Time, Real And Imaginary. An Allegory by Samuel Taylor Coleridge (Poem, Summary, & Analysis)

 

Time, Real And Imaginary. An Allegory

by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

(Poem, Summary, & Analysis) 

Time, Real And Imaginary. An Allegory

On the wide level of a mountain's head

(I knew not where, but 'twas some faery place),

Their pinions, ostrich-like, for sails outspread,

Two lovely children run an endless race,

A sister and a brother!

This far outstripp'd the other;

Yet ever runs she with reverted face,

And looks and listens for the boy behind:

For he, alas! is blind!

O'er rough and smooth with even step he pass'd,

And knows not whether he be first or last.

 

Summary

The poem opens with an image of two children, a sister and a brother, running an endless race on the wide, level summit of a mountain. The mountain is described as being in a “faery place,” an otherworldly or magical setting, which hints that the race is not a typical earthly one. The children have "pinions, ostrich-like, for sails," suggesting that they possess large wings like those of an ostrich, enhancing the fantastical nature of the scene.

Although they are racing together, the sister is faster than the brother, constantly outstripping him in the race. However, she runs with a "reverted face," which means she turns back to look and listen for her brother. This reveals that the sister is aware of her brother’s condition. The brother, we learn, is blind and cannot see the race or his surroundings. He runs with an even step, progressing steadily but unaware of whether he is leading or trailing behind.

The race represents a pursuit or journey, and the sister’s concern for her blind brother emphasizes a theme of care, support, and the difference in perception between the two. The brother’s blindness could symbolize an inability to perceive the reality of his situation, while the sister’s awareness of his condition and her constant attention to him represents a compassionate and guiding presence.

The imagery of a race, the reference to a faery realm, and the contrasting conditions of the children invite the reader to consider the allegory of time, perception, and reality, which unfolds further as the poem progresses.

 

Analysis in Detail

Introduction to the Poem:

"Time, Real and Imaginary. An Allegory" is a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge that blends allegorical imagery with philosophical contemplation on the nature of time, human perception, and the contrasting aspects of reality and imagination. The poem opens with a description of two children engaged in a race, one of whom is blind, and the other is concerned about the brother’s blindness. The poem subtly explores deeper philosophical concepts such as the pursuit of time, human awareness, and the interplay of real and imaginary worlds.

 

First Stanza:

Imagery and Setting:

The opening stanza presents a magical, faery-like setting where the race takes place. The use of "a mountain's head" suggests a high, perhaps elevated vantage point, symbolizing the grandeur or universality of the race. The description of the children as having “pinions, ostrich-like, for sails” introduces an element of fantasy and exaggeration. While ostriches are typically flightless, their large wings are referenced here to evoke an image of strange, unreal motion. This creates a dreamlike atmosphere where anything is possible.

The setting, described as "faery place," indicates that the scene exists in a world outside of ordinary time and space. This supernatural setting suggests that the race is not merely a physical competition but rather an allegorical journey through time, reality, and imagination. It hints that the events unfolding in the poem might be metaphorical rather than literal.

 

The Race and Symbolism of the Children:

The two children, a sister and a brother, are engaged in an "endless race," which could symbolize time itself—an eternal race that never has a clear end. The constant motion of the children suggests the ongoing passage of time, while their roles in the race highlight differing human experiences of this passage.

The Sister: The sister outstrips her brother, indicating that she is more aware or attuned to the world. She is constantly “looking and listening for the boy behind.” This is a striking gesture of care, compassion, and a sense of responsibility. She looks back to check on the brother, ensuring that he is not lost, even though she is running ahead. This act of concern and attention to the brother's condition hints at the idea of human empathy, the connection between individuals, and the awareness of others’ struggles as they traverse through life.

The Brother: The brother is described as blind and unaware of where he stands in the race. His blindness symbolizes a lack of understanding or perception. While the sister is aware of the race’s dynamics, the brother cannot see the progress or lack thereof, and he is oblivious to whether he is winning or losing. His steady, even step signifies his ability to persist despite the blindness. His blindness may symbolize human ignorance, the inability to fully grasp the true nature of time or existence, and the struggles of those who move through life unaware of their place in the world.

The brother’s blindness contrasts sharply with the sister's vigilance, showing the difference between two ways of engaging with time and reality: one with awareness, and one without.

 

Symbolism of the Blindness:

The brother’s blindness plays a crucial symbolic role in the poem. Blindness can be interpreted in several ways:

Literal Blindness: The brother cannot see, which may suggest that he is spiritually or intellectually unaware of the deeper truths of life and time.

