Time, Real and Imaginary

Name: Time, Real and Imaginary
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The work presents an allegorical exploration of time, contrasting the tangible and the intangible aspects of existence. It begins with a vivid scene on a mountain where two children, a brother and sister, engage in a perpetual race. The sister, aware of her brother's blindness, constantly looks back to ensure he is following, symbolizing the interplay between perception and reality. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into the nature of time, suggesting that while the physical world operates on a linear timeline, human experience of time is often subjective and influenced by emotions and consciousness. The brother's blindness represents a lack of awareness or understanding of time's passage, while the sister embodies the awareness and the desire to connect with the present moment. The text further explores the dichotomy between real and imaginary experiences, suggesting that imagination plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of time. The children’s race serves as a metaphor for life's journey, where the pursuit of knowledge and connection is paramount, despite the inevitable challenges posed by time and perception. Throughout the work, themes of memory, anticipation, and the fleeting nature of existence are examined. The sister's constant looking back signifies nostalgia and the human tendency to reflect on the past, while the brother's forward motion represents a focus on the future, highlighting the tension between these two temporal states. The allegory ultimately invites readers to contemplate their own relationship with time, urging a balance between living in the moment and acknowledging the past. It suggests that while time may be an unyielding force, the human experience of it is rich with imagination and emotional depth, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of reality.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1893 · Genre: Poetry, Allegory, Romanticism · 134 words

First lines

AN ALLEGORY

On the wide level of a mountain's head, (I knew not where, but 'twas some faery place) Their pinions, ostrich-like, for sails outspread, Two lovely children run an endless race, A sister and a brother! This far outstript the other; Yet ever runs she with reverted face, And looks and listens for the boy behind: For he, alas! is blind! O'er rough and smooth with even step he passed, And knows not whether he be first or last.

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Time, Real and Imaginary is listed on Textopian as a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1893 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date: 1893 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Allegory, Romanticism, Fantasy, Philosophical Literature
Length: 134 words
Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
Allegory — The narrative conveys deeper moral and philosophical meanings through symbolic characters and events.
Romanticism — The themes reflect the Romantic emphasis on nature, emotion, and individual experience.
Fantasy — The setting and elements suggest a fantastical realm, typical of imaginative literature.