Epitaph on an Infant

Name: Epitaph on an Infant
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The poem reflects on the brief life of an infant who dies before baptism, exploring themes of innocence, mortality, and the transition from life to death. It begins by presenting death as a gentle force, arriving before sin or sorrow can taint the child's existence. The infant is portrayed as a pure being, taken to heaven before experiencing the hardships of life. The work emphasizes the idea that the child, rather than being merely a child of God in name, is fully embraced by divine grace. The infant's acceptance of death is depicted as serene, resting peacefully in its mother's arms, symbolizing a return to a state of purity and bliss. The imagery of the infant's contentment is highlighted through descriptions of its sweet sighs and the peacefulness of its final moments. The poem concludes with a poignant request for the gravestone to inform passersby of the child's presence, emphasizing the beauty and innocence of the life that was lost. The overall tone is one of gentle mourning, celebrating the child's brief existence while acknowledging the inevitability of death.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1796 · Genre: Poetry, Elegy, Romanticism · 188 words

First lines

Ere Sin could blight or Sorrow fade, Death came with friendly care; The opening bud to Heaven conveyed, And bade it blossom there.

ON AN INFANT WHICH DIED BEFORE BAPTISM

"Be, rather than be call'd, a child of God," Death whisper'd! -- with assenting nod, Its head upon its mother's breast, The Baby bow'd, without demur -- Of the kingdom of the Blest Possessor, not inheritor.

EPITAPH ON AN INFANT

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Epitaph on an Infant is listed on Textopian as a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1796 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date: 1796 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Elegy, Romanticism, Religious Literature, Childhood Literature
Length: 188 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is a poem that employs lyrical language and structure to convey emotions and themes.
Elegy — The poem serves as a lament for an infant who has died, reflecting on loss and mourning.
Romanticism — The themes of nature, innocence, and the spiritual connection to life and death align with Romantic ideals.
Religious Literature — The poem explores themes of baptism, the afterlife, and the divine, indicating a religious context.