Whom should I choose for my Judge? (fragment) by Samuel Taylor Coleridge (Poem, Summary, & Analysis)

 

Whom should I choose for my Judge? (fragment)

by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

(Poem, Summary, & Analysis) 

Whom should I choose for my Judge? (fragment)

 

Whom should I choose for my Judge? the earnest, impersonal reader,

Who, in the work, forgets me and the world and himself!

 

Ye who have eyes to detect, and Gall to Chastise the imperfect,

Have you the heart, too, that loves, feels and rewards the Compleat?

 

What is the meed of thy Song? 'Tis the ceaseless, the thousandfold Echo

Which from the welcoming Hearts of the Pure repeats and prolongs it,

Each with a different Tone, compleat or in musical fragments.

 

Summary

The speaker begins by posing a rhetorical question: "Whom should I choose for my Judge?" He expresses a preference for a certain kind of reader—one who is earnest and impersonal, someone who becomes so absorbed in the work itself that he forgets the author, the outside world, and even himself. This ideal reader experiences the work with undistracted attention, focusing solely on the poetry without personal bias or ego.

Next, the speaker addresses those who are quick to criticize flaws—those with the "eyes to detect" and the "Gall to Chastise" what is imperfect in a literary work. He challenges them by asking whether they also have the "heart"—the emotional capacity—to appreciate, love, and reward what is complete and beautiful in the work. In other words, he questions whether such critics can balance judgment with generosity and sensitivity.

Finally, the speaker contemplates the true reward ("meed") of his poetry. It is not fame or material gain, but rather the echo—a continuous and widespread response from pure-hearted readers who genuinely welcome and resonate with his song. This echo is not monotonous but richly varied: each person reflects the poem differently, some with a full, complete tone, others in musical fragments. Yet, all contribute to a lasting and meaningful reverberation of the poem’s spirit.

 

Analysis in Detail

Title and Form

The title itself—“Whom should I choose for my Judge?”—sets a reflective, introspective tone. It signals a poetic inquiry into authorship, readership, criticism, and validation. Though labeled a fragment, the poem contains a complete philosophical thought, offering insight into Coleridge’s views on poetic judgment and reception.

 

Lines 1–2:

Whom should I choose for my Judge? the earnest, impersonal reader,

Who, in the work, forgets me and the world and himself!

 

These lines express Coleridge's ideal of a perfect reader or critic. He doesn’t seek validation from a biased or emotionally driven judge but rather from someone “earnest”—sincere and serious—and “impersonal”, meaning objective and uninfluenced by external factors.

Such a reader, Coleridge says, loses all sense of self, the author, and the world while engaging with the work. This suggests a pure aesthetic experience, where the poem is evaluated and appreciated solely on its own merit, not through the lens of personal prejudice or social context. The idea foreshadows later literary theories like “art for art’s sake” and reader-response criticism, where the experience of the text becomes central.

 

Lines 3–4:

Ye who have eyes to detect, and Gall to Chastise the imperfect,

Have you the heart, too, that loves, feels and rewards the Compleat?

 

Here, Coleridge shifts from the ideal reader to the critical reader—those who are quick to spot flaws and “chastise” them, possibly with harsh or even malicious intent (as implied by “Gall,” which suggests bitterness or boldness in criticism).

He questions whether such critics possess not only discernment but also emotional depth and generosity—the “heart” to recognize, appreciate, and celebrate what is complete or excellent in a work. The contrast highlights Coleridge’s belief that true criticism must be balanced: it should include both the ability to discern faults and the capacity to admire beauty.

There is a subtle critique of negativity in literary criticism here—an assertion that focusing solely on what is flawed reflects a limited or shallow sensibility.

 

Lines 5–7:

What is the meed of thy Song? 'Tis the ceaseless, the thousandfold Echo

Which from the welcoming Hearts of the Pure repeats and prolongs it,

Each with a different Tone, compleat or in musical fragments.

 

The poem closes by contemplating the true reward (“meed”) of the poet’s song. Coleridge asserts that the best and most meaningful reward is not external validation like fame or praise from critics but the “echo” of the poem in the hearts of sincere, pure-minded readers.

This “echo” is ceaseless and multifaceted, implying that poetry has a life beyond its creation, living on through its readers. These echoes are unique to each reader—“each with a different Tone”—signifying that individual responses vary, but all are valuable. Some readers may grasp the poem’s full depth (“compleat”), while others might only catch glimpses (“musical fragments”), but both experiences are valid and enriching.

This final image aligns with Romantic ideals: the interplay of emotion, imagination, and subjectivity in the experience of art. It also suggests that a poem's success lies in its ability to evoke responses across a spectrum, rather than conform to any single standard.

 

Themes

The Ideal Reader vs. the Harsh Critic: Coleridge draws a line between those who read to experience and those who read to judge.

Balanced Criticism: True criticism must involve both intellect and emotional engagement.

The Echo of Poetry: The poem becomes alive through readers’ responses—diverse and personal.

Artistic Integrity: The poet finds meaning not in applause but in genuine connection with sensitive hearts.

 

Tone and Language

The tone is measured, contemplative, and slightly challenging—especially toward critics. The diction is elevated but accessible, marked by abstractions like “Pure,” “Compleat,” and “Echo,” which convey Romantic spiritual depth.

