Persian and Arabic Poetry
The work critiques Persian poetry, asserting it lacks imagination and truth, and suggests it is deficient in essential qualities that define poetry. The author contrasts this with the Arabian Nights, which, while delightful, may be influenced by Greek elements. The text highlights the Book of Job as a prime example of ancient Arab poetry, emphasizing its profundity through a notable biblical passage. The author reflects on the loss of the Milesian Tales, suggesting their immoral nature and comparing them to other historical works. The analysis underscores a distinction between different poetic traditions, evaluating their merits and shortcomings.
By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1910 · Genre: Literary Criticism, Poetry, Philosophical Literature · 588 words
First lines
I must acknowledge I never could see much merit in the Persian poetry, / which I have read in translation. There is not a ray of imagination in it, / and but a glimmering of fancy. It is, in fact, so far as I know, deficient / in truth. Poetry is certainly something more than good sense, but it must / be good sense, at all events; just as a palace is more than a house, but / it must be a house, at least. The Arabian Nights' Tales are a different / thing -- they are delightful, but I cannot help surmising that there is a / good deal of Greek fancy in them. No doubt we have had a great loss in the / Milesian Tales.[1] The book of Job is pure Arab poetry of the highest and / most antique cast.
What this Textopian page supports
Persian and Arabic Poetry is listed on Textopian as an essay by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1910 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- Date: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Criticism, Poetry, Philosophical Literature, Cultural Commentary, Comparative Literature
- Length: 588 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Persian and Arabic Poetry by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Similar titles
- The Value Of Greek And Latin In English Literature by Arthur Quiller Couch
- Robert Browning by Oscar Wilde
- English Poetesses by Oscar Wilde
- Fiction And Fact by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- On The Use Of Masterpieces by Arthur Quiller Couch
- Mycerinus1 by Matthew Arnold
Genres
- Literary Criticism — The book analyzes and critiques Persian and Arabic poetry, focusing on themes, imagination, and literary merit.
- Poetry — While primarily a critique, the work discusses poetic forms and styles inherent in Persian and Arabic poetry.
- Philosophical Literature — The text reflects on the nature of poetry and truth, engaging with deeper philosophical questions.
- Cultural Commentary — It provides insights into the cultural significance and historical context of the poetry discussed.
Tags
Persian Poetry · Arabic Poetry · Samuel Taylor Coleridge · Literary Criticism · Translation · Imagination · Fancy · Truth · Arabian Nights · Greek Influence · Milesian Tales · Book of Job
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