace emotional belonging. The longing for home is deeply ingrained in the human heart, and the poem suggests that this feeling is inescapable once experienced.

The final message is clear: home is not just a place—it is the source of true happiness and emotional fulfillment.

 

Line-by-Line Analysis

 

Lines 1–4:

“'Tis sweet to him, who all the week

Through city-crowds must push his way,

To stroll alone through fields and woods,

And hallow thus the Sabbath-day.”

 

Analysis:

The poem begins by contrasting urban life (crowded, busy) with rural life (peaceful, refreshing).

The poet suggests that those who endure the hustle of the city find great relief in solitude and nature on Sundays.

The phrase "hallow thus the Sabbath-day" implies that spending time in nature is a spiritual and sacred experience, akin to religious observance.

Poetic Devices:

✔ Contrast – Between city life (busy, stressful) and rural life (peaceful, relaxing).

✔ Alliteration – “city-crowds” and “Sabbath-day” create a rhythmic effect.

✔ Imagery – The mention of "fields and woods" evokes a serene natural setting.

 

Lines 5–8:

“But we, who from our native land

Have stray’d, or been by fortune driv’n,

When once we feel, we feel for ever

The burden of the curse of Heav’n.”

 

Analysis:

Coleridge shifts from a general reflection to a personal experience of homesickness.

He states that those who have left their homeland—either by choice (“stray’d”) or by force (“fortune driv’n”)—suffer a lasting sorrow.

The phrase “curse of Heaven” suggests that homesickness feels like divine punishment, an inescapable emotional burden.

Poetic Devices:

✔ Alliteration – "feel, we feel for ever” emphasizes the permanence of homesickness.

✔ Enjambment – The sentence flows beyond the line break, enhancing continuity.

✔ Metaphor – “burden of the curse of Heav’n” compares homesickness to a divine curse, reinforcing its weight and inevitability.

 

Lines 9–12:

“But, howsoe’er it be, a week

Of toil, of sorrow, or of pain,

Him who has earn’d the night’s repose,

No fears disturb, no dreams in vain.”

 

Analysis:

The poet acknowledges that physical labor brings peaceful sleep—even if the week is filled with hardship.

However, mental or emotional pain (such as homesickness) cannot be relieved in the same way.

The contrast is between those who labor physically (and rest well) vs. those who suffer emotionally (and remain restless).

Poetic Devices:

✔ Contrast – Between physical toil (which allows rest) and emotional suffering (which brings unrest).

✔ Personification – "No fears disturb, no dreams in vain” gives human qualities to dreams and fears.

 

Lines 13–16:

“Our breast and blanket, aching limb,

Warm hearth and moonlight circle o’er,

Are images of thoughts as dim

As those that wake our dreamy hour.”

 

Analysis:

The poet describes a restful scene—a warm blanket, a cozy hearth, and moonlight.

However, despite the physical comfort, his thoughts remain troubled and unclear ("images of thoughts as dim").

He implies that even in sleep, his dreams are clouded with sadness and longing.

Poetic Devices:

✔ Imagery – “Warm hearth and moonlight” create a cozy yet melancholic atmosphere.

✔ Simile – “thoughts as dim as those that wake our dreamy hour” compares his unclear thoughts to hazy dreams.

 

Lines 17–20:

“Ah! painful is it to reflect,

That all our labors are in vain!

That still the roving Fancy brings

The same sad prospect back again!”

 

 Analysis:

 

The poet laments the futility of trying to forget his homesickness.

No matter how much he distracts himself, his imagination (Fancy) always brings him back to his sorrowful reality.

The repetition of “sad prospect” emphasizes the unavoidable nature of homesickness.

 Poetic Devices:

✔ Personification – "roving Fancy brings" gives imagination human-like movement.

✔ Repetition – “back again” reinforces the cyclical nature of memory and longing.

 

Lines 21–24:

“Still to ourselves in memory fair,

We paint our happy youthful track;

And still, as in Reflection’s glass,

The dear-beloved home looks back.”

 

 Analysis:

The poet describes how the mind idealizes the past—memories of home become more beautiful than reality.

The metaphor of a mirror (“Reflection’s glass”) suggests that home feels like a distant image, always watching him, yet unreachable.

 Poetic Devices:

✔ Metaphor – “Reflection’s glass” compares memory to a mirror reflecting the past.

✔ Personification – "home looks back” gives home human qualities, as if it is watching the poet from a distance.

