Kubla Khan or a Vision in a Dream
By: Mike • Research Paper • 4,423 Words • April 6, 2010 • 1,052 Views
Kubla Khan or a Vision in a Dream
KUBLA KHAN or A VISION IN A DREAM
SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE - 1797/1798
This visionary poem is one of the most famous poems of the Romantic Period. A manuscript copy of COLERIDGE'S "fragmentary vision" is a permanent exhibit at the British Museum (London).
The poem contrasts a man-made, earthly paradise, which proves unable to resist demonic forces and is doomed to be annihilated, with a "true" form of Paradise.
This theme is connected with the themes of the "commanding genius" and the "absolute genius"[BEER, p. 165; see BIBLIOGRAPHY] Kubla aspires to break eternal rules by decreeing heaven on earth, whereas the reign of the dominating figure of the last part of the poem is a legitimate and lasting one and remains unchallenged by dark powers.
"How far drugs contributed to the calling up of dreamlike and nightmarish atmospheres" [BLAMIRES, p. 281] is a question frequently raised in connection with this poetic vision (cf modern "psychedelic art").
I hope the detailed analysis given below will appeal to lovers of esoteric literature and music, and will be of academic use for students & teachers of English, music and arts. Teachers may use this and my other material as a basis for interdisciplinary project work. When quoting from this page please make reference to it
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Hans Juergen Matthias Schroeder, Duelmen, Germany, 2003-2004
> DETAILED
ANALYSIS
[below]
see also
> A MULTI-
MEDIA
VOYAGE
along the
lines of the
original poem
[extra page]
> BACKGROUND
facts and tales
[start page]
> BIOGRAPHY
S.T. Coleridge
1772-1834
[start page]
> BIBLIOGRAPHY
[below]
PART 1 comprises
a detailed analysis of
themes, motifs & words
within a paraphrase
of the original text
> PART 2
below includes:
contrast
repetition
capitalisation
punctuation
syntax
configuration
metre
sound
atmosphere
point of view
transfer
PART 1: THEMES, WORDS, MEANING
organisational structure / division of the poem
SECTION I paradise decreed
(1-5) an introduction - the ruler, the place, the decree
(6-11) fulfilment of the decree
SECTION II "the demonic re-asserts itself" [BEER, p. 165]
(12-16) spot of mystery - the woman and the demon's rendezvous
(17-24) eruption and