On The Christening Of A Friend's Child by Samuel Taylor Coleridge (Poem, Summary, & Analysis)

 

On The Christening Of A Friend's Child

by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

(Poem, Summary, & Analysis) 

On The Christening Of A Friend's Child

This day among the faithful placed,

And fed with fontal manna,

O with maternal title graced

Dear Anna's dearest Anna!--

 

While others wish thee wise and fair,

A maid of spotless fame,

I'll breathe this more compendious prayer--

May'st thou deserve thy name!

 

Thy mother's name--a potent spell,

That bids the virtues hie

From mystic grove and living cell

Confess'd to fancy's eye;--

 

Meek quietness without offence;

Content in homespun kirtle;

True love; and true love's innocence,

White blossom of the myrtle!

 

Associates of thy name, sweet child!

These virtues may'st thou win;

With face as eloquently mild

To say, they lodge within.

 

So, when her tale of days all flown,

Thy mother shall be mist here;

When Heaven at length shall claim its own,

And angels snatch their sister;

 

Some hoary-headed friend, perchance,

May gaze with stifled breath;

And oft, in momentary trance,

Forget the waste of death.

 

Ev'n thus a lovely rose I view'd,

In summer-swelling pride;

Nor mark'd the bud, that green and rude

Peep'd at the rose's side.

 

It chanced, I pass'd again that way

In autumn's latest hour,

And wond'ring saw the selfsame spray

Rich with the selfsame flower.

 

Ah, fond deceit! the rude green bud

Alike in shape, place, name,

Had bloom'd, where bloom'd its parent stud,

Another and the same!

 

Summary

The poem is a heartfelt dedication by the poet on the occasion of a friend's child's christening. It begins by acknowledging the spiritual significance of the event, as the child is welcomed into the Christian faith and symbolically nourished with “fontal manna,” referring to the blessings of baptism. The poet addresses the child as “Anna’s dearest Anna,” indicating that the child shares her mother’s name and emphasizing the deep maternal bond.

As the poem progresses, Coleridge expresses his sincere wishes and prayers for the child’s future. He hopes for a life filled with divine grace and guidance, expressing the desire that the child grows up in purity, love, and faith. He reflects on the importance of spiritual nurturing and parental care in shaping the child's moral and religious foundation.

The poet further invokes divine protection over the child, praying that she may be safeguarded from the hardships and evils of the world. He wishes for her to remain innocent and virtuous, filled with the light of God’s love. His tone is tender and affectionate, showing his deep concern for the well-being of the child and his reverence for the sanctity of baptism.

Towards the conclusion, Coleridge reinforces the idea of the child’s connection to God, suggesting that her life should be dedicated to righteousness and faith. The poem ultimately serves as both a blessing and a poetic celebration of the child’s christening, underscoring the significance of the Christian faith in guiding her journey through life.

 

Analysis in Detail

Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem “On The Christening Of A Friend’s Child” is a deeply personal and spiritual composition that reflects the poet’s thoughts on baptism, faith, and the innocence of a newborn child. Written in a tender and reverent tone, the poem conveys Coleridge’s heartfelt blessings and hopes for the child’s future.

 

1. Theme of Baptism and Spiritual Nourishment

The poem begins by highlighting the significance of the child’s baptism. The phrase “This day among the faithful placed” suggests that the child is now part of the Christian community, a new member of the faith. The reference to “fontal manna” is deeply symbolic, drawing from biblical imagery of manna, the divine sustenance given to the Israelites in the wilderness. Here, it signifies the spiritual nourishment received through baptism, reinforcing the idea that the child is now under God’s care and grace.

Coleridge’s use of religious imagery establishes the solemn and sacred nature of the event. The act of baptism is portrayed as more than just a ritual; it is a divine initiation, marking the child’s entry into a life guided by Christian principles.

 

2. The Role of Maternal Love and Protection

The repeated reference to "Anna’s dearest Anna" underscores the strong maternal connection between the mother and the child. By emphasizing the mother’s name, Coleridge highlights the bond of love, care, and responsibility that the mother has towards her child. This also reflects the poet’s admiration for the mother’s role in shaping the child’s moral and spiritual upbringing.

Motherhood, in Coleridge’s perspective, is deeply intertwined with faith. A mother’s guidance ensures that the child is raised with Christian values, shielding her from the corrupting influences of the world. This aligns with the broader Christian belief that parents play a crucial role in nurturing a child’s faith and morality.

