Fears in Solitude by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
The poem reflects on the tension between the tranquility of nature and the turmoil of human conflict, particularly in the context of impending invasion and war. The speaker finds solace in a serene dell, a place of beauty and peace, where he contemplates the state of humanity and the moral failings of his countrymen. He expresses a deep sense of melancholy, recognizing that while he seeks calmness, he cannot ignore the suffering and chaos that may be occurring beyond his peaceful surroundings. The speaker laments the collective guilt of his nation, which has inflicted suffering on others through imperialism and moral corruption. He critiques the superficiality of societal values, where the sanctity of life is overshadowed by greed and the glorification of war. The poem transitions into a call for self-reflection and repentance, urging his fellow countrymen to recognize their complicity in violence and to strive for a more virtuous existence. The speaker emphasizes the importance of genuine faith and moral integrity, contrasting it with the empty rituals and perjury that have become commonplace. As he concludes, the speaker expresses a profound love for his homeland, acknowledging its beauty and the inspiration it provides. He hopes for a future free from the horrors of war, yearning for peace and a return to the values that uplift the human spirit. The work ultimately serves as a meditation on the relationship between individual conscience, national identity, and the moral responsibilities that come with it.
By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1798 · Genre: Romantic Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Political Poetry · 2,796 words
First lines
WRITTEN IN APRIL 1798, DURING THE ALARM OF AN INVASION
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Genres
- Romantic Poetry — The poem embodies the characteristics of Romanticism, focusing on nature, emotion, and individual reflection.
- Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal feelings and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
- Political Poetry — The poem addresses social and political issues, reflecting on war, morality, and national identity.
- Nature Poetry — Nature plays a central role in the poem, serving as a backdrop for contemplation and emotional expression.
Tags
solitude · fear · nature · philosophy · existentialism · reflection · emotion · loneliness · imagination · darkness · anxiety · spirituality
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Fears in Solitude is listed on Textopian as a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1798 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: 1798 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romantic Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Political Poetry, Nature Poetry, Philosophical Poetry
- Length: 2,796 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Fears in Solitude by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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More by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- Expostulation and Reply (1817)
- The Tables Turned (1798)
- Animal Tranquillity and Decay (1816)
- Goody Blake and Harry Gill (1798)
- The Last of the Flock (1815)
- Lines Left Upon a Seat in a Yew-Tree, which Stands Near the Lake of Estwaithe, on a Desolate Part of the Shore, Yet Commanding a Beautiful Prospect (1818)
- The Foster-Mother's Tale (1815)
- The Thorn (1798)
- All works by Samuel Taylor Coleridge