Destruction of Jerusalem

Name: Destruction of Jerusalem
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The work presents a vision for an epic poem centered on the destruction of Jerusalem, drawing parallels to significant historical and mythological narratives. It emphasizes the universal relevance of the subject, akin to Milton's exploration of humanity's fall, suggesting that the events surrounding Jerusalem's destruction would resonate deeply with all of Christendom, much like the Trojan War did for ancient Greece. The author acknowledges the inherent challenges in tackling such a monumental theme but argues that these obstacles can be navigated, as demonstrated by Milton. The grandeur and splendor of the narrative promise a rich tapestry of human experience, moral conflict, and divine justice. The text hints at the necessity of a mythology or quasi-mythology to support the epic's structure, suggesting that the completion of prophecies and the clash between Judaism and Paganism would serve as a compelling backdrop. The narrative would explore the characters of both Romans and Jews, delving into their complexities and the moral implications of their actions. The author reflects on the weight of history, the justice of the events, and the profound consequences of the destruction, which marks the end of an era for the Jewish people and the rise of a new religious paradigm. The work is imbued with a sense of urgency and longing, as the author expresses a desire to have undertaken this monumental task at a younger age, indicating a personal connection to the subject matter. The text ultimately serves as a meditation on the potential for epic storytelling to capture the essence of human struggle, divine intervention, and the cyclical nature of history.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1817 · Genre: Epic Poetry, Religious Literature, Historical Fiction · 244 words

First lines

The destruction of Jerusalem is the only subject now remaining for an epic / poem; a subject which, like Milton's Fall of Man, should interest all / Christendom, as the Homeric War of Troy interested all Greece. There would / be difficulties, as there are in all subjects; and they must he mitigated / and thrown into the shade, as Milton has done with the numerous / difficulties in the Paradise Lost. But there would be a greater assemblage / of grandeur and splendour than can now be found in any other theme. As for / the old mythology, _incredulus odi; _ and yet there must be a mythology, or / a _quasi_-mythology, for an epic poem. Here there would be the completion / of the prophecies -- the termination of the first revealed national religion / under the violent assault of Paganism, itself the immediate forerunner and / condition of the spread of a revealed mundane religion; and then you would / have the character of the Roman and the Jew, and the awfulness, the / completeness, the justice. I schemed it at twenty-five; but, alas! / _venturum expectat_.

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Destruction of Jerusalem is listed on Textopian as a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1817 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date: 1817 CE
Language: English
Genres: Epic Poetry, Religious Literature, Historical Fiction, Philosophical Literature, Literary Criticism
Length: 244 words
Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

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Genres

Epic Poetry — The work discusses the potential for an epic poem centered on the destruction of Jerusalem, drawing parallels to classical epics.
Religious Literature — The themes involve significant religious events and figures, particularly within Christianity and Judaism.
Historical Fiction — The subject matter relates to a historical event, exploring its implications and characters.
Philosophical Literature — The text reflects on deeper themes of morality, justice, and the human condition in the context of historical events.