Publishing Info:
e-text
available
Audio File availableGenre: -lyrical poem
Sub-genre: - Fantasy
Nationality: - British
Time Period: - 18th
Century
First and Last Read by Dr. Rearick - Feb. 1998 // Jan. 2003
Rated: - A+
Use: Introduction to Literature ENG1073
Location: - Dr. Rearick's Office also on our
main frame
Scripture that comes to mind:
29. And it came to pass, when Moses came down
from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when
he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face
shone while he talked with him. 30. And when Aaron and all the children
of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were
afraid to come nigh him. 31. And Moses called unto them; and Aaron
and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked
with them. 32. And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh:
and he gave them in commandment all that the LORD had spoken with him in
mount Sinai. 33. And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put
a vail on his face. 34. But when Moses went in before the LORD to speak
with him, he took the vail off, until he came out. And he came out, and
spake unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded. 35. And
the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face
shone: and Moses put the vail upon his face again, until he went in to
speak with him.
Comments: A wonderful
poem that captures for me the nature of the fantastic vision. The
above scripture describes Moses' experience after being in the glorious
presence of God. His face literally glows and he frightens his brother
and the people he is leading. Coleridge suggests a similar experience
could occur if a poet could actually hang on to the ultimate vision of
beauty he feels he has been exposed to. But of course, being Earthly
he is unable to reclaim that vision only the desire to express a fraction
of what he saw.
I am aware that in a number of sources the poem is given by itself,
and certainly it is beautiful enough to stand that way. However,
I like to include the small explanation Coleridge gives with the work.
Follow
this link
. It's hard to tell whether he is pulling our legs to
create an effect or is telling us the truth. However, in either case
this description adds to the element of briefness and incompleteness so
central to the poem "Kubla Khan."
Possible Questions:
True or False
_____ In the introduction to the poem discussed in class, Coleridge
makes it clear that "Kubla Khan" as he presents it, is a complete poem
given to him in wholly in a moment of inspiration.
Multiple Choice
_____ According to Dr. Rearick the images used by Coleridge in "Kubla
Khan" are meant to create a sense of (A) hideousness, (B) permanence, (C)
transience, (D) worthlessness.