Dejection: an Ode

Name: Dejection: an Ode
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The poem explores themes of melancholy, the relationship between nature and the human spirit, and the quest for inner joy amidst despair. It begins with a reflection on the night sky, invoking a sense of foreboding and longing for the emotional release that nature's sounds can provide. The speaker experiences a profound, unarticulated grief, feeling disconnected from the beauty around him, which he can see but not feel. As the poem progresses, the speaker contemplates the nature of joy and its connection to the soul. He asserts that true beauty and joy must emanate from within, rather than being derived from external sources. The speaker recalls a time when he could find happiness even in adversity, but now feels burdened by afflictions that stifle his imaginative spirit. The poem shifts to a confrontation with dark thoughts, likening them to a tormenting wind. The speaker seeks solace in nature's sounds, contrasting the chaos of reality with the gentler, more comforting aspects of life. He reflects on the power of music and poetry to convey deep emotions, illustrating the struggle between despair and the desire for peace. In the final sections, the speaker expresses a wish for a friend, hoping she finds joy and healing. He envisions her rising with a light heart, embodying the very essence of life and joy that he yearns for. The poem concludes with a hopeful tone, emphasizing the importance of connection to nature and the potential for inner joy to flourish despite external turmoil.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1802 · Genre: Romantic Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Ode · 1,726 words

First lines

Late, late yestreen I saw the new Moon, With the old Moon in her arms; And I fear, I fear, my Master dear! We shall have a deadly storm. _Ballad of Sir Patrick Spence._

What this Textopian page supports

Dejection: an Ode is listed on Textopian as a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1802 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: 1802 CE
Language: English
Genres: Romantic Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Ode, Nature Poetry, Philosophical Poetry
Length: 1,726 words
Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Dejection: an Ode 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 Dejection: an Ode?
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 characteristics of Romanticism, focusing on emotion, nature, and the individual's experience.
Lyric Poetry — It expresses personal feelings and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry, with a focus on the speaker's emotional state.
Ode — The title itself indicates that it is an ode, a form of lyrical poetry that addresses a particular subject with deep emotion.
Nature Poetry — Nature plays a significant role in the imagery and themes, reflecting the connection between the natural world and human emotion.