 

Conclusion

This poetic fragment offers a rich meditation on artistic judgment, reception, and the role of readers. Coleridge elevates the introspective, empathetic, and engaged reader, while casting doubt on the value of cold or overly critical judgment. Ultimately, he sees poetry as a living dialogue between the poet’s voice and the soul of the reader—a communion made meaningful not by perfection, but by heartfelt response.

 

Key Exam Points

 

1. Poem Type and Nature

This is a lyrical fragment, reflecting Coleridge’s thoughts on literary judgment and reception.

Though short, it presents a complete philosophical idea.

It is self-reflective and meta-poetic—a poem about poetry and its readers.

 

2. Central Question

The poem opens with the poet asking: "Whom should I choose for my Judge?"

This introduces the main theme: What kind of reader is qualified to judge poetry?

 

3. Ideal Reader

Coleridge favors the “earnest, impersonal reader”.

This reader is someone who becomes so absorbed in the poem that they forget the author, the world, and even themselves.

It reflects a Romantic ideal of pure, immersive aesthetic experience.

 

4. Critique of Harsh Critics

The poem addresses those who are quick to find faults—critics with “eyes to detect” and “Gall to Chastise”.

Coleridge questions whether such critics also possess the emotional sensitivity to appreciate beauty and reward completeness in art.

 

5. True Reward of Poetry

Coleridge identifies the “meed” (reward) of poetry as the emotional and spiritual echo it produces in pure-hearted readers.

This echo is not uniform but varied and personal—some respond with full understanding, others in fragments.

Suggests poetry’s enduring power lies in its deep personal resonance, not in objective praise.

 

6. Romantic Elements

Emphasis on subjective experience and the emotional connection between poet and reader.

Critique of mechanical or purely intellectual criticism.

Affirms the moral and emotional role of the reader in completing the poetic experience.

 

7. Use of Contrast

Contrast between:

Ideal reader vs. harsh critic.

Appreciation vs. fault-finding.

Impersonal, immersive reading vs. judgmental detachment.

 

8. Language and Style

Elevated, poetic diction (e.g., “meed,” “compleat,” “chastise”).

Use of abstract nouns to convey philosophical and emotional ideas.

Rhythmic and meditative tone, typical of Coleridge's reflective verse.

 

Revision Sheet

Poem Overview

A short lyrical fragment.

Reflects Coleridge’s thoughts on poetic judgment, ideal readership, and the true reward of poetic creation.

Explores the relationship between the poet, the critic, and the reader.

 

Key Themes

Ideal Reader vs. Harsh Critic: Coleridge contrasts the emotionally engaged, impersonal reader with those who only seek out imperfections.

The Purpose of Poetry: True poetic value lies in the emotional response it evokes, not in critical approval.

Balanced Criticism: Calls for a harmony between discernment and appreciation.

Echo and Immortality of Poetry: Poetry lives on through the inner echoes it generates in readers.

 

Important Points to Remember

Coleridge’s ideal reader is one who forgets the poet, the world, and themselves—fully absorbed in the poem.

The critic is described as someone who has “eyes to detect” and “gall to chastise” but may lack the heart to appreciate completeness.

The poet’s real reward is not fame, but the emotional echo that comes from pure-hearted readers.

Every reader responds differently: some completely understand the poem, others catch only fragments, yet both reactions are meaningful.

 

Style and Tone

Reflective, philosophical, and subtly defensive.

Elevated, poetic language with abstract concepts like “Echo,” “Compleat,” “Gall,” and “Pure.”

The tone is sincere and contemplative, especially in its direct address to both ideal readers and critics.

 

Structural Features

Fragmented, but thematically whole.

Mixes direct address with internal reflection.

Ends with a metaphor of echo, symbolizing how poetry is received and continued through the hearts of readers.

 

Exam Preparation Tips

Be ready to explain Coleridge’s idea of the ideal reader.

Know how the poem contrasts criticism vs. appreciation.

Understand and be able to interpret the metaphor of the echo.

Mention how this poem reflects Romantic values—emotion, individuality, sincerity in art.

Be familiar with key phrases: “impersonal reader,” “eyes to detect,” “meed of thy Song,” and “thousandfold Echo.”

 

Possible Exam Questions

 

Who does Coleridge consider the ideal judge of his poetry?

 

What does the poet mean by “the earnest, impersonal reader”?

 

How does Coleridge describe harsh critics in the poem?

 

What does Coleridge identify as the true “meed” (reward) of his song?

 

Explain the significance of the word “Echo” in the final lines.

 

Briefly explain how Coleridge contrasts the critic with the ideal reader in the poem.

 

What role does emotional sensitivity play in literary judgment according to Coleridge?

 

Describe the tone of the poem and explain how it reflects the poet’s attitude toward criticism.

 

In what way is the poem a reflection of Romantic ideals?

 

Discuss the qualities of the ideal reader as presented in Coleridge’s “Whom should I choose for my Judge?”

 

How does Coleridge explore the theme of poetic reception and reward in this fragment?

 

“True poetry echoes in the hearts of the pure.” Do you agree with Coleridge’s view as expressed in the poem? Justify your answer with references to the text.

 

Examine how Coleridge uses contrast and imagery to express his views on literary judgment in this poem.

 

How does Coleridge present his concerns about criticism and appreciation in “Whom should I choose for my Judge?”?