I.

Introduction
Begin by introducing the topic of the presentation: the relationship between Kubla
Khan and Romanticism.
Well, hello. Today, I’m going to speak about Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem
Kubla Khan in relation to the literary movement known as romanticism. We
will discuss the context in which the poem was written and we will explore
the ways in which "Kubla Khan" reflects the themes and characteristics of
Romanticism, and how it serves as an example of Romantic poetry.
Provide a brief overview of what the Romantic literary movement was all about,
and explain how Kubla Khan fits into this movement.
The Romantic literary movement happened a long time ago during the late 18 th century and until
the mid 19th century. It was a time when people were really interested in science and reason, but
some people didn't like that. They thought that feelings, imagination, and nature were really
important too. These people were called the Romantics.

One of the things the Romantics believed was writing should make you feel really strong emotions
and take you to a transcendental world They also loved nature and thought it was really important
to keep it beautiful because they didn't like the way modern society was becoming more artificial.

Overall, Kubla Khan is a prime example of Romantic literature because it reflects many of the key
characteristics of the Romantic literary movement. The poem is a celebration of the beauty and
power of nature, and an exploration of the mysterious and supernatural. It also reflects the
Romantic critique of industrialization and modern society, and emphasizes the importance of the
individual's emotional and subjective experience.

II. Background on Kubla Khan

Provide some background information on the poem itself, including when it was
written, what inspired it, and what its main themes are.
Kubla Khan is based on a dream that Coleridge had while he was taking
opium. In the dream, he saw a beautiful palace and a river. When he woke
up, he tried to remember the dream and wrote it down, but he was
interrupted and never finished the poem.
Explain how the poem is an example of the Romantic literary movement, and how
it reflects the key characteristics of Romanticism.
Here are some of the ways in which the poem reflects Romanticism:
 1. Emphasis on emotion and subjectivity: One of the defining characteristics of Romantic
literature is its emphasis on emotion and the subjective experience of the individual. In
Kubla Khan, Coleridge emphasizes the emotional experience of the narrator, and creates a
dreamlike atmosphere that reflects the subjective nature of the experience.
2. Fascination with nature: Another key characteristic of Romantic literature is its fascination
with nature and the natural world. In Kubla Khan, Coleridge emphasizes the beauty and
power of nature, and explores the relationship between humanity and the natural world.
3. Exploration of the supernatural and mysterious: The Romantics were also fascinated by the
supernatural and the mysterious, and often explored these themes in their literature. In
Kubla Khan, Coleridge creates a sense of mystery and wonder, and explores themes of the
supernatural and the occult.

III. Key Characteristics of Romanticism

Provide an overview of the key characteristics of Romanticism, including a focus
on emotion and the subjective experience, an emphasis on nature and the natural
world, a fascination with the supernatural and mysterious, and a critique of industrialization and
modern society.

Romanticism was a literary and artistic movement that emerged in the late 18th century and lasted
until the mid-19th century. It was characterized by a number of key features, including:

1. Emphasis on emotion and the subjective experience: Romanticism placed a great emphasis
on the individual's emotional and subjective experience. Romantic writers and artists sought
to explore the depths of human emotion and imagination, and celebrated the unique
perspectives and experiences of the individual.
2. Focus on nature and the natural world: Romanticism was also characterized by a strong
fascination with nature and the natural world. Romantic writers and artists were inspired by
the beauty and power of the natural world, and often sought to capture its majesty in their
works.
3. Fascination with the supernatural and mysterious: Another key feature of Romanticism was
a fascination with the supernatural and the mysterious. Romantic writers and artists were
often drawn to themes of the occult, the gothic, and the fantastical, and sought to explore
the unknown and the unknowable.
4. Critique of industrialization and modern society: Romanticism was also characterized by a
critique of industrialization and modern society. Romantic writers and artists were often
critical of the social and economic changes brought about by industrialization, and sought
to promote a return to a more natural and spiritual way of life.

Overall, Romanticism was a complex and multifaceted movement that had a significant impact on
literature, art, and culture. Its emphasis on emotion, nature, and the supernatural, as well as its
critique of industrialization and modern society, helped to shape the cultural landscape of the 19th
century and beyond.

