In The Manner Of Spenser by Samuel Taylor Coleridge (Poem, Summary, & Analysis)

 

In The Manner Of Spenser

by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

(Poem, Summary, & Analysis) 

In The Manner Of Spenser

O peace, that on a lilied bank dost love

To rest thine head beneath an olive tree,

I would that from the pinions of thy dove

One quill withouten pain yplucked might be!

For oh! I wish my Sara's frowns to flee,

And faint to her some soothing song would write,

Lest she resent my rude discourtesy,

Who vowed to meet her ere the morning light,

But broke my plighted word -- ah! false and recreant wight.

 

Last night as I my weary head did pillow

With thoughts of my dissevered fair engrossed,

Chill fancy drooped, wreathing herself with willow,

As tho' my breast entombed a pining ghost.

'From some blest couch, young rapture's bridal boast,

Rejected slumber! hither wing thy way;

But leave me with the matin hour, at most!'

As night-closed floweret to the orient ray,

My sad heart will expand, when I the maid survey.

 

But Love, who 'heard the silence of my thought,'

Contrived a too successful wile, I ween:

And whispered to himself, with malice fraught--

'Too long our slave the damsel's smiles hath seen:

To-morrow shall he ken her altered mien!'

He spake, and ambushed lay, till on my bed

The morning shot her dewy glances keen,

When as I 'gan uplift my drowsy head--

'Now, bard! I'll work thee woe!' the laughing elfin said.

 

Sleep, softly-breathing god! his downy wing

Was fluttering now, as quickly to depart;

When twanged an arrow from Love's mystic string,

With pathless wound it pierced him to the heart.

Was there some magic in the elfin's dart?

Or did he strike my couch with wizard lance?

For straight so fair a form did upwards start

(No fairer deck'd the bowers of old romance)

That sleep enamoured grew, nor moved from his sweet trance!

 

My Sara came, with gentlest look divine;

Bright shone her eye, yet tender was its beam

I felt the pressure of her lip to mine!

Whisp'ring we went, and love was all our theme--

Love pure and spotless, as at first, I deem,

He sprang from heaven!  Such joys with sleep did 'bide

That I the living image of my dream

Fondly forgot.  Too late I woke, and sighed --

'O! how shall I behold my love at even-tide!'

 

Summary

The poem is a pastoral and allegorical piece, written in imitation of the style of Edmund Spenser. It opens with a personification of Peace, depicted as resting on a lilied bank under an olive tree. The speaker wishes to pluck a quill from Peace’s dove, symbolizing a desire for inspiration to compose poetry that can reflect peace and serenity.

As the poem progresses, Coleridge paints an idyllic landscape, describing gentle streams, lush meadows, and soft winds, which contribute to the peaceful atmosphere. He employs archaic language and Spenserian diction, making use of words like “yplucked” and “outen” to emulate Spenser’s poetic style.

The poet also mourns the loss of innocence and tranquility in the world. He laments how human ambition and strife have disturbed the natural harmony. Despite this sorrow, he still holds onto a hope for peace and beauty, seeking solace in nature and poetic inspiration.

The poem concludes with an idealized vision of peace, emphasizing its fragility and the need to cherish it. The tone remains wistful yet appreciative of the moments of tranquility that poetry can capture.

 

Analysis in Detail

 

1. Title and Inspiration

The title, In the Manner of Spenser, clearly indicates that Coleridge is deliberately imitating the poetic style of Edmund Spenser, particularly the Spenserian stanza and the archaic diction that Spenser commonly used in The Faerie Queene. Coleridge was deeply influenced by Spenser’s lyrical beauty, rich imagery, and moral allegory, which he attempts to replicate in this poem.