Metaphorical Blindness: The brother could also represent people who live their lives without deep introspection or awareness. They move through time without understanding their place in the larger scope of existence.

In contrast to the sister, who is attuned to both the race and her brother’s needs, the brother’s blindness could symbolize the passive approach to time, where people simply go through the motions of life without full awareness or understanding.

 

Themes of Time, Reality, and Imagination:

The poem is rich with allegory, particularly concerning the passage of time. The endless race represents the unstoppable march of time, which moves forward relentlessly, whether or not one is aware of it. The "faery place" suggests an imaginary or idealized realm, a place that is not bound by the limitations of earthly time.

Time as an Imaginary Force: The fact that the race is taking place in a faery realm suggests that time itself might not be a purely real, tangible force, but something subjective and imagined. While the sister seems to understand and accept time as a race, the brother’s blindness to this concept shows that some may be unaware of or resistant to the passage of time.

The Real vs. Imaginary Time: The poem seems to explore the tension between the "real" time, which is depicted as inevitable and all-consuming, and "imaginary" time, which can be manipulated by perception, awareness, and emotional engagement. The sister’s awareness of the race represents those who live in a world where time is perceived and understood, whereas the brother’s blindness represents a detachment from the real passage of time.

 

Philosophical Underpinnings:

On a deeper level, the poem can be seen as a meditation on human existence and the ways people approach life. The sister’s act of looking back, constantly checking for the brother, represents an empathetic or conscious engagement with life’s struggles and the passage of time. Meanwhile, the brother’s blindness reflects the detached, oblivious experience of life where one is unaware of time’s effects.

This could be seen as a broader commentary on the human condition:

Some people move through life fully aware of time’s effects on them and others (like the sister), while others live without truly recognizing time or their place in the greater scheme (like the brother).

The "race" is unending, emphasizing that time continues regardless of individual awareness, and suggests that both awareness and ignorance play a part in how we experience life.

 

Conclusion:

In Time, Real and Imaginary. An Allegory, Coleridge uses a simple yet evocative scenario—a race between a blind brother and an aware sister—to delve into complex ideas about time, perception, and human existence. The allegorical nature of the poem allows for a nuanced exploration of how time is experienced differently by individuals: those who are aware and those who are unaware, those who strive and those who do not perceive their own striving. The poem ultimately leaves the reader to reflect on their own relationship with time and whether they are actively engaged in the race or blindly moving through life without awareness.

 

Key Exam Points

1. Poem Overview:

The poem presents an allegorical tale of two children (a brother and a sister) engaged in an endless race, symbolizing time.

The race occurs in a magical or faery realm, suggesting the supernatural nature of the allegory.

The brother is blind, and the sister is aware of his condition, constantly looking back to check on him.

 

2. Themes:

Time: The central theme of the poem is time—its passage, perception, and the human experience of it. The race symbolizes the relentless passage of time.

Awareness vs. Ignorance: The contrast between the sister’s awareness of time and the brother’s blindness (ignorance of time) reflects different ways of engaging with life.

Reality and Imagination: The setting in a "faery place" suggests a blend of real and imagined time, exploring how people perceive and relate to time differently.

 

3. Characters:

The Sister: She symbolizes awareness, vigilance, and care. She is attuned to the passage of time and her brother’s struggles. She represents people who actively engage with time.

The Brother: He is blind and unaware of the race’s progress, symbolizing ignorance, detachment, or passivity toward the passage of time.

 

4. Key Imagery:

The Race: Represents the passage of time—an endless and inevitable process that everyone is part of.

Blindness: The brother’s blindness symbolizes ignorance or lack of awareness about time and existence.

Faery Place: Suggests the fantastical or imaginary aspect of time, hinting that time may be perceived differently in the realm of imagination versus reality.

 

5. Allegorical Significance:

The race is an allegory for the human journey through time.

The poem contrasts two approaches to life: one of active awareness (the sister) and one of passive ignorance (the brother).

 

6. Structure and Form:

The poem has a narrative form, using vivid imagery and symbolism to convey its message.

The rhythmic structure and use of visual language enhance the dreamlike, allegorical quality of the poem.

 

7. Philosophical Insights:

The poem raises questions about how time is perceived by different individuals—whether one lives with awareness of time’s passing or remains blind to it.

It suggests that the passage of time is inevitable, regardless of one’s level of awareness or understanding.

 

Revision Sheet

Overview:

"Time, Real and Imaginary. An Allegory" is a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge that uses an allegorical narrative to explore the passage of time, human awareness, and perception. The poem centers on a race between a sister and a blind brother, set in a magical, faery-like realm. The race itself symbolizes the continuous, inevitable flow of time, while the characters represent different ways of engaging with that time.