Use quotes from Kubla Khan to illustrate how the poem reflects each of these
characteristics.
 1. "In Xanadu did Kubla Khan / A stately pleasure-dome decree" - This opening line suggests a
romantic fascination with the exotic and the grandiose. Xanadu, as a place of luxury and
pleasure, represents a kind of idealized fantasy world.
2. "And there were gardens bright with sinuous rills, / Where blossomed many an incense-
bearing tree" - The emphasis on the natural beauty of the gardens and the use of sensory
language ("bright," "sinuous," "blossomed," "incense-bearing") reflects a romantic focus on
nature and its ability to evoke powerful emotions and sensations.
3. "It was a miracle of rare device, / A sunny pleasure-dome with caves of ice!" - This
description of the pleasure-dome as both sunny and icy suggests a kind of paradox or
contrast that was often celebrated by the romantics. The idea of something beautiful and
wondrous existing alongside something cold and dangerous was seen as emblematic of the
complexity of the human experience.
4. "Weave a circle round him thrice, / And close your eyes with holy dread" - This line, spoken
by the narrator to the "damsel with a dulcimer," creates a sense of mystical awe and
wonder. The use of religious language ("holy dread") and the suggestion of a ritualistic or
mystical practice is typical of romantic fascination with the supernatural and the mysterious.
5. "That sunny dome! those caves of ice! / And all who heard should see them there, / And all
should cry, Beware! Beware!" - This final stanza of the poem emphasizes the power of the
imagination and the ability of art to evoke powerful emotions and ideas. The repetition of
"Beware! Beware!" creates a sense of ominous warning that is common in romantic
literature.

IV. Emotion and Subjectivity in Kubla Khan

Focus specifically on the importance of emotion and subjectivity in Kubla Khan.
1. The poem is set in a dreamlike state, which allows for a more subjective perception of
reality. Coleridge describes Xanadu as a "pleasure-dome" and the surrounding landscape as
"savage" and "holy." These descriptions are emotionally charged and reveal the subjective
response of the narrator.
2. The language used throughout the poem is highly sensory and vivid. This creates an
immersive experience for the reader, emphasizing the importance of emotion in shaping
perception. For example, Coleridge writes, "Five miles meandering with a mazy motion /
Through wood and dale the sacred river ran, / Then reached the caverns measureless to
man, / And sank in tumult to a lifeless ocean." This description is rich in sensory detail,
evoking the emotional response of the narrator.
3. The repetition of the phrase "Beware! Beware!" throughout the poem creates a sense of
ominous warning that is based on the emotional response of the narrator. The warning is
not rational or objective but is instead a product of the narrator's subjective experience.
4. The final stanza of the poem describes the narrator's desire to recreate the beauty and
majesty of Xanadu. He acknowledges that he cannot do so objectively but instead must rely
on his own imagination and subjectivity: "Weave a circle round him thrice, / And close your
eyes with holy dread, / For he on honey-dew hath fed, / And drunk the milk of Paradise."
This passage reflects the importance of emotion and imagination in Romantic literature.

Overall, "Kubla Khan" is a prime example of the Romantic emphasis on emotion and subjectivity.
The dreamlike state, sensory language, ominous warnings, and focus on the narrator's subjective
experience all reflect the importance of emotion in shaping perception and imagination in creating
beauty.

Use quotes from the poem to illustrate how Coleridge emphasizes the emotional
experience of the individual, and how he creates a dreamlike atmosphere that
reflects the subjective experience of the narrator.
Here are some quotes from "Kubla Khan" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge that emphasize the
emotional experience of the individual and the dreamlike atmosphere that reflects the subjective
experience of the narrator:

1. "In Xanadu did Kubla Khan / A stately pleasure-dome decree: / Where Alph, the sacred river,
ran / Through caverns measureless to man / Down to a sunless sea." (Lines 1-5)

This opening stanza immediately creates a dreamlike atmosphere by describing an imagined,

otherworldly place. The use of words like "stately," "pleasure-dome," and "sacred" evoke greatness
and mystery, while the description of the river running through "caverns measureless to man" is
both sensory and fantastical.

