Ode to Tranquillity

Name: Ode to Tranquillity
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The poem explores the theme of tranquility as a superior state of being compared to fame and worldly pursuits. The speaker expresses a deep yearning for peace and a rejection of the chaos and intrigue that often accompany ambition and societal recognition. Tranquility is personified as a nurturing force that guides the speaker away from the tumult of life, symbolized by storms and tempests. The speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of worldly desires, contrasting them with the enduring essence of tranquility. The poem suggests that true fulfillment comes from a connection to nature and inner peace rather than external validation. The imagery of meadows, summer heat, and autumn winds evokes a serene landscape where the speaker finds solace. As the poem progresses, the speaker acknowledges the distractions of idle hope and painful memories that disrupt mental peace. However, tranquility is portrayed as a gentle guide, leading the speaker to moments of calm and introspection. The speaker's dedication to tranquility emphasizes a longing for a deeper understanding of existence, free from the corruption of human ambition. The closing lines reflect a critical view of contemporary society, highlighting the moral decay and violence that characterize human interactions. The speaker's contemplative stance positions them as an observer, detached from the chaos of the world, seeking a higher purpose and a more profound connection to the essence of life. Overall, the work serves as a meditation on the value of tranquility, advocating for a life rooted in inner peace and a rejection of the superficial pursuits that often lead to discontent.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1794 · Genre: Romantic Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry · 340 words

First lines

Tranquility! thou better name Than all the family of Fame! Thou ne'er wilt leave my riper age To low intrigue, or factious rage; For oh! dear child of thoughtful Truth, To thee I gave my early youth, And left the bark, and blest the steadfast shore, Ere yet the tempest rose and scared me with its roar.

Who late and lingering seeks thy shrine, On him but seldom, Power divine, Thy spirit rests! Satiety And Sloth, poor counterfeits of thee, Mock the tired worldling. Idle Hope And dire Remembrance interlope, To vex the feverish slumbers of the mind: The bubble floats before, the spectre stalks behind.

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Ode to Tranquillity 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, Philosophical Poetry, Meditative Poetry
Length: 340 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Romantic Poetry — The poem embodies the characteristics of Romanticism, focusing on nature, emotion, and individual experience.
Lyric Poetry — The personal and emotional expression throughout the poem aligns with the conventions of lyric poetry.
Nature Poetry — The poem extensively explores themes of nature and tranquility, emphasizing the beauty and solace found in the natural world.
Philosophical Poetry — The poem reflects on deeper truths and the human condition, characteristic of philosophical inquiry.