Elegy and Classical Metre

Name: Elegy and Classical Metre
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The work explores the nature and characteristics of elegy as a poetic form, emphasizing its reflective quality and personal connection to the poet. It posits that elegy inherently deals with themes of loss, absence, and longing, contrasting sharply with the external focus of epic poetry. The elegy is described as a medium through which the poet expresses sorrow and love, often reflecting on the past or yearning for the future. The author critiques various poetic forms, particularly the elegiac couplet of the Greeks, expressing a preference for the rhythm of shorter verses. The discussion includes references to classical poets, highlighting the elegance of their works while acknowledging the subjective nature of lyrical poetry. The author suggests that many older pieces of poetry could be revitalized by omitting less favorable sections, thus revealing their inherent beauty. The text also evaluates specific poems and poets, noting the majestic qualities of certain odes while critiquing others for being artificial. The author appreciates the vivid imagery and emotional depth found in works like Cotton's "Ode upon Winter," which showcases the interplay of fancy and feeling. The analysis underscores the importance of personal experience and emotional resonance in poetry, advocating for a deeper understanding of the elegiac form and its capacity to convey complex human emotions. Overall, the work serves as a critical examination of elegy and classical metre, offering insights into the subjective nature of poetry and the enduring power of lyrical expression.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1910 · Genre: Elegy, Lyric Poetry, Classical Poetry · 1,314 words

First lines

Elegy is the form of poetry natural to the reflective mind. It _may_ treat of any subject, but it must treat of no subject _for itself_; but always and exclusively with reference to the poet himself. As he will feel regret for the past or desire for the future, so sorrow and love become the principal themes of elegy. Elegy presents every thing as lost and gone, or absent and future. The elegy is the exact opposite of the Homeric epic, in which all is purely external and objective, and the poet is a mere voice.

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Elegy and Classical Metre is listed on Textopian as an essay by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1910 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date: 1910 CE
Language: English
Genres: Elegy, Lyric Poetry, Classical Poetry, Criticism, Philosophical Literature
Length: 1,314 words
Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Genres

Elegy — The book primarily discusses the form and themes of elegy, focusing on reflection, sorrow, and personal loss.
Lyric Poetry — The work engages with subjective expression and personal emotion, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Classical Poetry — It references classical forms and metrics, particularly Greek and Latin poetry, indicating a strong connection to classical traditions.
Criticism — The text critiques and analyzes various poets and their works, positioning it within literary criticism.