Lewti or the Circassian Love-Chaunt

Name: Lewti or the Circassian Love-Chaunt
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The poem explores themes of unrequited love, longing, and the interplay between memory and desire. The speaker wanders by a stream at midnight, consumed by thoughts of a woman named Lewti, whose beauty haunts him. He grapples with the pain of her indifference, repeatedly urging her image to leave his mind, yet he remains captivated by her allure. The moonlight serves as a backdrop, illuminating the speaker's emotional turmoil. He compares Lewti's beauty to the brightness of the moon and the shimmering water, emphasizing the contrast between her radiant appearance and his sorrowful state. The imagery of clouds and vapors reflects the transient nature of hope and love, as the speaker acknowledges the fleeting moments of joy that quickly fade into despair. As he observes the natural world around him, including swans and jasmine, the speaker yearns for a connection with Lewti, fantasizing about her noticing him in a dream. He expresses a desire to witness her beauty up close, even if it means suffering for it. The poem culminates in a bittersweet hope that perhaps, in the future, Lewti might reciprocate his feelings. Overall, the work captures the essence of romantic longing, the pain of unreciprocated affection, and the delicate balance between desire and despair. The speaker's internal conflict and vivid imagery create a poignant exploration of love's complexities.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1794 · Genre: Romantic Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry · 859 words

First lines

At midnight by the stream I roved, To forget the form I loved. Image of Lewti! from my mind Depart; for Lewti is not kind.

The Moon was high, the moonlight gleam And the shadow of a star Heaved upon Tamaha's stream; But the rock shone brighter far, The rock half sheltered from my view By pendent boughs of tressy yew. -- So shines my Lewti's forehead fair, Gleaming through her sable hair, Image of Lewti! from my mind Depart; for Lewti is not kind.

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Lewti or the Circassian Love-Chaunt is listed on Textopian as a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1794 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date: 1794 CE
Language: English
Genres: Romantic Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Elegiac Poetry, Narrative Poetry
Length: 859 words
Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Romantic Poetry — The poem embodies the themes of love, longing, and nature, characteristic of the Romantic genre.
Lyric Poetry — The personal expression of emotions and feelings towards Lewti aligns with the conventions of lyric poetry.
Nature Poetry — The vivid imagery of nature and its connection to the speaker's emotions reflects the nature poetry genre.
Elegiac Poetry — The themes of loss and unrequited love suggest elements of elegy.