 

Lines 25–28:

“We dream of hope, and thus deceived

Are happy for a little while;

But, ah! the heart is soon bereaved

Of that short joy and hollow smile!”

 

 Analysis:

The poet reflects on false hope—believing he can feel joy while away from home, but soon realizing the illusion fades quickly.

The phrase “hollow smile” suggests that his happiness is forced and temporary.

 Poetic Devices:

✔ Contrast – Between hope and deception, joy and sorrow.

✔ Alliteration – “hollow smile” emphasizes the emptiness of forced happiness.

 

Lines 29–32 (Final Stanza):

“Few are the pleasures, sweet and true,

Which flow from home’s endearing ties!

Happier than any smile they leave

Upon the cheek, and in the eyes.”

 

 Analysis:

Coleridge concludes that true happiness comes from home and family bonds.

Even the smallest joys of home are greater than any superficial pleasure found elsewhere.

The mention of the eyes and cheek suggests that genuine happiness is visible—it is something deeply felt, not just expressed.

 Poetic Devices:

✔ Imagery – The mention of “cheek” and “eyes” gives a visual representation of true joy.

✔ Contrast – Between temporary smiles and lasting happiness from home.

 

Coleridge’s use of imagery, contrast, and personification effectively conveys his deep homesickness.

The poem captures the universal experience of longing for home, making it relatable and timeless.

By using poetic devices, Coleridge enhances the emotional intensity and depth of his feelings.

 

Comparison with other works

Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s Home-Sick. Written in Germany explores the theme of homesickness and emotional longing for one's homeland. This theme has been addressed in various literary works across time. Below are comparisons with some notable works:

 

1. Comparison with William Wordsworth’s I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud

Similarities:

Both Coleridge and Wordsworth emphasize nature as a source of reflection and emotion.

Coleridge sees nature as a reminder of home, whereas Wordsworth sees nature as a source of joy and inspiration.

Both poets use imagery and personification to convey emotions.

Differences:

Wordsworth celebrates nature’s beauty and its ability to uplift the soul, while Coleridge experiences nature as a painful reminder of his absence from home.

Wordsworth’s poem ends on a positive note, while Coleridge’s poem remains melancholic and sorrowful.

 

2. Comparison with Thomas Hood’s I Remember, I Remember

Similarities:

Both poems express nostalgia for childhood and home.

They highlight how memory distorts and beautifies the past—Coleridge’s home looks back at him in "Reflection’s glass," while Hood recalls childhood as an idealized time.

Both poets feel disconnected from the happiness they once experienced.

Differences:

Hood's poem focuses on the innocence of childhood, while Coleridge’s poem deals with homesickness as a deep emotional suffering.

Hood’s tone is soft and wistful, whereas Coleridge’s is intense and filled with despair.

 

3. Comparison with John Keats’ Ode to a Nightingale

Similarities:

Both poems explore escapism—Coleridge through dreams and memory, and Keats through imagination and the nightingale’s song.

Both poets express a longing for something unattainable—Coleridge for his homeland, Keats for a transcendental experience beyond suffering.

Differences:

Keats romanticizes escape through art and beauty, while Coleridge is trapped in his painful reality of homesickness.

Keats’ imagery is rich and immersive, while Coleridge’s is somber and reflective.

 

4. Comparison with Emily Dickinson’s I Felt a Funeral in My Brain

Similarities:

Both poems deal with psychological suffering—Coleridge’s homesickness and Dickinson’s mental breakdown.

Both use metaphorical imagery to describe internal emotions.

Differences:

Dickinson’s poem is about the mind unraveling, whereas Coleridge’s poem focuses on longing for home.

Coleridge’s homesickness is deeply personal, while Dickinson’s poem is more abstract and surreal.

 

5. Comparison with John Milton’s Paradise Lost (Expulsion from Eden)

Similarities:

Both works explore loss and exile—Coleridge from his homeland, Adam and Eve from Eden.

The idea of a lost paradise is central in both, emphasizing nostalgia and suffering.

Differences:

Milton’s poem focuses on divine punishment and redemption, whereas Coleridge’s poem is personal and emotional.

Adam and Eve's exile is physical and spiritual, whereas Coleridge’s suffering is emotional and psychological.

 

Conclusion

Home-Sick. Written in Germany fits within the Romantic tradition of exploring emotion, nostalgia, and personal suffering.

Compared to Wordsworth, Keats, and Hood, Coleridge’s poem is darker and more despairing.

It shares similarities with Milton and Dickinson in exploring exile and emotional torment.