Introduction to Christabel by S. T. Coleridge: A Gothic Supernatural Poem
Medieval Castle Setting and Gothic Atmosphere in Christabel
“’Tis the middle of night by the castle clock …. she sees my lady’s shroud.”
The first stanza of the poem, Christabel, projects on our minds the image of a medieval English church. The details of the castle are scattered all over the poem. On the basis of these details, we can describe it as a woodland castle. The wood stands at a distance of a furlong from the castle gate. The castle is surrounded by a moat presumably spanned by a small bridge. In the poem, the poet has presented the medievalism of the English people, on a grand scale, here, we have poetic visions of medieval English civilization, English culture, English superstitions and so on. So while describing the castle, the poet says that the castle clock was striking twelve the midnight hour. It wakes up the owls which hoot and the owl’s hooting wakes up the cock, and presently it crows very drowsily. Thus, the very first lines of the poem is full of action and it creates suspense to make the readers aware that this is really going to happen.
From the lines 6 to 13, the poet informs us that the castle owner, the rich baron, has a toothless mastiff bitch. She lies in her kennel beneath the rock. When the clock strikes a quarter after an hour she howls twelve times. Whether it is rainy or moonlit, she always makes sixteen howls, which are short and moderately loud. The poet further says that some people of the castle say at that at the time she perceives lady Leoline’s ghost that keeps wandering here and there in the castle. As we know that Coleridge is well-known for creating supernatural elements through his poem, and this very quality of the poet is best depicted when he talks about the howling of the she-bitch that gives an answer to the clock’s each strokes.
Spring Night Imagery and Supernatural Atmosphere in Christabel
“Is the night chilly and dark? …… And the spring comes slowly up this way.”
As we move ahead with the poem, the suspense becomes deep. Though as of now, the poem is presented in terms of a suspense story, as we read on, it becomes clear there is something to be served to us in terms of something uncanny. In these lines the poet asks and answers himself, when he says: Is the night very cold and dark? The night is very cold, indeed, but not dark. The sky is covered with a layer of thin grey clouds. It is not hidden by the clouds. So although moon is behind them, yet it is visible as the full moon. Yet it looks both small and dull. The night is very cold. The clouds are grey. The poet says it is April, and the spring is gradually showing itself in this region.
Introduction of Christabel: Character Analysis of the Innocent Heroine
“the lovely lady, Christabel …… For the weal of her lover that’s far away.”
Here we come in front of the lead character, Christabel. Describing her, the poet says, Christabel is a lovely young lady. Her father sir Leoline loves her very well. But what brings her at midnight into the wood about a furlong from the castle-gate? The poet further says, she had dreamt of her lover knight all the while she was asleep last night. So she has come into the wood at midnight in order to pray for the well-being of her lover who is far away in the distant land. Let me tell you here that the introduction of the main character of the poem, named Christabel is brought to us all in a sudden.
Christabel’s Midnight Prayer in the Forest: Symbolism and Significance
“she stole along, she nothing spoke, …… And in silence prayeth she.”
she walks steadily and silently into the forest. she also breathes softly and loudly. On the oak tree, there is nothing green except the moss and mistletoe, a parasitic plant which grows rarely on the oak. The poet further says, having arrived beneath the huge oak tree, she kneels and prays silently. In the above, the poet has made us familiar with Christabel, but there is yet to be revealed more.
Supernatural Sounds and Rising Suspense in Christabel
“The lady sprang up suddenly, …… Of the huge, broad-breasted, old oak tree.”
These lines are also replete with surprising elements, and in these lines also we come across surprise and suspense. As she springs up, hearing a low sound of pain very close to her. But the poet says, she does not understand what it is. It came to her from the other side of the huge, broad, old oak tree.
The Mysterious Moan beneath the Oak Tree: Gothic Elements in Christabel
“The night is chill; the forest bare; …. Of the topmost twig that looks up at the sky.”
Through the above lines, the poet describing about the surrounding says that the night is cold. The forest trees are leafless. Christabel asks herself whether it is the cold and cheerless wind which made the moan. But to her surprise, the poet tells, there is not wind enough to wave the curl of her hair lying on her lovely cheek. There is not enough wind to spin the only green red leaf hanging loosely from the branches and high in the sky.
Christabel’s Fear and Religious Faith: Protection against Evil Forces
“Hush, beating heart of Christabel !……. What sees she there?”
The heart of Christabel beats faster. The poet prays to Jesus and mother Mary to shield her (protect) Christabel from danger. She folds her hand beneath her cloak and tries to look to the other side of the oak tree. ‘What sees she there?’ creates surprise and suspense for the readers.
Appearance of Geraldine: The Beautiful but Enigmatic Stranger
“There she sees a damsel bright, ….. Beautiful exceedingly!”
Christabel comes to see a bright damsel who was dressed in white silk which shone bright in that shadowy moonlight night. The complexion of the damsel outbright/outshone the white robe. Her neck and arms were also bare. The white complexion makes her blue-veins visible. she was unsandaled and the gems entangled in her hairs were wildly glittering. She is a lady of exceeding beauty.
First of all, it is surprising for the readers as well as Christabel to find a beautiful damsel in such a night pervaded in darkness and stillness with cries of owls. The introduction of the damsel is a development in the poem which creates mystery.
Who is Geraldine? Character Introduction and Mystery
“Mary mother, save me now! (said Christabel) — And who art thou? Have pity on my sore distress…….. Did thus pursue her answer meet :—”
Christabel is a young and innocent lady. It is because of her innocent expressions and she prays to heavenly powers to protect her. The strange lady answers the question of Christabel. She rattles and asks for help from our Christabel. Christabel is still surprised and perplexed that how a lady like her beauty can come in midnight.
Geraldine’s Tale of Abduction: Truth or Deception?
“My sire is of a noble line, ……. And help a wretched maid to flee.”
The strange lady introduces herself to Christabel. She is a mystery in the poem. She replies that she belongs to a noble sire and her name is Geraldine. She was seized by five warriors yesterday morning. They were cruel people to choke a maiden like me and they tied me on a white palfrey. The palfrey white ran as fast as wind and they rode behind her furiously.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main theme of Christabel by S. T. Coleridge?
The major themes of the poem include innocence versus evil, supernatural influence, religious faith, deception, corruption, and psychological conflict.
Why is Christabel considered a Gothic poem?
Christabel is regarded as a Gothic poem because it contains a medieval castle, mysterious forests, supernatural occurrences, suspense, omens, and psychological terror.
Who is Geraldine in Christabel?
Geraldine is a mysterious and beautiful lady who appears in the forest at midnight. Though she presents herself as a victim, her supernatural behavior suggests a darker and more sinister nature.
What does the oak tree symbolize in Christabel?
The oak tree symbolizes mystery, destiny, and the turning point in Christabel’s life, where innocence encounters evil.
What is the significance of the castle gate in Christabel?
The iron-laced castle gate symbolizes a barrier against evil. Geraldine’s difficulty crossing it hints at her supernatural and possibly malevolent nature.
Conclusion
Christabel by S. T. Coleridge is one of the greatest examples of Gothic Romantic poetry in English literature. Through the mysterious relationship between Christabel and Geraldine, Coleridge explores themes of innocence, evil, supernatural power, faith, deception, and psychological conflict. The medieval setting, haunting atmosphere, supernatural imagery, and unresolved mystery continue to fascinate readers and scholars, making Christabel a timeless masterpiece of English Romantic literature.