An imaginative journey allows us to escape from the pragmatic routine of reality into uncharted depths fashioned by the mind.
In "Kubla Khan", Samuel Taylor Coleridge envisions a metaphorical journey through Xanadu, a majestic and mystical utopia.
He begins the poem with inverted syntax; "in Xanadu did Kubla Khan a stately pleasure dome decree." This is used to inform the reader that this is no ordinary journey.
Coleridge uses imagery to depict a clear illustration of Xanadu. He describes "the sacred river" which "ran through caverns measureless to man down to a sunless sea" this initiates the beginning of the journey. He explores a vibrant, "incense-bearing tree" among the scene of fertile greenery. This conveys the vitality of life within Xanadu. He then travels to a "romantic chasm" that is described as savage and haunted. Coleridge uses colourful language to recreate the beauty and perfection he experienced in his imagination.
English: Draft of Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem K...
English: Samuel Taylor Coleridge at age 42. Franç...
English: Titlepage of Kubla Khan.Coleridge also uses contrasts in the images he presents, this techniques is juxtaposition. The peace and tranquillity of Xanadu described in the first stanza is disturbed by a "ceaseless turmoil" He also describes "a lifeless ocean" and then talks about the pleasure dome floating "midway on the waves."
The peace and tranquillity of Xanadu described in the first stanza is soon disturbed by a "ceaseless turmoil"
Coleridge personifies the Earth's existence, describing it as though "this earth in fast thick pants were breathing" it continues until there is an explosion
His description of Xanadu is Idyllic, but also savage.
Just like in Kubla Khan. "This lime tree bower, my prison." Coleridge undertakes an imaginary journey.
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