2. "A damsel with a dulcimer / In a vision once I saw: / It was an Abyssinian maid, / And on her
dulcimer she played, / Singing of Mount Abora." (Lines 33-37)

This stanza further emphasizes the dreamlike quality of the poem by describing a vision the
narrator had of a mysterious woman playing a musical instrument and singing of a distant place.
The imagery is sensory and vivid, evoking a sense of wonder and enchantment.

3. "And 'mid this tumult Kubla heard from far / Ancestral voices prophesying war!" (Lines 38-
39)

This line emphasizes the emotional experience of the narrator, as he is stirred by the ancestral
voices he hears in his dream. The use of exclamation marks creates a sense of urgency and
excitement, highlighting the emotional impact of the experience.

4. "That sunny dome! those caves of ice! / And all who heard should see them there, / And all
should cry, Beware! Beware!" (Lines 49-51)

These lines reflect the narrator's emotional response to the beauty and grandeur of Xanadu. The
use of exclamation marks and repetition of "Beware!" creates a sense of ominous warning,
emphasizing the emotional impact of the experience.

Overall, Coleridge's use of vivid, sensory language and dreamlike imagery creates a sense of
subjectivity and emotionality throughout the poem, emphasizing the importance of the
individual's emotional experience in shaping perception and imagination.

V. Nature and the Natural World in Kubla Khan

Focus on the importance of nature and the natural world in Kubla Khan.
"Kubla Khan" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is a poem that highlights the importance of nature and
the natural world. In this poem, Coleridge portrays nature as a powerful force that can inspire and
rejuvenate the human spirit.

The opening lines of the poem describe the landscape around Kubla Khan's palace as a "stately
pleasure-dome" that was "midway" between the "dome" and "caverns" of the natural world. This
imagery suggests that nature and civilization are intertwined, and that the natural world is a
fundamental aspect of human experience.

Throughout the poem, Coleridge uses vivid descriptions of nature to evoke a sense of wonder and
awe. For example, he describes the "mighty fountain" that bursts forth from the earth, the "sunless
sea" that stretches out to the horizon, and the "deep romantic chasm" that is surrounded by "cedar
trees" and "sinuous rills." These descriptions convey a sense of the beauty and power of the natural
world, and suggest that nature is an endless source of inspiration and creativity.

Moreover, Coleridge portrays nature as a source of healing and rejuvenation. He describes the
"savage place" that surrounds Kubla Khan's palace as a place of "holy and enchanted" calm, where
the "air" is "soft" and the "gleaming" waters flow. This suggests that nature has a restorative effect
on the human spirit, and that spending time in nature can help to soothe and heal the mind.

Overall, "Kubla Khan" highlights the importance of nature and the natural world as a source of
inspiration, beauty, and healing. Coleridge portrays nature as a powerful force that is essential to
the human experience, and suggests that we should appreciate and respect the natural world in
order to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.

Use quotes from the poem to illustrate how Coleridge emphasizes the beauty and
power of nature, and how he explores the relationship between humanity and the
natural world.

Certainly, I can provide you with some quotes from the poem "Kubla Khan" by Samuel Taylor
Coleridge to illustrate how he emphasizes the beauty and power of nature and how he explores
the relationship between humanity and the natural world:

1. "In Xanadu did Kubla Khan / A stately pleasure-dome decree: / Where Alph, the sacred river,
ran / Through caverns measureless to man / Down to a sunless sea." (lines 1-5)

This opening stanza sets the scene for the poem, describing Kubla Khan's palace in the midst of a
natural landscape that includes a sacred river and vast caverns. The description of the landscape as
"sacred" and "measureless to man" suggests that nature is powerful and awe-inspiring.

2. "And 'mid this tumult Kubla heard from far / Ancestral voices prophesying war!" (lines 31-
32)

Here, Coleridge uses nature as a symbol of the tumultuous world of human conflict, contrasting it
with the peacefulness of the "sacred river" and the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The
mention of "ancestral voices" suggests a deep connection between humanity and the natural
world, as if nature itself is speaking to Kubla.