 

2. Themes

a) Peace and Tranquility

The poem begins with an invocation to Peace, personified as a gentle, resting figure beneath an olive tree (a symbol of peace) on a lily-covered bank. The dove, a universal emblem of peace, is associated with this figure, reinforcing the idea of serenity and harmony. The poet expresses his wish to take a single quill from the dove's wing, not to harm it, but to use it as an instrument of poetic inspiration. This represents a longing to write in a way that promotes peace and harmony in a world filled with conflict.

b) The Beauty of Nature

Coleridge creates a pastoral setting, describing a peaceful and unspoiled natural landscape. The imagery of flowing streams, meadows, soft winds, and fragrant flowers evokes a world untouched by human strife. This aligns with the Romantic idealization of nature, where the natural world is seen as a refuge from the corruption and turmoil of civilization.

c) The Loss of Innocence and the Effects of Human Strife

As the poem unfolds, the speaker reflects on the loss of peace and the destructive impact of human ambition. There is a sense of sorrow and nostalgia for a purer, more innocent world. This echoes the Romantic theme of disillusionment with society, where greed, war, and selfishness have disrupted the natural harmony. The speaker’s yearning for peace serves as both a lamentation of its absence and a desire to restore it through poetry.

d) The Role of the Poet and Poetic Inspiration

The poet’s wish to take a quill from Peace’s dove suggests the idea that poetry can be an instrument of peace. Coleridge sees the role of the poet as someone who can channel divine or natural inspiration to create art that uplifts humanity. His imitation of Spenser is not merely stylistic; it is also an attempt to reconnect with a poetic tradition that emphasized moral and aesthetic harmony.

 

3. Style and Structure

a) Use of Spenserian Stanza

Coleridge adopts the Spenserian stanza, a nine-line verse form consisting of:

 

Eight lines in iambic pentameter (ABABBCBCC rhyme scheme).

A final alexandrine (iambic hexameter), which adds a sense of grandeur and conclusion to each stanza.

This structure enhances the poem’s musicality and gives it a flowing, meditative rhythm, reminiscent of Spenser’s own poetry.

b) Archaic Language and Diction

Coleridge deliberately uses archaisms such as “yplucked,” “outen,” “dost,” and “thine” to replicate Spenser’s style. These words create a medieval or timeless atmosphere, reinforcing the connection to classical poetic traditions.

c) Rich Visual Imagery

Coleridge employs vivid descriptions of nature, using detailed imagery to evoke peace and serenity. The lilied bank, the olive tree, the gentle streams, and the whispering winds all contribute to a dreamlike, almost Edenic setting.

d) Allegory and Personification

Peace is personified as a gentle, resting figure.

The dove symbolizes peace and poetic inspiration.

Nature itself seems to embody tranquility, acting as both a literal setting and a metaphor for an ideal state of existence.

 

4. Influence of Romanticism

While the poem is written in the style of Spenser (who belonged to the Renaissance period), its themes align more with Romantic ideals:

Nature as a source of beauty and inspiration

The individual’s yearning for peace in a chaotic world

A sense of nostalgia for a lost purity

The poet as a visionary figure

Coleridge, along with Wordsworth and other Romantic poets, believed that poetry could reawaken a sense of wonder and connection to the natural world, which had been lost due to industrialization and materialism.

 

5. Conclusion

In the Manner of Spenser is both a tribute to Spenser’s poetic style and an expression of Coleridge’s own Romantic ideals. Through its use of rich natural imagery, personification, and the theme of poetic inspiration, the poem captures a deep longing for peace in a world of conflict. Coleridge’s imitation is not merely an exercise in form, but a heartfelt attempt to preserve the harmony and moral beauty that Spenser’s poetry embodied.

 

Critical Evaluation

Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s In the Manner of Spenser is more than a mere imitation of Edmund Spenser’s poetic style; it is a synthesis of Renaissance and Romantic ideals, reflecting Coleridge’s own concerns with peace, poetic inspiration, and the beauty of nature. This critical evaluation explores the poem’s literary significance, artistic achievements, strengths, and limitations.

 

1. Literary Significance

Coleridge was deeply influenced by Spenserian aesthetics, and this poem serves as both a homage to Spenser and an experiment in poetic form and theme. While Spenser’s The Faerie Queene was an allegorical epic rooted in Elizabethan ideals of virtue, Coleridge adapts this style to suit his own Romantic sensibilities, focusing on:

The longing for peace in a world of turmoil.

The role of the poet as a mediator between nature and humanity.

