The Two Founts. Stanzas Addressed To A Lady On Her Recovery, With Unblemished Looks, From A Severe A by Samuel Taylor Coleridge (Poem, Summary, & Analysis)

 

The Two Founts. Stanzas Addressed To A Lady On Her Recovery, With Unblemished Looks, From A Severe A

by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

(Poem, Summary, & Analysis) 

The Two Founts. Stanzas Addressed To A Lady On Her Recovery, With Unblemished Looks, From A Severe A

'Twas my last waking thought, how it could be,

That thou, sweet friend, such anguish should'st endure

When straight from Dreamland came a dwarf, and he

Could tell the cause, forsooth, and knew the cure.

 

Methought he fronted me with peering look

Fixed on my heart; and read aloud in game

The loves and griefs therein, as from a book;

And uttered praise like one who wished to blame.

 

In every heart (quoth he) since Adam's sin

Two Founts there are, of Suffering and of Cheer!

That to let forth, and this to keep within!

But she, whose aspect I find imaged here,

 

Of Pleasure only will to all dispense,

That Fount alone unlock, by no distress

Choked or turned inward; but still issue thence

Unconquered cheer, persistent loveliness.

 

As on the driving cloud the shiny Bow,

That gracious thing made up of tears and light,

Mid the wild rack and rain that slants below

Stands smiling forth, unmoved and freshly bright:

 

As though the spirits of all lovely flowers,

In weaving each its wreath and dewy crown,

Or e'er they sank to earth in vernal showers,

Had built a bridge to tempt the angels down.

 

Ev'n so, Eliza! on that face of thine,

On that benignant face, whose look alone

(The soul's translucence through her crystal shrine!)

Has power to soothe all anguish but thine own.

 

A beauty hovers still, and ne'er takes wing,

But with a silent charm compels the stern

And tort'ring Genius of the Bitter Spring,

To shrink aback, and cower upon his urn.

 

Who then needs wonder, if (no outlet found

In passion, spleen, or strife,) the Fount Of Pain

O'erflowing beats against its lovely mound,

And in wild flashes shoots from heart to brain?

 

Sleep, and the Dwarf with that unsteady gleam

On his raised lip, that aped a critic smile,

Had passed: yet I, my sad thoughts to beguile,

Lay weaving on the tissue of my dream:

 

Till audibly at length I cried, as though

Thou hadst indeed been present to my eyes,

O sweet, sweet sufferer! if the case be so,

I pray thee, be less good, less sweet, less wise!

 

In every look a barbed arrow send,

On those soft lips let scorn and anger live!

Do any thing, rather than thus, sweet friend!

Hoard for thyself the pain, thou wilt not give!

 

Summary

In this poem, the speaker begins by reflecting on a recent event in which he had been thinking about the suffering of a dear friend, Eliza. This thought emerges in the form of a dream. He describes a moment when a dwarf appeared to him from Dreamland, claiming to know the reason for his friend's suffering and, importantly, how to cure it. The dwarf seems to have a deep insight into the emotions of those around him, particularly Eliza, and he speaks as if he were reading from a book that contains the emotions of her heart.

The dwarf explains that every human heart, since the fall of Adam, harbors two distinct sources: one of suffering and one of cheer. He suggests that it is the human tendency to suppress the cheerful fountain, allowing the suffering one to rise. However, he notes that Eliza is an exception—her heart is so pure and full of joy that she only allows the cheerful fountain to flow outward, never the painful one. Her face radiates an unwavering cheerfulness that can never be overtaken by distress.

The speaker compares Eliza's beauty to the rainbow that appears in a storm, shining brightly through the rain and clouds. This image suggests that her beauty, like the rainbow, brings light to even the darkest of situations, remaining unchanged by adversity. He also compares her to flowers, whose delicate and lovely nature has the power to tempt angels to descend from heaven. Her beauty is so powerful that it has the ability to overcome even the most bitter suffering.

Despite her constant cheer and beauty, the speaker reflects on the fact that Eliza herself must bear the burden of an internal pain that she does not show to others. The cheer that she shares with the world has its cost: her own heart is filled with pain, which cannot find expression or release. The pain presses against her heart and mind, and it manifests in flashes of sorrow and anguish.

As the dream progresses, the dwarf disappears, leaving the speaker to contemplate the situation further. He feels a deep sympathy for Eliza, yet he wishes that she would allow herself to express some of the pain she keeps within. In his dream, he wishes that Eliza would be less perfect—less good, less sweet, and less wise—so that she could express her suffering rather than keeping it bottled inside. The speaker urges her to show her pain, to let it be felt, because her inability to share it makes her suffering even more intense.