3. "Weave a circle round him thrice, / And close your eyes with holy dread, / For he on honey-
dew hath fed, / And drunk the milk of Paradise." (lines 49-52)

This final stanza suggests that Kubla has achieved a kind of spiritual enlightenment through his
connection to nature. The phrase "honey-dew" suggests the sweetness of the natural world, and
"the milk of Paradise" implies a divine, heavenly quality. The idea of "holy dread" reinforces the
sense of awe and reverence that nature inspires.

Overall, through these quotes and others, Coleridge emphasizes the beauty and power of nature,
presenting it as a source of awe, inspiration, and spiritual nourishment. He also explores the
relationship between humanity and the natural world, suggesting that nature is both a part of us
and a source of mystery and wonder.

VI. The Supernatural and Mysterious in Kubla Khan

Focus on the importance of the supernatural and mysterious in Kubla Khan.
The supernatural and mysterious are important themes in Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem "Kubla
Khan". In fact, the entire poem is suffused with a sense of otherworldliness and magic. Here are
some ways in which the supernatural and mysterious are emphasized in the poem:

1. The source of the river Alph is described as "holy and enchanted", suggesting that it has a
supernatural quality. The river is also said to flow "Through caverns measureless to man /
Down to a sunless sea", which creates a sense of mystery and wonder.
2. The "ancestral voices prophesying war" that Kubla Khan hears are never explained or
identified, adding to their mysterious quality.
3. The dome itself, which Kubla Khan orders to be built, is described as "a miracle of rare
device", suggesting that it has a supernatural quality. The dome's "sinuous rills" and "caves
of ice" further emphasize its magical nature.
4. The final stanza of the poem, which describes the narrator's own attempt to recreate Kubla
Khan's vision, is also steeped in a sense of mystery and the supernatural. The narrator
implores his listeners to "listen to me" as he describes his own efforts to capture the magic
and wonder of Kubla Khan's dream.

Overall, the supernatural and mysterious elements of "Kubla Khan" contribute to the dreamlike
quality of the poem. Coleridge uses vivid and imaginative language to evoke a sense of
enchantment and wonder, while also exploring the relationship between the natural world and the
supernatural realm. By creating this sense of mystery and magic, Coleridge encourages readers to
consider the power and significance of the supernatural in their own lives.

Use quotes from the poem to illustrate how Coleridge creates a sense of mystery
and wonder, and how he explores themes of the supernatural and the occult.
Certainly, I can provide you with some quotes from the poem "Kubla Khan" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge to
illustrate how he creates a sense of mystery and wonder and explores themes of the supernatural and the occult:
 1. "In Xanadu did Kubla Khan / A stately pleasure-dome decree: / Where Alph, the sacred river, ran /
Through caverns measureless to man / Down to a sunless sea." (lines 1-5)

This opening stanza sets the scene for the poem and creates a sense of mystery and wonder with its description
of Kubla Khan's palace and the natural landscape around it. The use of the word "sacred" to describe the river
Alph and the phrase "caverns measureless to man" both suggest a supernatural quality to the setting.

2. "And all who heard should see them there, / And all should cry, Beware! Beware!" (lines 37-38)

These lines refer to Kubla Khan's vision of a damsel with a dulcimer, and the warning that accompanies it. The
repetition of the word "Beware" creates a sense of danger and mystery, suggesting that there is something
supernatural or occult about the damsel and her music.

3. "Five miles meandering with a mazy motion / Through wood and dale the sacred river ran, / Then
reached the caverns measureless to man, / And sank in tumult to a lifeless ocean" (lines 11-14)

These lines continue the description of the river Alph, and the phrase "caverns measureless to man" again
suggests a supernatural quality. The phrase "sank in tumult to a lifeless ocean" also creates a sense of mystery
and wonder, as if the river has a will of its own and is flowing towards some unknown destination.

4. "Weave a circle round him thrice, / And close your eyes with holy dread, / For he on honey-dew hath fed,
/ And drunk the milk of Paradise." (lines 49-52)

These lines come at the end of the poem and refer to the narrator's attempt to capture the magic and wonder of
Kubla Khan's dream. The phrase "holy dread" creates a sense of reverence and awe, while the references to
"honey-dew" and "the milk of Paradise" suggest a supernatural or mystical quality to Kubla Khan's experience.

