The Supernatural Elements in S.T Coleridge Poem The Christbel,Rime of Ancient Mariner & Kubla Khan

 

The Elements of Supernaturalism

Samuel Taylor Coleridge was known for his fascination with the supernatural and his belief in the existence of otherworldly powers. He explored these themes in many of his poems, including "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," "Kubla Khan," and "Christabel."

 

In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," Coleridge creates a haunting atmosphere by introducing supernatural elements such as ghosts, spirits, and curses. The poem is about a sailor who shoots an albatross and is cursed as a result, causing a series of supernatural events to unfold, including the appearance of ghostly figures and a ship crewed by spirits.

 

Similarly, in "Kubla Khan," Coleridge describes a vision of a fantastical palace and garden, which he claims to have seen in a dream. The poem is full of supernatural imagery, such as a "deep romantic chasm" and a "sunless sea" that evoke a sense of mystery and awe.

 

In "Christabel," Coleridge explores the supernatural through the character of Geraldine, a mysterious woman who is revealed to be a supernatural being. The poem is full of Gothic elements, such as haunted castles, mysterious happenings, and supernatural powers.

 

Overall, Coleridge's interest in the supernatural is evident in his poetry, and he uses it to create a sense of mystery and wonder that continues to captivate readers to this day.

 

Coleridge's interest in the supernatural was not only reflected in his poetry, but also in his personal beliefs. He was deeply influenced by German Romanticism and the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, which emphasized the importance of the imagination and the idea that the human mind could access a realm of knowledge beyond the physical world.

 

Coleridge's belief in the supernatural was also influenced by his experiences with opium, which he used to alleviate the symptoms of his chronic health conditions. While under the influence of opium, he claimed to have had vivid dreams and visions that he believed were evidence of a spiritual realm.

 

In his poetry, Coleridge often used supernatural elements to explore deeper philosophical and psychological themes. For example, in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," the supernatural events that unfold can be interpreted as a metaphor for the consequences of human actions and the importance of environmental stewardship. Similarly, in "Kubla Khan," the supernatural imagery can be seen as a reflection of the power of the imagination to transcend the limitations of reality.

 

Overall, Coleridge's interest in the supernatural was a central theme throughout his life and work, and his exploration of these themes continues to be a source of fascination and inspiration for readers and scholars alike.