 

Themes:

Time: The central theme is time and its passage. The race symbolizes the endless march of time, which continues irrespective of an individual’s awareness or perception.

Awareness vs. Ignorance: The sister, who is aware and attentive, contrasts with the brother, who is blind and unaware of the race's progress. This reflects the differing human experiences of engaging with time—one with consciousness and the other in ignorance.

Reality and Imagination: The poem juxtaposes "real" time with "imaginary" or perceived time, suggesting that time may be experienced differently based on one’s awareness. The setting in a faery realm hints at the interplay between real and imagined experiences.

 

Key Characters:

The Sister: She symbolizes awareness, attentiveness, and care. While she outstrips her brother in the race, she is constantly mindful of his blindness and looks back to ensure he is following. Her character represents those who are conscious of time and actively engage with life’s journey.

The Brother: He is blind and unaware of his surroundings, symbolizing ignorance or detachment. His blindness represents people who live passively, without understanding the full implications of time or life. His steady progress in the race despite being blind may also suggest persistence in the face of adversity, though without a clear understanding of where he stands.

 

Key Imagery:

The Race: The race is a central metaphor for the passage of time. The endless nature of the race suggests that time continues, regardless of one’s understanding of it.

Blindness: The brother’s blindness is a crucial symbolic element, representing ignorance or a lack of awareness of the race (or the passage of time).

Faery Place: The fantastical setting of the race emphasizes that this is not just a physical competition but an allegory for the human experience of time, blending reality and imagination.

 

Allegory and Symbolism:

The entire poem functions as an allegory for time. The race is an eternal journey through time, with the characters representing different responses to it. The sister’s awareness symbolizes those who engage fully with the passing of time, while the brother’s blindness represents those who are unaware or indifferent to it. The “faery place” setting suggests that time, while real, is also perceived subjectively, depending on one’s awareness.

 

Philosophical Insight:

The poem questions how individuals perceive time—some are aware of its passage and the effects it has on them, while others are blind to it, moving through life without recognizing the passage of time. This reflects the broader human experience: time is inevitable and continues regardless of how we experience or understand it.

 

Structure and Form:

The poem is structured as a narrative with vivid imagery and symbolic language. The dreamlike, fantastical setting contributes to the otherworldly feel, enhancing the poem’s allegorical nature. The language and rhythm build a sense of movement, further symbolizing the passage of time.

 

Key Exam Points:

Allegorical Significance: The race represents the passage of time, with the characters symbolizing different responses to time—awareness (sister) vs. ignorance (brother).

 

Use of Blindness: The brother’s blindness represents ignorance or lack of awareness about the passage of time, while the sister’s vigilance shows active engagement.

 

Real vs. Imaginary Time: The setting in a "faery place" suggests time is not only a real, physical concept but something that is also perceived differently based on one’s awareness.

 

Major Themes: Time, awareness vs. ignorance, and the tension between real and imagined experiences.

 

Possible Exam Questions

 

Discuss the theme of time in Time, Real and Imaginary. An Allegory. How does Coleridge use the race between the two children to explore the passage of time?

 

How does the poem contrast awareness and ignorance through the characters of the sister and brother?

 

In what ways does the poem address the concepts of reality and imagination? How does the setting of the race in a "faery place" contribute to this theme?

 

Analyze the character of the sister in Time, Real and Imaginary. An Allegory. What does she symbolize in the context of the race and the poem’s broader themes?

 

Examine the character of the blind brother. How does his blindness reflect the poem's message about human engagement with time and existence?

 

What does the race in Time, Real and Imaginary. An Allegory symbolize? Discuss how Coleridge uses this allegory to convey deeper philosophical ideas.

 

Discuss the symbolic significance of the brother’s blindness in the poem. How does this contribute to the poem’s exploration of human perception and time?

 

How does Coleridge’s use of imagery (e.g., "faery place," "pinions, ostrich-like") enhance the allegorical nature of the poem?

 

In what ways does the structure of the poem support its thematic exploration of time? Discuss how the progression of the race mirrors the passage of time.

 

What philosophical message do you think Coleridge is conveying through the race between the sister and brother? Discuss how the poem reflects on human existence and perception of time.

 

How does Time, Real and Imaginary. An Allegory reflect Coleridge’s views on the relationship between the real and the imaginary? How does this relate to his larger body of work?

 

Compare the portrayal of time in Time, Real and Imaginary. An Allegory with another poem by Coleridge (e.g., The Rime of the Ancient Mariner). How does Coleridge use different techniques to explore the concept of time in both poems?