The poem concludes with the speaker continuing to wish for Eliza to release her pain, as it seems unbearable for her to hold it in while maintaining her outward cheerfulness and grace.

 

Analysis in Detail

Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s The Two Founts is a reflective, deeply introspective poem that explores themes of human suffering, emotional repression, and the nature of beauty. Through the figure of a dreamlike dwarf and the character of Eliza, Coleridge meditates on the inner turmoil that can be hidden behind a facade of joy and grace, as well as the emotional and psychological consequences of this repression.

 

1. Dream Symbolism and the Dwarf

The poem opens with the speaker in a dreamlike state, contemplating the pain of his friend, Eliza. The arrival of the dwarf in the dream is highly symbolic. The dwarf represents a voice of insight and revelation, offering a kind of supernatural understanding of human emotions. He is a guide in the dream world, explaining the causes of Eliza’s suffering and presenting the possibility of a cure. The dwarf is also a figure of wisdom and is able to "read" the emotions of others, as if they were written in a book. His presence indicates that the poem itself is concerned with the uncovering of hidden truths, particularly about human nature and emotional life.

In his analysis, the dwarf presents a duality central to the human condition: "two Founts, of Suffering and of Cheer." These two fountains represent opposing emotional forces, suffering (a universal part of the human experience) and joy (the positive and healing aspect of life). The dwarf’s explanation of these two forces aligns with the traditional Romantic view of human emotions as complex and dualistic, shaped by both joy and sorrow.

 

2. Eliza: A Symbol of Unattainable Perfection

The central figure of the poem, Eliza, is presented as an idealized woman whose outward appearance seems untouched by suffering. Coleridge paints a portrait of a woman whose emotional constitution is so pure and untroubled that she allows only the "Fount of Cheer" to flow freely from her. Her beauty is depicted as otherworldly, invoking the image of a rainbow shining through the rain, or the spirits of flowers tempting angels to descend. These images create a supernatural aura around her, elevating her to a near-divine status, suggesting that she transcends the common human experience of suffering.

The description of Eliza’s beauty is central to the poem’s exploration of emotional repression. While her appearance is unblemished, it is implied that this perfection comes at a great cost—she is unable or unwilling to express her inner pain. In a way, her outward cheerfulness is a mask, a public-facing persona that conceals the anguish she feels inwardly. Her face, "whose look alone / (The soul's translucence through her crystal shrine!) / Has power to soothe all anguish but thine own," suggests a profound selflessness—she can soothe the suffering of others, but her own suffering is invisible and unexpressed.

 

3. The Rainbow and Flowers as Metaphors

Coleridge uses metaphors of the rainbow and flowers to further explore Eliza’s beauty and its connection to the theme of emotional suppression. The rainbow, traditionally a symbol of hope and promise, is here used to highlight the contrast between Eliza’s public image of cheerfulness and the darker storms of emotional pain that she silently endures. The rainbow “stands smiling forth, unmoved and freshly bright,” suggesting that, just like a rainbow, Eliza appears serene and unaffected by the emotional turmoil that may be occurring within her.

The image of flowers that “tempt the angels down” evokes the idea of purity, fragility, and a connection to the divine. Flowers are delicate, and their beauty is fleeting, much like Eliza’s public grace, which hides the suffering that she keeps inside. Coleridge's imagery suggests that Eliza’s beauty, like flowers, is both a gift and a burden: it is the means through which she connects with the world, but it may also be the very thing that prevents her from expressing the pain she feels.

 

4. The Paradox of Emotional Repression

As the poem progresses, the speaker acknowledges the paradox at the heart of Eliza’s condition. While she shares only joy with the world, the repression of her suffering creates a dangerous internal conflict. The "Fount of Pain" is described as being blocked by the "lovely mound" of her cheerfulness, but it is implied that this emotional dam is not sustainable. Eventually, the pain, which has no outlet, threatens to overflow, causing emotional distress and mental anguish. The pain is described as “wild flashes” that shoot “from heart to brain,” suggesting an intense internal struggle that results from the inability to express or release pent-up emotions.

Coleridge seems to imply that repression, though it may seem virtuous in the form of Eliza’s unwavering cheer, ultimately leads to psychological strain. The "Fount of Pain" has nowhere to go but inward, and this causes the anguish to grow stronger over time. This theme is consistent with Romantic ideals that stress the importance of emotional authenticity and the dangers of repressing true feelings.

