Dejection: An Ode By Samuel Taylor Coleridge Summary and analysis

 

 

Dejection: An Ode

Late, late yestreen I saw the new Moon,
With the old Moon in her arms;
And I fear, I fear, my Master dear!
We shall have a deadly storm.
(Ballad of Sir Patrick Spence)

The poem Dejection : an ode begins with this epigraph. It illustrates a disturbed state of mind of the speaker. The anxiety and apprehension are well exhibited through nature, Since it is a typical romantic poem.

"Late, late yestreen": This phrase suggests that the speaker saw something significant on the previous night, and it was late in the evening. The speaker observed the appearance of the new moon in the sky. The "new Moon" refers to the phase when the moon is barely visible. This line metaphorically describes the new moon "holding" or being in the "arms" of the old moon. This could symbolize the transition of the moon's phases, with the old moon fading away as the new moon emerges. The repetition of "I fear" emphasizes a sense of anxiety of the speaker. "My Master dear": The speaker in fact addresses a force, that’s his own inner soul of creativity.  The speaker expresses a prediction of an impending event: a "deadly storm." The use of the word "deadly" suggests that the storm could be severe and potentially dangerous.

 

 

Well! If the Bard was weather-wise, who made

       The grand old ballad of Sir Patrick Spence,

       This night, so tranquil now, will not go hence

Unroused by winds, that ply a busier trade

Than those which mould yon cloud in lazy flakes,

Or the dull sobbing draft, that moans and rakes

Upon the strings of this Æolian lute,

                Which better far were mute.

         For lo! the New-moon winter-bright!

         And overspread with phantom light,

         (With swimming phantom light o'erspread

         But rimmed and circled by a silver thread)

I see the old Moon in her lap, foretelling

         The coming-on of rain and squally blast.

And oh! that even now the gust were swelling,

      

The speaker begins with an exclamation expressing a sense of excitement. The speaker contemplates the weather wisdom of a bard, suggesting that if the bard who composed the ballad of Sir Patrick Spence was knowledgeable about the weather, then the following observations about the current night may have significance. He refers to the ballad of Sir Patrick Spence as "grand" suggests that it holds importance and perhaps a timeless quality. The phrase "Old" indicates that it has been passed down through generations. He describes the night as calm. "Will not go hence" implies that the calmness won't last; something is expected to change. The tranquility of the night will not remain undisturbed, and the disturbance is expected to come from active or busy winds. The wind is mentioned as busier than those involved in shaping clouds lazily, possibly indicating that something more intense is fast approaching. The phrase "dull sobbing draft" suggests a melancholic or mournful wind, further building a sense of impending change in the atmosphere. The reference to the Æolian lute connects to the idea of winds playing on an instrument. The Æolian harp is a stringed instrument played by the wind, creating haunting sounds.

The speaker expresses the sentiment that it would be better if the Æolian lute (symbolic of nature's sounds) remained silent. This suggests his deep desire for peace and serenity. The speaker draws attention to the new moon, describing it as bright in the winter sky. The new moon is surrounded by a mysterious light, described as a "phantom light." He explains the new moon surrounded by a moving or "swimming" phantom light. The new moon is outlined and encircled by a silver thread, adding to it’s a celestial imagery.

The speaker observes the old moon in the backdrop of the new moon. The positioning of the old moon is interpreted as a foretelling of approaching rain and strong gusts of wind.

The speaker expresses a desire for the winds to pick up and the storm to intensify, possibly indicating a longing for any sudden action.

The speaker desires a heavy, slanting night-shower (rain) that is both loud and fast, reinforcing the anticipation of a storm. The speaker reflects on the impact of certain sounds, likely natural sounds associated with storms, that have both uplifted and awed him in the past. The sounds have a profound effect, causing the speaker's soul to metaphorically travel in to the world of freedom. The speaker hopes that the sounds associated with the storm might provide the usual inspiration. The speaker expresses the wish that the storm's sounds could awaken and enliven his dull poetic sensibility.  

