Constancy to an Ideal Object

Name: Constancy to an Ideal Object
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The poem explores the tension between idealized thought and the transient nature of reality. It begins with a reflection on the constancy of thought amidst the ever-changing world, questioning why such thoughts persist when everything else is subject to change. The speaker addresses a yearning thought, personifying it as a constant presence that remains in the mind, despite the impermanence of the external world. The speaker calls upon the future, represented by ethereal beings, yet acknowledges that none can breathe life into this idealized thought. The juxtaposition of hope and despair is highlighted, particularly in the context of mortality, suggesting that true fulfillment may only come at the end of life. The speaker expresses a deep longing for an idealized companion, equating the concept of home with the presence of this beloved thought. The imagery of a peaceful home is presented, yet it is rendered meaningless without the idealized companion. The speaker likens the absence of this thought to a ship adrift, lacking direction and purpose. The poem further delves into the nature of perception, illustrating how the idealized image can captivate the mind, leading one to worship an illusion without recognizing its origin in the self. Ultimately, the work grapples with the complexities of desire, the nature of reality versus idealization, and the profound impact of thought on human experience. The speaker's journey reflects a deep yearning for connection and meaning, underscoring the struggle between the ideal and the tangible.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1827 · Genre: Romantic Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Philosophical Poetry · 399 words

First lines

Since all that beat about in Nature's range, Or veer or vanish; why should'st thou remain The only constant in a world of change, O yearning Thought! that liv'st but in the brain? Call to the Hours, that in the distance play, The faery people of the future day -- Fond Thought! not one of all that shining swarm Will breathe on _thee_ with life-enkindling breath, Till when, like strangers shelt'ring from a storm, Hope and Despair meet in the porch of Death! Yet still thou haunt'st me; and though well I see, She is not thou, and only thou art she, Still, still as though some dear _embodied_ Good, Some _living_ Love before my eyes there stood With answering look a ready ear to lend, I mourn to thee and say -- "Ah! loveliest friend! That this the meed of all my toils might be, To have a home, an English home, and thee! " Vain repetition! Home and Thou are one. The peacefull'st cot, the moon shall shine upon, Lulled by the thrush and wakened by the lark, Without thee were but a becalmed bark, Whose helmsman on an ocean waste and wide Sits mute and pale his mouldering helm beside.

What this Textopian page supports

Constancy to an Ideal Object is listed on Textopian as a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1827 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date: 1827 CE
Language: English
Genres: Romantic Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Nature Poetry, Elegiac Poetry
Length: 399 words
Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Constancy to an Ideal Object by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Constancy to an Ideal Object?
How does this poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Romantic Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Romantic Poetry — The poem embodies the themes of idealism, nature, and emotional depth characteristic of Romantic literature.
Lyric Poetry — The personal and emotional expression throughout the poem aligns with the conventions of lyric poetry.
Philosophical Poetry — The exploration of concepts such as constancy, change, and the nature of thought reflects philosophical themes.
Nature Poetry — The imagery and references to nature highlight the connection between human emotion and the natural world.