 

5. The Speaker’s Plea: A Desire for Imperfection

The final part of the poem reveals the speaker’s deep sympathy for Eliza’s situation. In a moment of emotional turmoil, the speaker wishes for Eliza to be less perfect, to express her suffering, and to allow herself to feel and show negative emotions. The speaker cries out: "I pray thee, be less good, less sweet, less wise!" This is a powerful moment of vulnerability, where the speaker seems to suggest that emotional repression, even when it manifests as a noble selflessness, is unsustainable. The speaker longs for Eliza to release the pain she has kept locked inside, to show anger, scorn, or any emotion that would break her serene facade.

This plea for imperfection suggests that human emotional experience is not meant to be purely joyous or outwardly perfect. Emotions like grief, anger, and frustration are just as natural as joy, and repressing them can lead to an unhealthy emotional state. The speaker’s desire for Eliza to show her pain can be seen as a call for emotional honesty and authenticity.

 

6. Conclusion: The Dangers of Suppression

Overall, The Two Founts delves deeply into the emotional complexity of the human experience. Through the contrasting figures of the dwarf and Eliza, Coleridge explores the balance between suffering and joy, suggesting that both are integral parts of human life. The poem critiques the idealization of constant cheerfulness and beauty, arguing that such emotional repression may not only be unsustainable but also damaging. The speaker’s final plea for Eliza to be less perfect and allow her suffering to be seen reflects a broader Romantic desire for emotional truth, vulnerability, and the acceptance of imperfection.

In summary, Coleridge's poem highlights the tension between outward beauty and inner turmoil, offering a critique of the emotional cost of repressing pain in the pursuit of grace and joy. It invites readers to reflect on the importance of emotional honesty, even when that honesty involves expressing pain.

 

Key Exam Points

1. Themes

Duality of Human Emotions: The central theme revolves around the coexistence of two emotional forces in every human heart: Suffering and Cheer. The poem suggests that while suffering is inevitable, joy can also be cultivated, though it may come at a cost.

Emotional Repression: The poem critiques emotional repression, specifically how Eliza's outward perfection and cheerfulness mask her inner pain. This tension between appearance and inner reality is central to the poem’s conflict.

Idealization vs. Reality: Eliza’s beauty and unblemished grace are idealized, but the poem suggests that this perfection is unnatural and comes with hidden consequences—emotional distress that cannot be expressed.

Human Imperfection: The poem argues that emotional authenticity, including the expression of pain, is necessary for psychological well-being. The speaker’s desire for Eliza to express her emotions, including anger and grief, reflects the Romantic belief in embracing human imperfection.

 

2. Symbolism

The Dwarf: The dwarf serves as a symbolic figure of insight and revelation. He represents wisdom that can see into the heart of human beings and reveals the dual fountains of suffering and cheer.

Rainbow: The rainbow symbolizes hope, beauty, and grace that persists even in the face of adversity. It reflects Eliza’s outward beauty, which shines despite her inner turmoil.

Flowers: The image of flowers evokes purity, fragility, and divine beauty. It also hints at the idea of beauty that is fleeting and, like Eliza, cannot last forever if it represses the full spectrum of human emotions.

 

3. Character Analysis

Eliza: The central figure of the poem, Eliza is portrayed as a woman whose outward beauty and cheerfulness conceal deep inner pain. Her character symbolizes emotional repression and the cost of striving for perfection at the expense of emotional honesty.

The Speaker: The speaker is empathetic toward Eliza, but he also longs for her to be less perfect, so she might express her true feelings. He represents the Romantic ideal of emotional authenticity and personal vulnerability.

 

4. Structure and Form

The poem is composed of several stanzas written in a relatively regular meter and rhyme scheme. This formal structure contrasts with the emotional complexity and turmoil explored within the content.

The use of direct address (e.g., "O sweet, sweet sufferer!") makes the poem more personal and intimate, emphasizing the speaker’s emotional involvement with Eliza.

 

5. Imagery and Metaphors

The Rainbow: Serves as a metaphor for beauty, resilience, and cheer in the midst of adversity.

The Flowers: Represent fragility, purity, and beauty that is associated with Eliza but also suggests that emotional expression is suppressed, as flowers must eventually wilt.

Founts of Suffering and Cheer: These two fountains symbolize the emotional forces that all humans experience, highlighting the inner conflict of balancing suffering with joy.

 

6. Key Quote

"In every heart (quoth he) since Adam's sin / Two Founts there are, of Suffering and of Cheer!" – This is the central idea of the poem, highlighting the dual nature of human emotion.

 

7. Tone and Mood

The tone of the poem shifts from reflective and insightful to pleading and desperate. The speaker expresses both admiration for Eliza and sympathy for her emotional plight, suggesting a complex emotional relationship.

