Epitaph on a Bad Man

Name: Epitaph on a Bad Man
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The poem presents a stark and unflattering portrayal of a man named Walter Harcourt, who is depicted as morally bankrupt and indifferent to both divine and human values. The opening lines establish his character as someone who disregarded the significance of life and death, living without consideration for the consequences of his actions. The juxtaposition of his life and death highlights a profound existential irony; he lived without fear of mortality, yet faced death with a sense of despair, suggesting a lack of faith or hope. As the poem progresses, it delves deeper into Harcourt's life, illustrating his selfishness and the impact of his actions on others. He is characterized by a series of negative traits, including greed, cruelty, and a lack of compassion. The narrative emphasizes his disregard for moral principles, portraying him as a figure who exploited others for personal gain without remorse. The poem also reflects on the nature of legacy and how one's actions define their memory. Harcourt's life is depicted as a cautionary tale, warning against the consequences of living without integrity. The tone is critical and judgmental, underscoring the idea that a life devoid of virtue ultimately leads to a bleak and unremarkable end. In the concluding sections, the poem shifts to a broader reflection on the human condition, suggesting that Harcourt's fate serves as a reminder of the importance of moral values. It implies that a life lived without regard for others or for higher principles results in a legacy that is not only unworthy but also forgotten. The final lines encapsulate the central theme: the emptiness of a life lived in pursuit of selfish desires, devoid of love, kindness, or spiritual fulfillment. Overall, the work serves as a meditation on morality, legacy, and the consequences of a life lived in opposition to ethical principles. It challenges readers to consider the values they uphold and the impact of their choices on their own lives and the lives of others.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1796 · Genre: Poetry, Elegy, Romanticism · 48 words

First lines

Under this stone does Walter Harcourt lie, Who valued nought that God or man could give; He lived as if he never thought to die; He died as if he dared not hope to live!

What this Textopian page supports

Epitaph on a Bad Man is listed on Textopian as a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1796 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: 1796 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Elegy, Romanticism, Philosophical Literature, Satire
Length: 48 words
Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Epitaph on a Bad Man 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 Epitaph on a Bad Man?
How does this poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is a poem that employs meter and rhyme, characteristic of Coleridge's style.
Elegy — The poem serves as a reflection on death and the life of the subject, fitting the elegiac tradition.
Romanticism — Coleridge is a key figure in the Romantic movement, and the themes of individualism and introspection are present.
Philosophical Literature — The poem explores existential themes regarding life, death, and morality.