 

The speaker describes a type of grief that lacks the usual emotional intensity. It is characterized as "void," "dark," and "drear," conveying a sense of emptiness and desolation. The grief is further characterized as "stifled" and "drowsy," indicating a suppressed or subdued emotional state. The term "unimpassioned" suggests a lack of strong emotion. This grief seems to have no natural or spontaneous way to express itself. There is a lack of outlets for relief, such as through words, sighs, or tears. He emphasizes that this particular grief cannot find expression through words, sighs, or tears, which are common outlets for emotional release. He addresses a lady, suggesting a personal connection or a desire to communicate their emotional state to someone specific. The mood is described as "wan" (pale) and "heartless."  He visualises a scene, describing the evening as long, calm, and tranquil and he reveals that they have been staring at the western sky throughout the evening. He find a special color in the western sky, describing it as having a "peculiar tint of yellow green."

Despite looking at the sky, the speaker emphasizes the lack of engagement or emotional connection, describing their gaze as "blank." The speaker observes thin clouds in the sky, describing the formation.  The clouds reveal their movement by interacting with the stars in the sky. The speaker observes stars moving behind or between the thin clouds. The stars exhibit varying levels of brightness, alternately sparkling and becoming less bright, but they are always visible. He describes the crescent moon in the western sky, portraying it as fixed. The moon is likened to growing in its own isolated, cloudless, and starless realm of blue. The speaker acknowledges the beauty of the sky, including the clouds, stars, and crescent moon. Despite recognizing the beauty, the speaker emphasizes a disconnect between seeing and feeling. The emotional void or grief prevents them from fully experiencing or appreciating the beauty he observes.

 

My genial spirits fail;

                And what can these avail

To lift the smothering weight from off my breast?

                It were a vain endeavour,

                Though I should gaze for ever

On that green light that lingers in the west:

I may not hope from outward forms to win

The passion and the life, whose fountains are within.

 

He states that their "genial spirits" have failed. "Genial spirits" typically refer to one's cheerful mind, suggesting that the speaker's mood or emotional well-being has declined. Poet questions the effectiveness of something, indicating a sense of hopelessness or frustration about their current emotional state. He describes a heavy, suffocating feeling on their chest, symbolizing a burden or emotional weight that oppresses them. He suggests that any attempt to reduce his emotional struggle would be futile or in vain. Even if the speaker were to engage in a prolonged and continuous action, such as staring or contemplating, it wouldn't resolve his inner turmoil.

He mentions a "green light" lingering in the western sky. This could be a literal description of a natural phenomenon or a metaphorical reference to something hopeful or positive which can soothe his mind. He acknowledges that seeking solace or resolution from external or visible things may not be fruitful. The speaker expresses that true passion and vitality originate within himself, emphasises the internal nature of his emotional struggles. Seeking external sources may not bring the desired relief. The speaker is in fact grapples with a sense of inner heaviness or emotional burden. Despite acknowledging external elements like a lingering green light in the west, the speaker recognizes that the true sources of passion and life reside within, and finding solace from external forms may not be successful.

The speaker addresses a lady, expressing a concept that suggests reciprocity. What one receives in life is directly connected to what one gives. He asserts that Nature exists and comes to life within the context of human life. There is a symbiotic relationship between human life and the natural world. The speaker uses metaphorical language, likening the connection between humans and Nature to a marriage. "Wedding garment" implies a union or connection, while "shroud" suggests a covering or garment associated with death. This line may convey the cyclical and intertwined nature of life and death. The speaker poses a question, asking if humans desire to see something of greater value or significance. 

The speaker addresses his own heart as pure of heart. He refers to an internal experience described as "strong music in the soul." This could signify a profound and powerful spiritual sensation. The strong music in the soul is characterized as a powerful force that is not only beautiful itself but also has the ability to create beauty. He identifies the intense experience as Joy and emphasizes that this particular joy is not commonly experienced. It is a special and rare kind of joy. This rare joy is said to be granted only to those who are pure of heart, particularly during their moments of utmost purity.  He defines joy as a spiritual force and a powerful influence and portrayed as a gift from Nature. The impact of joy is described as creating a new and elevated existence, both on Earth and in a spiritual or heavenly realm. The elevated existence brought by joy is something unimaginable.  Joy is further personified as having a sweet voice and being a luminous cloud, reinforcing its positive and radiant qualities. The speaker emphasizes that the source of joy is within oneself, suggesting an internal and self-sustaining nature. All forms of beauty that captivate either the ear or the sight are said to originate from the inner experience of joy. Music and melodies are described as echoes or reflections of the joyful inner experience. Colors are portrayed as flowing or spreading from the inner light of joy, indicating that joy influences and enhances one's perception of the world. Speaker delves into the profound nature of joy, describing it as a transformative and beautiful force that is intimately connected to the purity of the heart. Joy is presented as a source of inspiration and creativity, influencing both the internal and external aspects of life.