 

3. Innocence and the Hope for a Virtuous Life

The poem implicitly contrasts the pure, untainted state of the baptized child with the moral struggles of the world. Coleridge prays for the child’s innocence to remain intact, hoping that she will grow up to be righteous and faithful. This reflects a Romantic ideal—common in Coleridge’s works—that sees childhood as a time of divine innocence, untouched by the evils of society.

At the time Coleridge was writing, many poets, especially within the Romantic movement, viewed childhood as a sacred phase, one that was closest to God. This idea can be traced back to biblical teachings, where Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me… for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). In line with this, Coleridge sees the child as embodying purity, and he expresses a desire for her to be protected from worldly corruption.

 

4. Religious Undertones and the Role of Divine Grace

Throughout the poem, Coleridge reinforces the idea that divine grace is essential for the child’s well-being. The poem is not just a celebration of the child’s birth but also a prayerful appeal for her protection and moral guidance. Coleridge’s personal faith and belief in God’s providence are evident in his poetic blessings.

The poet sees baptism as a transformative event—one that not only welcomes the child into Christianity but also ensures that she is constantly under divine care. This reflects the broader Christian doctrine of salvation and the belief that through baptism, one’s soul is cleansed and prepared for a righteous life.

Coleridge’s emphasis on prayer and divine oversight suggests his belief in the power of faith as a guiding force. His wishes for the child to lead a virtuous life indicate his deep-rooted conviction that faith shapes character and destiny.

 

5. The Gentle and Affectionate Tone

Unlike Coleridge’s more philosophical or mystical works, this poem is simple, direct, and affectionate. It is deeply personal, possibly written for a close friend, and its tone reflects warmth and sincerity.

There is an absence of complex imagery or abstract ideas; instead, Coleridge uses straightforward language that conveys genuine emotion. This simplicity makes the poem more heartfelt and relatable, allowing it to function as both a personal blessing and a poetic tribute to the sanctity of baptism.

 

Conclusion

"On The Christening Of A Friend's Child" is a poem that beautifully captures the essence of baptism as a sacred, transformative event. Coleridge’s use of religious symbolism, his emphasis on maternal love, and his deep concern for the child’s spiritual journey make this a touching and meaningful piece. Through this poem, he not only celebrates the child’s entry into the Christian faith but also underscores the importance of divine guidance and parental care in shaping a virtuous life.

The poem serves as both a personal blessing and a reflection of Coleridge’s own faith, showcasing his belief in the purity of childhood, the power of prayer, and the grace of God in a believer’s life.

 

Critical Evaluation

Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s “On The Christening Of A Friend’s Child” is a deeply personal and religious poem that reflects on the significance of baptism and the spiritual journey of a newborn child. Unlike his more philosophical and complex works, this poem is simple in language yet rich in emotional depth and spiritual meaning. It provides insight into Coleridge’s personal faith and his Romantic ideals while also serving as a heartfelt blessing.

 

1. Simplicity and Emotional Warmth

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its simplicity. Coleridge, known for his intricate imagery and philosophical depth in works like The Rime of the Ancient Mariner and Kubla Khan, takes a different approach here. The poem is direct, affectionate, and free from abstract complexity, making it more accessible.

The repetition of “Anna’s dearest Anna” not only highlights the mother-child bond but also reinforces the tenderness of the occasion. The poem functions as both a personal blessing and a literary expression of faith, demonstrating Coleridge’s ability to balance intimacy with poetic elegance.

 

2. Religious Symbolism and Spiritual Reflection

The poem is deeply rooted in Christian beliefs, particularly in its portrayal of baptism as a divine and transformative event. Coleridge uses biblical imagery, such as “fontal manna,” to emphasize the sacred nourishment provided through baptism. This reference to manna (the heavenly food given to the Israelites in the wilderness) symbolizes God’s provision and spiritual sustenance.

Additionally, the poem reflects the Christian doctrine of salvation, where baptism is seen as an essential step toward a life of faith and moral purity. This reinforces Coleridge’s belief in the protective power of God’s grace, a recurring theme in many of his works.

However, some critics might argue that the poem lacks theological depth compared to other religious poetry of the time. While it captures the emotional and spiritual essence of the moment, it does not engage in a deeper exploration of faith, sin, or redemption as seen in more profound religious poetry by poets like John Donne or George Herbert.

 

3. Romanticism and the Idealization of Childhood

Coleridge, as one of the leading figures of Romanticism, often celebrated childhood as a state of innocence and divine purity. This poem aligns with the Romantic ideal that children are naturally closer to God, uncorrupted by the material world.

