St. Paul's Melita
The work examines the historical and cultural significance of Malta, particularly in relation to the belief that it is the island where St. Paul was shipwrecked. The author challenges this notion by presenting evidence that contradicts the traditional narrative. The text highlights the advanced civilization of Malta during the time of St. Paul, referencing classical sources such as Cicero, who describes the island as populated and prosperous, with established industries and a rich cultural heritage. The author argues that the term "barbarous people" used in the biblical account does not apply to Malta, as it was known for its wealth and sophistication. The absence of snakes on the island is also discussed, with the local belief attributing this to St. Paul's curse, further emphasizing the disconnect between myth and historical reality. The work delves into the descriptions of Malta by ancient writers, illustrating its significance in trade and culture, and contrasting it with the more primitive conditions of the other Melita in the Adriatic. The text also touches on the architectural legacy of Malta, suggesting that the island's historical context has influenced its aesthetic development. The author concludes that the romanticized view of Malta as St. Paul's island is rooted in superstition rather than historical fact, urging a reevaluation of the narrative based on evidence from classical literature.
By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1825 · Genre: Historical Non-Fiction, Literary Criticism, Cultural Commentary · 901 words
First lines
The belief that Malta is the island on which St. Paul was wrecked is so rooted in the common Maltese, and is cherished with such a superstitious nationality, that the Government would run the chance of exciting a tumult, if it, or its representatives, unwarily ridiculed it. The supposition itself is quite absurd. Not to argue the matter at length, consider these few conclusive facts: -- The narrative speaks of the "barbarous people," and "barbarians,"[1] of the island. Now, our Malta was at that time fully peopled and highly civilized, as we may surely infer from Cicero and other writers.[2] A viper comes out from the sticks upon the fire being lighted: the men are not surprised at the appearance of the snake, but imagine first a murderer, and then a god from the harmless attack. Now in our Malta there are, I may say, no snakes at all; which, to be sure, the Maltese attribute to St. Paul's having cursed them away. Melita in the Adriatic was a perfectly barbarous island as to its native population, and was, and is now, infested with serpents. Besides the context shows that the scene is in the Adriatic.
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St. Paul's Melita is listed on Textopian as an essay by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1825 CE.
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- Work type: Essay
- Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- Date: 1825 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Non-Fiction, Literary Criticism, Cultural Commentary, Philosophical Essay, Travel Writing
- Length: 901 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Genres
- Historical Non-Fiction — The text discusses historical events and figures related to St. Paul and Malta, providing factual analysis and context.
- Literary Criticism — The work critiques historical interpretations and literary references, analyzing classical texts and their implications.
- Cultural Commentary — It reflects on the cultural significance of Malta's history and its people's beliefs regarding St. Paul.
- Philosophical Essay — The text engages with philosophical ideas about civilization, belief, and historical narrative.
Tags
St. Paul · Malta · Melita · shipwreck · superstition · national identity · historical analysis · Cicero · barbarous people · civilization · serpents · ancient temple
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