 

There was a time when, though my path was rough,

         This joy within me dallied with distress,

And all misfortunes were but as the stuff

         Whence Fancy made me dreams of happiness:

For hope grew round me, like the twining vine,

And fruits, and foliage, not my own, seemed mine.

But now afflictions bow me down to earth:

Nor care I that they rob me of my mirth;

                But oh! each visitation

Suspends what nature gave me at my birth,

         My shaping spirit of Imagination.

 

The speaker reflects on a past period in their life, acknowledging that despite facing difficulties ("though my path was rough"), there was a certain time when things were different. During that time, the speaker experienced a joy that coexisted with, or played with, distress. The phrase suggests a complex interplay of emotions. In that period, misfortunes or challenges were viewed by the speaker as mere material or substance. The speaker attributes the ability to turn those misfortunes into dreams of happiness to their imagination or "Fancy." Hope is metaphorically compared to a twining vine, suggesting that it surrounded the speaker and provided support and growth. The speaker felt as if the positive outcomes ("fruits, and foliage") that resulted were not just external or random occurrences but were personally and intimately connected to them. The speaker contrasts the past with the present, stating that now afflictions or troubles weigh him down.  He expresses that they are not concerned or bothered by the fact that afflictions take away their happiness or mirth. Despite not caring about the loss of happiness, the speaker acknowledges the impact of each occurrence of affliction temporarily suspend the natural gifts or qualities that the speaker was born with, that is his power of imagination.  All the imaginative and creative aspect of the speaker, their ability to shape and envision, is temporarily affected by the troubles.

 

'Tis midnight, but small thoughts have I of sleep:

Full seldom may my friend such vigils keep!

Visit her, gentle Sleep! with wings of healing,

May all the stars hang bright above her dwelling,

         Silent as though they watched the sleeping Earth!

                With light heart may she rise,

                Gay fancy, cheerful eyes,

         Joy lift her spirit, joy attune her voice;

To her may all things live, from pole to pole,

Their life the eddying of her living soul!

         O simple spirit, guided from above,

Dear Lady! friend devoutest of my choice,

Thus mayest thou ever, evermore rejoice.

 

The speaker notes that it's midnight, but he is not preoccupied with thoughts of sleep. He  expresses a wish that his friend (probably his own soul) does not often have to stay awake during such late hours. It implies concern or empathy for the friend's well-being. He directly addresses Sleep as if it were a benevolent force. They request Sleep to visit their friend with healing wings, suggesting a desire for restorative and comforting sleep.

The term "storm" is metaphorically used, and the speaker hopes that whatever difficulty or challenge the friend is facing is just a temporary disturbance. He wishes for a serene and peaceful atmosphere for his own soul , symbolized by the bright presence of stars above her dwelling. The speaker envisions a tranquil night where the stars watch over the Earth in silence, creating a peaceful and protective atmosphere. The speaker wishes for their friend to wake up with a light heart, indicating a sense of emotional well-being. The speaker desires for his soul to wake up with a lively and imaginative mind, along with cheerful eyes expressing happiness. Also, hopes for joy to uplift their friend's spirit and influence her voice positively, suggesting an overall sense of happiness and harmony. He extends his wish for a positive and joyful life to encompass all aspects of their friend's existence, from one pole to the other, symbolizing completeness. The life of all things influenced by the  living soul, emphasizing the importance and impact on the world. Poet describes his soul as a "simple spirit" who is guided from above, suggesting a connection to a higher power or divine guidance. The speaker expresses affection for his friend, addressing her as a "Dear Lady" and the most devout friend. He concludes with a wish for his soul to experience continuous joy and happiness throughout her life.