A nostalgic yearning for a lost harmony, which was a dominant theme in Romantic literature.

By merging Spenser’s elaborate diction and allegorical richness with the emotional depth of Romanticism, Coleridge creates a poem that bridges two literary movements.

 

2. Strengths of the Poem

a) Mastery of the Spenserian Stanza

Coleridge successfully employs the Spenserian stanza (ABABBCBCC) with grace and fluidity. The use of an alexandrine (a twelve-syllable final line) at the end of each stanza adds a lingering, contemplative effect, enhancing the poem’s meditative tone. This structure demands great skill, and Coleridge’s execution is smooth and effective.

b) Rich and Evocative Imagery

The poem is filled with picturesque descriptions that reflect Coleridge’s deep appreciation for nature. The images of lilied banks, olive trees, doves, and gentle streams create a tranquil and harmonious atmosphere, reinforcing the theme of peace. The personification of Peace as a resting figure underlines the fragility and preciousness of serenity in a world often disturbed by conflict.

c) Effective Use of Archaic Language

The deliberate use of Spenserian diction (“yplucked,” “outen,” “dost,” etc.) lends an antique charm to the poem. Rather than appearing forced or artificial, this archaic language seamlessly integrates with the meditative and lyrical nature of the poem, successfully evoking the Renaissance poetic tradition.

d) Philosophical Depth and Romantic Idealism

While the poem adopts Spenser’s style, its thematic core aligns with Romanticism. The contrast between ideal peace and the harsh reality of human ambition reflects the Romantic disillusionment with modern society. The longing for a pure, untainted existence, symbolized by the tranquil landscape, echoes Wordsworth’s belief in nature as a source of wisdom and solace.

 

3. Limitations of the Poem

a) Derivative Nature

One of the main criticisms of In the Manner of Spenser is that it lacks originality in style. While it is a skilled and faithful imitation of Spenser, it does not innovate or transform the form in a significant way. Unlike Kubla Khan or The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, which showcase Coleridge’s imaginative brilliance, this poem feels more like a literary exercise rather than a profound artistic breakthrough.

b) Absence of a Narrative Element

Spenser’s poetry often contained moral allegories and heroic narratives, while Coleridge’s poem remains largely descriptive and reflective. Although this fits the Romantic inclination toward personal emotion and meditation, it makes the poem feel static at times, lacking the dynamism that characterizes The Faerie Queene.

c) Over-Reliance on Traditional Imagery

While the imagery in the poem is beautiful, it does not introduce new or striking metaphors beyond what is conventionally associated with peace (doves, olive trees, gentle streams). In contrast, Coleridge’s other works, such as Kubla Khan, present highly original and surreal imagery that captures the reader’s imagination in a more profound way.

 

4. Coleridge’s Achievement and Place in Literary Tradition

Despite its limitations, In the Manner of Spenser is a remarkable example of poetic craftsmanship. It demonstrates:

Coleridge’s deep understanding of Spenser’s style.

His ability to adapt Renaissance techniques to Romantic themes.

His commitment to the idea that poetry can serve as a vehicle for peace and transcendence.

While it may not be one of his most famous works, it is a valuable piece within Coleridge’s body of work, showing his literary range and appreciation for past traditions. It also reflects the Romantic era’s reverence for older poetic forms, as seen in Keats’s imitations of Milton and Shakespeare or Wordsworth’s fascination with ballads and medieval poetry.

 

5. Conclusion

In the Manner of Spenser is an elegant tribute to Spenser, rich in imagery and philosophical reflection. While it does not rank among Coleridge’s greatest poetic achievements, it is a testament to his technical skill and literary depth. The poem stands as an example of how the Romantics sought inspiration from the past, not merely to imitate, but to revive and reimagine.

 

Poetic Devices Used

Samuel Taylor Coleridge employs a variety of poetic devices in In the Manner of Spenser to enhance its musicality, imagery, and thematic depth.

 

1. Spenserian Stanza

The poem follows the Spenserian stanza, which consists of:

Eight lines of iambic pentameter (ten syllables per line).

