To Nature by Samuel Taylor Coleridge (Poem, Summary, & Analysis)

 

To Nature

by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

(Poem, Summary, & Analysis) 

To Nature

 

It may indeed be fantasy when I

Essay to draw from all created things

Deep, heartfelt, inward joy that closely clings;

And trace in leaves and flowers that round me lie

Lessons of love and earnest piety.

So let it be; and if the wide world rings

In mock of this belief, it brings

Nor fear, nor grief, nor vain perplexity.

So will I build my altar in the fields,

And the blue sky my fretted dome shall be,

And the sweet fragrance that the wild flower yields

Shall be the incense I will yield to Thee,

Thee only God! and thou shalt not despise

Even me, the priest of this poor sacrifice.

 

Summary

The speaker begins by acknowledging that it might seem like a fantasy when he attempts to find deep, sincere, and inward joy in all created things. He tries to draw emotional and spiritual satisfaction from the natural world around him—such as leaves and flowers—and sees in them lessons about love and sincere devotion to God.

He accepts that others might mock this way of thinking. The "wide world" may scorn or ridicule his belief in finding spiritual meaning and joy in nature. However, such mockery does not bring him fear, sadness, or confusion. He remains unaffected by the world's opinions.

The speaker then declares his intent to build an altar in the fields, implying that he will worship God in nature itself. The sky above will serve as his ornate, decorated dome. The pleasant scent of wildflowers will act as the incense offered during worship.

He dedicates this simple yet heartfelt act of devotion to God alone. The poem ends with the speaker expressing confidence that God will not reject or look down upon him, even though he is just a humble "priest" offering a modest "sacrifice" in the form of his natural worship.

 

Analysis in Detail

Overview and Context

"To Nature" reflects Coleridge’s Romantic belief in the spiritual and moral value of the natural world. Unlike the more detached scientific view of nature in Enlightenment thinking, Romantic poets like Coleridge saw nature as a source of divine inspiration, emotional depth, and ethical guidance. This poem is a personal declaration of faith, where the poet presents nature as a form of temple and himself as its priest.

 

Line-by-Line Analysis

Lines 1–3:

It may indeed be fantasy when I / Essay to draw from all created things / Deep, heartfelt, inward joy that closely clings;

The speaker begins by questioning his own belief—acknowledging that others may see it as mere "fantasy" when he tries ("essay") to find joy in the natural world.

The use of “deep, heartfelt, inward joy” emphasizes that this is not superficial pleasure but a profound, personal emotional connection to nature.

The phrase “closely clings” suggests how this joy is not fleeting—it remains with him and holds spiritual significance.

 

Lines 4–5:

And trace in leaves and flowers that round me lie / Lessons of love and earnest piety.

The speaker describes finding moral and spiritual lessons in natural objects like leaves and flowers.

Nature becomes a teacher of love and piety (deep religious devotion), reinforcing the Romantic idea that moral truths can be drawn from the natural world rather than books or institutions.

 

Lines 6–8:

So let it be; and if the wide world rings / In mock of this belief, it brings / Nor fear, nor grief, nor vain perplexity.

Coleridge anticipates ridicule from the “wide world” for his spiritual approach to nature.

However, he declares his indifference to such mockery. It causes him no fear, sadness, or confusion ("vain perplexity"), revealing a tone of quiet defiance and confidence.

The poet accepts being misunderstood and chooses personal truth over societal approval.

 

Lines 9–10:

So will I build my altar in the fields, / And the blue sky my fretted dome shall be,

The speaker imagines building a natural temple—an altar in the open fields, with the sky itself as his cathedral ceiling.

The phrase “fretted dome” evokes the intricate architecture of churches, but here it is replaced by the natural splendor of the sky.

This transformation of nature into a place of worship expresses the Romantic idea that nature is divine and sacred in itself.

 

Lines 11–12:

And the sweet fragrance that the wild flower yields / Shall be the incense I will yield to Thee,

The natural aromas of wildflowers become a substitute for ritual incense, offering a sensory form of worship.

