Romantic Poetry

Paper Summary:

This paper analyses John Keats' "Ode to Autumn" and Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "Kubla Khan" in the light of Wordsworth's claim that 'poetry is emotion recollected in tranquillity.' It discusses the extent to which each of the chosen poems adheres to this description of poetry with regard to the subject matter, language and form used and whether this consideration proves that Wordsworth's description encapsulates the poetry of the Romantic period, or otherwise.

From the Paper:

"Kubla Khan', described 'almost as a definition of Coleridge's poetry' , on the other hand, was written following a dream he had while under the influence of opium. The context itself sets the reader up for a piece written after the moment itself has passed, and is instead a recollection of the experience he underwent. This is further highlighted in the poem itself, as he speaks of 'a vision [he] once saw' (l. 38), and attempts to 'revive...Her symphony and song' (ll. 42-43). At this point there is a change in the tone of the piece as Coleridge is no longer remembering what he dreamt, but instead using his power of imagination to create what he envisioned as the continuation of a dream, the writing of which was allegedly interrupted."

More papers on Romantic Poetry:

• Analytical Essay # 107991 : "Romantic Poetry: Working Class Poets"
• Analytical Essay # 67064 : "Themes in British Romantic Poetry"
• Analytical Essay # 53831 : "Nostalgia in Romantic Poetry"

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