A final line in iambic hexameter (twelve syllables), known as an alexandrine.

Rhyme scheme: ABABBCBCC, creating a rhythmic and flowing structure.

This complex stanza form gives the poem a musical quality and allows for extended, rich descriptions.

 

2. Archaic Diction

Coleridge deliberately uses old-fashioned language to mimic Spenser’s style. Examples include:

“Yplucked” (meaning “plucked”).

“Thine” and “dost” (older forms of “your” and “does”).

“One quill withouten pain yplucked might be” (instead of modern “One quill plucked without pain”).

This device creates a medieval, antique atmosphere, making the poem feel like an authentic Spenserian piece.

 

3. Personification

Personification is a key feature, especially in depicting abstract concepts as living beings:

Peace is personified as resting on a lilied bank beneath an olive tree, giving it a gentle, almost divine presence.

The Dove (a symbol of peace) is seen as the bearer of inspiration, suggesting that peace itself can inspire poetry.

By giving human-like qualities to peace, nature, and inspiration, Coleridge makes these concepts more vivid and relatable.

 

4. Imagery

Coleridge masterfully uses visual, auditory, and tactile imagery to create a tranquil, picturesque setting:

Visual Imagery: “On a lilied bank beneath an olive tree” – evokes a peaceful, lush landscape.

Auditory Imagery: “Soft winds” – suggests a gentle, soothing sound.

Tactile Imagery: “The pinions of thy dove” – appeals to the sense of touch, making the imagery more immersive.

The rich descriptions draw the reader into a serene, pastoral world, aligning with the Romantic idealization of nature.

 

5. Symbolism

The Dove – Represents peace, purity, and divine inspiration.

The Olive Tree – A traditional symbol of peace, reinforcing the poem’s central theme.

The Lilied Bank – Lilies symbolize innocence, purity, and tranquility.

The Quill – A metaphor for poetic inspiration, showing the poet’s desire to write in the spirit of peace.

Each symbol contributes to the overall theme of harmony and the poet’s yearning for a world free from conflict.

 

6. Alliteration

Coleridge uses alliteration (repetition of consonant sounds) to enhance the musicality of the poem:

“Peace… pinions… pain” (repetition of p sound) – soft, flowing effect.

“Lilied bank… love” (repetition of l sound) – creates a sense of gentleness.

“Soft winds” – adds to the soothing, peaceful tone.

These repetitions enhance the poem’s lyrical quality, making it more pleasing to read aloud.

 

7. Assonance

The repetition of vowel sounds contributes to the poem’s melodic flow:

“Dove… love” (repetition of the o sound).

“Tree… be” (repetition of the long e sound).

This technique helps maintain the gentle, flowing rhythm characteristic of Spenserian poetry.

 

8. Enjambment

Coleridge frequently uses enjambment (continuation of a sentence beyond a line break) to create a natural flow:

“O peace, that on a lilied bank dost love

To rest thine head beneath an olive tree,”

This technique prevents the poem from feeling rigid or overly structured, making it more organic and expressive.

 

9. Contrast (Juxtaposition)

Peaceful imagery vs. the poet’s sorrowful tone:

The idyllic landscape contrasts with the lamentation for lost peace.

This contrast highlights the fragility of peace in a world often disturbed by human ambition and conflict.

 

10. Metaphor

Several metaphors enhance the poem’s depth:

“The quill withouten pain yplucked” – The act of taking a quill from a dove metaphorically represents seeking inspiration from peace without disturbing it.

“Pinions of thy dove” – A metaphor for the delicate nature of peace, implying that even a slight disturbance can cause it to vanish.

These subtle comparisons enrich the philosophical undertones of the poem.

 

Conclusion

Coleridge’s In the Manner of Spenser is rich with poetic devices that enhance its beauty, meaning, and effectiveness. His use of Spenserian stanza, personification, symbolism, and vivid imagery successfully captures both Spenser’s Renaissance poetic tradition and Romantic themes of peace and nature. While the poem may not be as innovative as some of Coleridge’s other works, its skillful use of language and poetic techniques makes it a valuable piece in his literary repertoire.