This reinforces the poet’s belief that true devotion doesn't require grand temples or formal rites—nature provides all the elements necessary for worship.

 

Lines 13–14:

Thee only God! and thou shalt not despise / Even me, the priest of this poor sacrifice.

The poet addresses God directly, affirming his monotheistic devotion.

Despite the simplicity of his offering, he believes God will not despise it—or him, as the humble "priest."

“Poor sacrifice” implies both modesty and sincerity, emphasizing the spiritual richness of simplicity and authenticity.

 

Themes

Nature as a Spiritual Force:

Nature is portrayed not just as beautiful, but as morally and spiritually instructive. It is a sacred presence that inspires devotion.

 

Personal Faith vs. Public Mockery:

The speaker contrasts his personal, heartfelt faith with the world’s scorn, choosing inward conviction over external validation.

 

Simplicity and Sincerity in Worship:

The poem rejects elaborate rituals in favor of pure, heartfelt worship found in simple natural settings.

 

The Divine in the Everyday:

Ordinary elements like leaves, flowers, and the sky are imbued with divine significance, reflecting the Romantic ideal of finding the sublime in the mundane.

 

Tone and Mood

Tone: Reflective, humble, reverent, quietly defiant.

Mood: Serene, contemplative, spiritually uplifted.

 

Poetic Devices

Alliteration: e.g., “deep, heartfelt, inward joy,” “sweet fragrance,” which adds musicality and emphasis.

Personification: The world is imagined as mocking the speaker, giving it human traits.

Metaphor: The speaker as a "priest," and nature as a "temple" are extended metaphors for the spiritual value found in the natural world.

Religious imagery: Altars, incense, sacrifice, priest—traditional worship symbols reimagined through nature.

Contrast: Between institutional religion and personal spiritual experience, between mockery and inner peace.

 

Conclusion

“To Nature” is a compact but profound expression of Coleridge’s Romantic spirituality. It embodies his belief that the divine can be experienced directly through the natural world, without the need for formal structures or ceremonies. Despite societal disbelief or ridicule, the poet finds strength in a personal, nature-based worship that is deeply sincere and emotionally fulfilling.

 

Key Exam Points

Title: To Nature

A direct address to Nature, indicating reverence and spiritual connection.

 

Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

A major Romantic poet.

Emphasized imagination, personal spirituality, and nature.

 

Form and Structure

14-line poem (resembles a sonnet, though not strictly following sonnet form).

Written in iambic pentameter.

Uses a loose rhyme scheme (variations from traditional sonnet patterns).

Meditative and devotional tone throughout.

 

Tone

Reflective

Reverent

Peaceful

Quietly defiant against mockery

 

Themes

Nature as a spiritual teacher

Personal faith over institutional religion

Sincerity in simple worship

Harmony between nature and the divine

Rejection of societal mockery in favor of individual belief

 

Imagery and Symbols

Leaves and flowers: Symbols of love and piety.

Altar in the fields: Worship in nature.

Blue sky as fretted dome: Sky as a sacred space (cathedral).

Fragrance of wildflowers: Natural incense for worship.

Priest and sacrifice: The speaker as a humble servant offering his devotion.

 

Poetic Devices

Alliteration: “deep, heartfelt, inward joy”; “sweet fragrance”

Metaphor: Nature as a temple; poet as priest.

Personification: “wide world rings / In mock”

Religious diction: altar, incense, sacrifice, priest

Contrast: Inner peace vs. outer mockery

 

Message/Conclusion

True worship can occur in nature through sincere feeling and reflection.

The poet’s personal devotion, even if unconventional, is valid and accepted by God.

Nature is both sanctuary and scripture for the spiritually minded.

 

Revision Sheet

 

1. Title and Poet

Title: To Nature – A direct address, showing reverence and spiritual attention to the natural world.

Poet: Samuel Taylor Coleridge – A leading Romantic poet who emphasized personal spirituality, imagination, and the sacredness of nature.

 

2. Form and Structure

A 14-line poem, resembling a sonnet (not strictly Petrarchan or Shakespearean).

Written in iambic pentameter.