Overall, through these quotes and others, Coleridge creates a sense of mystery and wonder in "Kubla Khan",
exploring themes of the supernatural and the occult. He uses vivid language and imagery to evoke a sense of
enchantment and otherworldliness, encouraging readers to consider the power and significance of the
supernatural in their own lives.

VIII. Conclusion
Summarize the main points of the presentation, and reiterate how Kubla Khan
reflects the key characteristics of Romanticism.
1. The emphasis on emotion and imagination: Coleridge uses vivid and imaginative language
to evoke a sense of wonder and enchantment, inviting readers to engage with their
emotions and imaginations.
2. The celebration of nature: The natural world is portrayed as "holy and enchanted", and there
is a clear contrast between the beauty of nature and the artificiality of human society.
3. The exploration of the supernatural and mysterious: The poem contains many references to
the supernatural and the occult, creating a sense of mystery and wonder.
4. The critique of industrialization and modern society: While subtle, the poem suggests a
critique of industrialization and the destruction of nature in the pursuit of progress.

Overall, the presentation argued that "Kubla Khan" reflects the key characteristics of
Romanticism through its emphasis on emotion, imagination, nature, and the supernatural.
Coleridge's use of vivid language and imagery encourages readers to engage with their
 emotions and imaginations, while his celebration of nature and exploration of the supernatural
reflect the Romantic ideal of finding beauty and inspiration outside of conventional society.

Provide some final thoughts on the significance of Kubla Khan within the context
of the Romantic literary movement.
"Kubla Khan" holds significant importance in the context of the Romantic literary movement for
several reasons. Firstly, it exemplifies the themes and characteristics of the movement, such as the
celebration of nature, the emphasis on emotion and imagination, and the exploration of the
supernatural and mysterious. As such, it serves as a prime example of the Romantic style of poetry.

Secondly, "Kubla Khan" has had a lasting impact on literature and popular culture. Its imaginative
and evocative language has inspired countless writers and artists, and its themes and imagery
continue to resonate with readers today.

In conclusion, "Kubla Khan" is a significant work in the Romantic literary movement, both for its
reflection of Romantic themes and characteristics, and for its lasting impact on literature and
popular culture. Its exploration of the relationship between humanity and the natural world
continue to resonate with readers today.

Encourage questions and discussion from the audience.

Do you have any questions or thoughts about "Kubla Khan" or the Romantic
literary movement?

LITERARY DEVICES
1. "In Xanadu did Kubla Khan / A stately pleasure-dome decree" (lines 1-2) - This alliteration of
the "X" and "K" sounds creates a sense of grandeur and majesty that befits the subject
matter of the poem.
2. "And there were gardens bright with sinuous rills, / Where blossomed many an incense-
bearing tree" (lines 4-5) - The use of synesthesia - describing the gardens as "bright" and
the rills as "sinuous" - creates a sense of sensory richness and texture. The allusion to
incense reinforces the exotic and otherworldly atmosphere of the poem.
3. "And all who heard should see them there, / And all should cry, Beware! Beware!" (lines 27-
28) - The repetition of "Beware" creates a sense of urgency and foreboding, suggesting that
there may be danger lurking in the paradise described in the poem.
4. "A damsel with a dulcimer / In a vision once I saw" (lines 35-36) - The use of the phrase "In a
vision" creates a dreamlike quality to the scene described, suggesting that it is not entirely
real but a product of the speaker's imagination. The alliteration of "d" sounds creates a
musical quality that matches the dulcimer being played.
5. "That sunny dome! those caves of ice!" (line 47) - This juxtaposition of opposites - "sunny
dome" and "caves of ice" - creates a sense of tension and contradiction that adds to the
mystical and otherworldly quality of the poem.
Overall, "Kubla Khan" makes use of a variety of literary devices to create a sense of exoticism,
beauty, and mystery. Alliteration, synesthesia, repetition, allusion, and juxtaposition are all used to
convey the speaker's emotional and sensory response to the paradise he imagines.