The mood is one of melancholy, particularly as the speaker realizes the burden of emotional repression carried by Eliza.

 

8. Romantic Elements

Nature and the Supernatural: The imagery of the rainbow, flowers, and the dreamlike dwarf all point to the Romantic fascination with the natural world and the supernatural as ways of understanding human emotion.

Emotional Intensity: The poem conveys a deep emotional intensity, characteristic of Romantic poetry, as it explores the inner lives of individuals and their struggle with societal expectations versus personal feelings.

 

9. Conclusion

The poem ultimately highlights the psychological and emotional cost of repressing one’s pain in favor of outward cheerfulness. It suggests that true emotional health requires the expression of both joy and sorrow, and calls for a more authentic and honest approach to emotional expression.

These points offer a solid foundation for understanding the key aspects of The Two Founts for exams.

 

One-Page Revision Sheet

The Two Founts by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is a poem that explores the duality of human emotions and the consequences of emotional repression. The poem is written in the first person, where the speaker reflects on the suffering of his friend Eliza, whose beauty and outward cheerfulness conceal deep inner pain.

 

Themes

The poem primarily revolves around two themes: the duality of emotions and emotional repression. The speaker is concerned with the fact that Eliza, while outwardly perfect and cheerful, harbors an internal suffering that she does not express. The dwarf in the poem acts as a symbolic figure who reveals that every human heart contains two "fountains"—one of suffering and one of joy. Eliza, however, allows only the cheerful fountain to flow, never the painful one. The speaker, in contrast, feels that this repression of pain leads to psychological distress and wishes Eliza would express her suffering, even if it meant being less perfect or less cheerful.

 

Imagery and Metaphors

The imagery in the poem is vivid and symbolic. Eliza's beauty is compared to a rainbow, which shines through adversity (symbolizing resilience and cheer). It suggests that her outward appearance remains pristine despite the internal conflict she faces. Another metaphor is the flowers, which represent fragility and beauty, reinforcing the idea of emotional repression—flowers may be lovely, but they must eventually wilt, just as Eliza’s beauty cannot remain untainted by her internal pain forever.

The two fountains (of suffering and cheer) are key metaphors for the contrasting emotional forces within every person. The dwarf who appears in the speaker's dream symbolizes wisdom or insight into the human condition, understanding that these two forces coexist within the heart, but one is often suppressed.

 

Character Analysis

Eliza: Eliza is portrayed as the idealized figure of beauty and grace, whose outward appearance masks her inner suffering. She is seen as a symbol of emotional repression, unable to express or release the pain that she feels. Coleridge presents her as someone who, in her perfection, becomes emotionally isolated, unable to share the burden of her internal anguish.

The Speaker: The speaker’s role is that of an empathetic observer who understands Eliza’s plight. He sympathizes with her but also longs for her to be less perfect and to express her suffering. His plea for Eliza to be less “good, less sweet, less wise” reflects a Romantic ideal that emotional authenticity, including the expression of pain, is more natural and healthy than forced perfection.

 

Structure and Form

The poem consists of several stanzas written in a regular meter and rhyme scheme, which contrasts with the emotional tension presented in the content. This structure helps emphasize the dissonance between the outward appearance of order and harmony, and the inner turmoil the speaker and Eliza face. The poem is marked by direct address, particularly when the speaker speaks to Eliza ("O sweet, sweet sufferer!"), creating an intimate, personal tone.

 

Romantic Elements

The Two Founts embodies several Romantic ideals, including a fascination with nature and the supernatural. The imagery of the rainbow and flowers reflects the Romantic idealization of nature as a source of beauty and solace. Additionally, the speaker’s focus on emotional authenticity—the desire to express all aspects of the human experience, including suffering—aligns with the Romantic emphasis on individual emotion and personal truth. The dwarf serves as a guide in the dreamlike realm, which hints at the Romantic tendency to explore emotional states through dreams and symbolic figures.

 

Conclusion

The poem ultimately highlights the danger of repressing emotions, particularly pain, in favor of maintaining an outwardly cheerful and perfect demeanor. Coleridge critiques the idea of striving for an unattainable ideal of perfection and beauty, suggesting that true emotional health comes from the balance of both joy and sorrow. Through the figure of Eliza, the poem encourages an acceptance of all human emotions, advocating for a more authentic expression of feelings rather than the suppression of pain.

This poem calls for emotional truth, offering a reflection on the consequences of emotional repression and the idealization of cheerfulness. It offers a timeless exploration of the human condition that resonates with themes of authenticity and emotional honesty.