Loose rhyme scheme, adding a natural flow that reflects the poem's theme.

Reflective and devotional structure: begins with inner experience, moves through reaction to criticism, and ends in a declaration of faith.

 

3. Tone

Reflective: The speaker looks inward.

Reverent: Towards nature and God.

Defiant: Calmly resists public ridicule.

Peaceful: Emphasizes inner serenity and spiritual contentment.

 

4. Themes

Nature as a Spiritual Guide: Nature teaches lessons of love and devotion.

Personal Faith vs. Public Opinion: The speaker values private, heartfelt belief over society’s scorn.

Worship in Simplicity: True devotion can occur without churches or rituals.

Divinity of Nature: Nature is presented as sacred, divine, and worthy of reverence.

 

5. Imagery and Symbolism

Leaves and Flowers: Represent natural beauty and spiritual truths.

Altar in the Fields: Symbolizes outdoor, personal worship.

Blue Sky as Dome: Compares the sky to a cathedral’s ceiling—nature as a temple.

Wildflower Fragrance: Symbolic incense offered to God.

Priest and Sacrifice: Poet as humble worshipper, offering his devotion through nature.

 

6. Poetic Devices

Alliteration: Creates rhythm and focus, e.g., “deep, heartfelt” and “sweet fragrance.”

Metaphor: Nature becomes a temple; the poet becomes a priest.

Personification: The “wide world” mocks, as if it has a voice.

Religious Language: Terms like “altar,” “incense,” “sacrifice,” “priest” align nature with sacred worship.

Contrast: Between spiritual joy and worldly mockery.

 

7. Key Lines and Significance

“It may indeed be fantasy…” – Acknowledges doubt, but affirms personal belief.

“So will I build my altar in the fields…” – Declaration of worship through nature.

“Thee only God! and thou shalt not despise…” – Direct address to God, expressing confidence in divine acceptance.

 

8. Message

The poem affirms that nature offers a path to sincere and meaningful spiritual experience.

It emphasizes that true worship comes from the heart, not formal structures.

Coleridge suggests that God values humility and sincerity over grandeur.

 

Possible Exam Questions

 

What is the speaker's attitude towards finding joy in nature in the poem "To Nature"?

 

How does the speaker respond to the potential ridicule from society in the poem?

 

What does the speaker mean by "I will build my altar in the fields"?

 

What role does nature play in the speaker’s spiritual life according to the poem?

 

In what ways does the speaker compare nature to traditional religious practices?

 

How does the speaker view the connection between personal belief and societal expectations?

 

What does the speaker mean by "poor sacrifice" in the final line of the poem?

 

Discuss the central themes of "To Nature." How does Coleridge present nature as a source of spiritual guidance and inspiration?

 

How does Coleridge use religious imagery in "To Nature" to highlight the theme of personal faith? Provide examples.

 

Analyze the speaker’s attitude towards societal mockery in "To Nature." How does the speaker’s reaction contribute to the overall message of the poem?

 

Explore the significance of the imagery of an "altar in the fields" and the "blue sky" as a "fretted dome." What do these images symbolize in the context of the poem?

 

Examine the use of alliteration, metaphor, and personification in "To Nature." How do these poetic devices enhance the overall meaning of the poem?

 

Compare "To Nature" with another poem by Coleridge, such as "This Lime Tree Bower My Prison." How do both poems explore the themes of nature and personal reflection?

 

Compare "To Nature" with a Romantic poem by Wordsworth, such as "Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey." How do both poets express a spiritual connection to nature?

 

Compare the portrayal of nature in "To Nature" and in the poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” What are the differences in how nature is perceived in these two works?

 

How does the speaker in "To Nature" reconcile his belief in the spiritual power of nature with the skepticism of the world around him?

 

What role does simplicity play in the poem "To Nature"? How does Coleridge use this simplicity to argue for a more personal form of worship?

 

How does the poem reflect Romantic ideals of individualism, spirituality, and the divine presence in nature?

 

What does the speaker’s declaration "Thou shalt not despise / Even me, the priest of this poor sacrifice" reveal about the nature of his faith and his relationship with God?