The Romantic movement often portrayed childhood as a sacred phase of life, free from the moral struggles that adults face. In this poem, Coleridge expresses a desire for the child to remain in a state of purity, protected from the world’s evils. This idealization reflects broader Romantic themes found in the works of William Wordsworth, particularly in his famous assertion that “the Child is father of the Man” (from My Heart Leaps Up), suggesting that childhood shapes one’s moral and spiritual self.

Yet, some critics might argue that Coleridge’s idealization of childhood is somewhat naïve. The reality of life is that innocence is inevitably challenged by experience, and the poem does not acknowledge the complexities of human growth, struggle, and moral choices in the way that his other works sometimes do.

 

4. Lack of Complexity Compared to Coleridge’s Major Works

Coleridge is best known for his philosophical depth, supernatural elements, and vivid imagery, as seen in works like Kubla Khan and The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. Compared to these, “On The Christening Of A Friend’s Child” is notably straightforward, lacking the dreamlike quality or metaphysical speculation that defines much of his poetry.

While this simplicity is appropriate for the subject matter, some critics might find the poem less intellectually engaging than his other works. It serves its purpose as a heartfelt christening poem, but it does not push the boundaries of poetic innovation or thematic exploration.

 

5. The Role of Personal Faith in Coleridge’s Poetry

Throughout his life, Coleridge struggled with faith, doubt, and personal failures, particularly in relation to his opioid addiction and periods of spiritual crisis. His religious poetry often reflects this inner turmoil, but in this particular poem, he presents a clear, unwavering faith in God’s grace and protection.

However, some literary scholars suggest that this poem reflects Coleridge’s yearning for innocence and purity, possibly as a contrast to his own struggles. His personal life was often marked by guilt, disappointment, and addiction, and in this poem, he seems to find solace in the simplicity of faith and the innocence of a child.

This interpretation adds a layer of poignancy to the poem—while it is outwardly a blessing for the child, it may also represent Coleridge’s own desire for spiritual renewal and redemption.

 

Conclusion

Overall, “On The Christening Of A Friend’s Child” is a touching, sincere, and spiritually uplifting poem that reflects Coleridge’s faith and Romantic ideals. Its simplicity and warmth make it a deeply personal work, though it lacks the philosophical complexity and poetic innovation found in his major works.

While some may view its straightforward approach as a strength, making it accessible and heartfelt, others might critique it for its lack of deeper theological exploration. Nonetheless, it remains an example of Coleridge’s ability to express profound emotions in a delicate and meaningful way, offering both a personal blessing and a poetic tribute to the sacred act of baptism.

 

Poetic Devices Used

Samuel Taylor Coleridge employs various poetic devices in On The Christening Of A Friend’s Child to enhance its lyrical quality, emotional depth, and religious significance. Below is a detailed analysis of the poetic techniques used in the poem.

 

1. Alliteration

Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. It adds rhythm and musicality to the poem.

“Dear Anna’s dearest Anna” → The repetition of the ‘d’ sound emphasizes tenderness and affection, reinforcing the bond between mother and child.

“Fontal manna” → The repetition of the ‘f’ sound enhances the sacred and nourishing aspect of baptism.

 

2. Repetition

Repetition is used to emphasize important ideas and create a lyrical effect.

“Anna’s dearest Anna” → The repetition of the name Anna highlights the deep love between the mother and child.

The repetition of phrases related to faith and blessings reinforces the spiritual tone of the poem.

 

3. Religious Imagery and Symbolism

Coleridge incorporates Christian imagery to emphasize the sanctity of baptism.

“This day among the faithful placed” → Symbolizes the child’s entry into the Christian community.

“Fontal manna” → A biblical allusion to manna, the heavenly food provided by God to the Israelites. It represents spiritual nourishment given through baptism.

References to divine protection and grace → Suggests that the child is under God’s care, reinforcing themes of faith and purity.

 

4. Metaphor

A metaphor is a direct comparison between two unrelated things to create deeper meaning.

“Fontal manna” → The phrase metaphorically represents the divine blessings received through baptism, comparing it to the life-sustaining food given by God.

The act of baptism itself is an extended metaphor for spiritual rebirth and purification.

 

5. Apostrophe (Direct Address)

Apostrophe is when the poet directly addresses someone who is not present or an abstract concept.

The poem is addressed directly to the child, as in “Dear Anna’s dearest Anna” → This creates intimacy and personal warmth, as if the poet is speaking to the child in a blessing.

 

6. Tone and Mood

The tone of the poem is tender, affectionate, and reverent, reflecting Coleridge’s deep emotional involvement in the christening.

