Limbo by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Name: Limbo
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The poem explores a metaphysical realm characterized by a sense of stasis and emptiness, referred to as Limbo. It presents a paradoxical space that is not a physical location but embodies a state of being where time and space are constrained. The imagery evokes a haunting atmosphere, with time depicted as scytheless and barren, lacking the vibrancy of life and movement. The speaker describes a figure resembling an old man, symbolizing human time, who gazes at the moon with a blind yet profound expression. This figure represents a longing for enlightenment and understanding, yet remains trapped in a state of immobility and silence. The contrast between the old man's sublime gaze and the surrounding emptiness emphasizes the futility of existence in Limbo. The poem delves into themes of existential dread and the nature of consciousness. It suggests that the absence of meaning and the horror of non-existence are more terrifying than the suffering found in hell. The notion of a "positive Negation" highlights the fear of an eternal void, where the absence of hope and purpose reigns supreme. Ultimately, the work reflects on the human condition, the struggle for meaning, and the haunting specter of oblivion that looms over existence. The imagery and language evoke a sense of melancholy and introspection, inviting readers to contemplate the nature of reality and the implications of a life devoid of purpose.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1817 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical · 356 words

First lines

Tis a strange place, this Limbo! -- not a Place, Yet name it so; -- where Time and weary Space Fettered from flight, with night-mare sense of fleeing, Strive for their last crepuscular half-being; -- Lank Space, and scytheless Time with branny hands Barren and soundless as the measuring sands, Not mark'd by flit of Shades, -- unmeaning they As moonlight on the dial of the day! But that is lovely -- looks like human Time, -- An old man with a steady look sublime, That stops his earthly task to watch the skies; But he is blind -- a statue hath such eyes; -- Yet having moonward turn'd his face by chance, Gazes the orb with moon-like countenance, With scant white hairs, with fore top bald and high, He gazes still, -- his eyeless face all eye; -- As 'twere an organ full of silent sight, His whole face seemeth to rejoice in light! Lip touching lip, all moveless, bust and limb -- He seems to gaze at that which seems to gaze on him! No such sweet sights doth Limbo den immure, Wall'd round, and made a spirit-jail secure, By the mere horror of blank Naught-at-all, Whose circumambience doth these ghosts enthral. A lurid thought is growthless, dull Privation, Yet that is but a Purgatory curse; Hell knows a fear far worse, A fear -- a future state; -- 'tis positive Negation!

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Limbo is listed on Textopian as a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1817 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date: 1817 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical, Gothic, Allegory
Length: 356 words
Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing meter and rhyme, characteristic of poetic form.
Romanticism — The themes of nature, the sublime, and introspection align with Romantic ideals.
Philosophical — The exploration of existential themes and the nature of existence reflects philosophical inquiry.
Gothic — The eerie and haunting imagery contributes to a Gothic atmosphere.