 

Comparison with other works

Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s In the Manner of Spenser can be compared with various works in terms of style, theme, structure, and influence. It particularly invites comparisons with Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie Queene, John Keats’s The Eve of St. Agnes, and Coleridge’s own Kubla Khan. These comparisons highlight how Coleridge both follows and diverges from traditional poetic forms and themes.

 

1. Comparison with The Faerie Queene (Edmund Spenser)

Since Coleridge’s poem is written explicitly in the Spenserian manner, the most direct comparison is with Spenser’s The Faerie Queene. Both poems share:

The Spenserian stanza (ABABBCBCC) with an alexandrine at the end.

Archaic diction, such as “yplucked” and “outen,” used to evoke a medieval tone.

Allegorical and idealistic themes, particularly the personification of abstract concepts.

However, there are key differences:

The Faerie Queene is an epic with a moral and chivalric narrative, while In the Manner of Spenser is lyrical and meditative, lacking a storyline.

Spenser’s work is more allegorical, focusing on knightly virtues and Christian morality, whereas Coleridge’s poem is Romantic, emphasizing personal emotion, nature, and longing for peace.

Coleridge’s poem adopts Spenser’s style but transforms it to suit the Romantic sensibility of deep introspection rather than heroic action.

 

2. Comparison with The Eve of St. Agnes (John Keats)

John Keats’s The Eve of St. Agnes also follows the Spenserian stanza and employs lush, vivid imagery, making it another strong point of comparison. Both poems:

Use rich visual imagery to create an immersive setting (Coleridge’s peaceful grove vs. Keats’s dreamy medieval castle).

Have a melodic, flowing rhythm, making them highly lyrical.

Use personification and symbolism to convey deeper meaning.

However, there are key distinctions:

Keats’s poem is a romantic narrative about forbidden love, whereas Coleridge’s poem is philosophical and reflective.

The Eve of St. Agnes explores sensuality and passion, while In the Manner of Spenser is purely idealistic, focusing on peace and poetic inspiration.

Keats and Coleridge both revive Renaissance poetic forms, but Keats uses it to tell a sensual love story, while Coleridge uses it for meditative reflection.

 

3. Comparison with Kubla Khan (Samuel Taylor Coleridge)

Comparing In the Manner of Spenser to Coleridge’s own Kubla Khan reveals a contrast between structured imitation and spontaneous inspiration.

Kubla Khan is visionary, dreamlike, and surreal, filled with exotic and supernatural imagery, whereas In the Manner of Spenser is orderly and traditional, adhering to Spenserian conventions.

The former represents pure Romantic imagination, while the latter is a conscious poetic exercise in Spenser’s style.

Kubla Khan flows with uncontrolled creativity, whereas In the Manner of Spenser is carefully crafted with a controlled structure.

This comparison highlights two sides of Coleridge’s poetic genius—his ability to imitate past masters and his natural gift for spontaneous creativity.

 

4. Comparison with Tintern Abbey (William Wordsworth)

Though structurally different, Tintern Abbey and In the Manner of Spenser share a common philosophical theme—the meditative contemplation of nature and peace.

Both express longing for harmony and tranquility in contrast to the chaos of human life.

While Coleridge’s poem is heavily stylized and archaic, Wordsworth’s plain, natural diction makes his reflections more immediate and personal.

Tintern Abbey deeply explores memory, time, and spiritual renewal, whereas In the Manner of Spenser is more decorative and formal in its approach to peace.

This comparison shows the difference between Wordsworth’s naturalistic simplicity and Coleridge’s stylized literary experiments.

 

Conclusion

In the Manner of Spenser stands at the intersection of Renaissance and Romantic poetry, borrowing form and diction from Spenser but imbuing it with Romantic ideals. Compared to Keats’s The Eve of St. Agnes, it is less narrative-driven; compared to Kubla Khan, it is less imaginative and spontaneous; and compared to Tintern Abbey, it is more structured and conventional.

Coleridge’s poem is a testament to his literary craftsmanship, successfully bridging two poetic traditions while reflecting his deep longing for peace and poetic inspiration.