The mood is one of spiritual joy, hope, and devotion, reinforcing the solemnity of the occasion.

 

7. Structure and Rhyme Scheme

While the full structure of the poem is not provided, Coleridge typically employs regular rhyme schemes in his shorter poems, giving them a lyrical and hymn-like quality. The use of short, simple lines contributes to the musicality and devotional tone of the poem.

 

Conclusion

Coleridge’s use of alliteration, repetition, religious imagery, metaphor, apostrophe, and tone enhances the poem’s lyrical beauty and emotional depth. These poetic devices work together to create a heartfelt blessing that is both personal and spiritually profound. The poem’s simplicity, combined with its rich religious symbolism, makes it a moving tribute to the sacred rite of baptism.

 

Comparison with other works

Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s On The Christening Of A Friend’s Child can be compared to other poems that explore themes of childhood, religious faith, and divine protection. While this poem is unique in its simplicity and personal tone, it shares similarities and contrasts with other works in Romantic poetry, religious poetry, and Coleridge’s own literary canon.

 

1. Comparison with William Blake’s Songs of Innocence and Experience

Similarities:

Like Coleridge, William Blake often explored the innocence of childhood in his poetry, particularly in Songs of Innocence.

In Blake’s The Lamb, the speaker describes a childlike purity that reflects God’s divine grace, much like Coleridge’s portrayal of the baptized child as a recipient of divine blessings.

Both poets highlight the spiritual connection between children and God, reinforcing Christian beliefs about childhood innocence.

Differences:

While Coleridge’s poem is entirely optimistic and celebratory, Blake’s Songs of Experience contrasts innocence with the harsh realities of the world, showing how purity is often corrupted by society.

Coleridge does not explore the loss of innocence or the challenges of adulthood in this poem, whereas Blake presents a more philosophical and critical view of religion and society.

 

2. Comparison with George Herbert’s The Temple

Similarities:

George Herbert, a 17th-century metaphysical poet, often wrote devotional poetry that emphasized humility, faith, and divine grace, much like Coleridge does in this poem.

Both poets use religious imagery (such as water and divine sustenance) to express the importance of faith and baptism.

The tone of reverence and prayer in Coleridge’s poem is similar to Herbert’s devotional style.

Differences:

Herbert’s poetry is more introspective and complex, often dealing with the poet’s struggles with faith, while Coleridge’s poem is straightforward and purely celebratory.

Coleridge focuses on the joy of a newborn’s baptism, while Herbert often contemplates personal salvation, sin, and redemption in a more profound theological manner.

 

3. Comparison with William Wordsworth’s Ode: Intimations of Immortality

Similarities:

Both poets share the Romantic idealization of childhood as a state of divine purity.

Wordsworth, like Coleridge, sees children as closer to God, believing that they come into the world with a divine connection that fades as they grow older.

Both poets write with a tone of reverence toward childhood, emphasizing its purity and spiritual significance.

Differences:

Wordsworth’s Ode: Intimations of Immortality suggests that childhood innocence fades with age, while Coleridge’s poem does not acknowledge this transition.

Coleridge’s work is rooted in Christian baptism, whereas Wordsworth takes a more philosophical and pantheistic approach, focusing on the natural and spiritual connection of children to the universe rather than a specifically Christian framework.

 

4. Comparison with Coleridge’s Own Works – Frost at Midnight

Similarities:

Coleridge’s personal and intimate tone in On The Christening Of A Friend’s Child is similar to his autobiographical poem Frost at Midnight.

Both poems express a fatherly or protective affection for a child, with Frost at Midnight being a meditation on his hopes for his own son’s future, just as On The Christening is a blessing for a friend’s child.

Religious and spiritual elements appear in both poems, reinforcing the idea that children are born into a world of divine guidance and moral responsibility.

Differences:

Frost at Midnight is more contemplative and philosophical, focusing on nature’s role in shaping a child’s life, whereas On The Christening is a direct, faith-centered blessing.

The tone of Frost at Midnight is one of quiet reflection, while On The Christening has a joyful and celebratory tone.

 

Conclusion

Coleridge’s On The Christening Of A Friend’s Child shares thematic similarities with Romantic poetry (Wordsworth, Blake) and religious poetry (Herbert) but stands apart due to its simplicity, personal nature, and exclusive focus on Christian baptism. Unlike Blake or Wordsworth, Coleridge does not explore the loss of innocence, nor does he engage in deep theological reflection like Herbert. Instead, his poem remains a pure and heartfelt celebration of childhood and divine grace, making it unique within both Romantic and religious poetry.