Poems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Poems - Essay Example These perspectives are reinforced by the mythical approach that Coleridge has taken. He describes the almost superhuman power that Kubla possesses through the fear that the speaker wishes to impart on his ‘subjects’. The same mysticism applies to his desire to be the demon lover, which shares the same divine and scary characteristics. The use of altered states of consciousness was popular among writers and poets in the Romantic Movement. It is important to note that the narrative was based on an opium-influenced dream. As a result, the poem features some hallucinatory aspects. The instance of ‘flashing eyes’ and ‘floating hair’ correlates to the tenets of the movement. It idealized the use of imagination over the power of reason. In that respect, Coleridge utilizes his imagination to develop a narrative that personifies his character as that of Kubla Khan. The movement appreciated the use of religious and divine ideals, as opposed to rational co ntent related to scientific knowledge. The same Romantic ideals have been used in developing mystic themes and references in the narrative. The speaker highlights the dread that engulfs his ‘subjects’ and invokes divine practices as part of their response to Kubla. For example, Coleridge explains ‘weave a circle around him thrice†¦ (Coleridge 51)’ Mary Shelley lived at a time when societies were at a crossroads. In her time, the world was engulfed in thought concerning various philosophical concerns, which were centered on the well-being of the human individual. For example, political philosophy of the time was focused on natural rights, enfranchisement and what constitutes human nature. This was a time that slavery existed legally in parts of the world. In that respect, Shelley develops the nature of her monster as part of her revolutionary ideals. She believed in equality among individuals, and that each has his/her own right to determination. Simila rly, the narrative exposes her beliefs in the representation of disability. The monster appears physically disoriented, and its body is considered repulsive. As a result, it is discriminated upon by the larger society. However, Shelley disputes this ideal that had permeated the societies of the time. She highlights that physical differences to ‘normal’ people did not change their human nature. In that regard, she grants the monster equal cognitive and lingual ability to ‘normal’ people. This serves as a representation of her revolutionary stance on natural rights. The monster may be regarded as autistic by some. At the time, disabled people were disregarded in the society, and seen as foolish and unfruitful individuals. The presentation of the monster contravenes these ideals and may be regarded as revolutionary. However, Shelley’s monster highlights that disabled individuals can maintain their productivity. This is seen through the monster’s intellect and actions. In that respect, Shelley speaks out against oppression, which may be regarded as a revolutionary ideal. This is seen through the themes of anger and loneliness that surround the monster. The author explores her revolutionary views on equality by developing her monster as a being that possesses human nature. This is seen through her monster’s cognitive development. It begins by attempting to connect with other human beings