by Coleridge · Cluster: Allegory · Quest · Pilgrim
Abstract
An allegory in which two children (a sighted sister, a blind brother) race endlessly on a faery mountain, figuring imaginary versus real time. Central themes: time, memory, the imagination.
Connections
Archetypes: Child Motifs: Time, Eyes and Sight Themes & Concepts: Memory and Time, Imagination Forms & Genres: Allegory
Testo integrale / Full text
AN ALLEGORY
On the wide level of a mountain’s head,
(I knew not where, but ‘twas some faery place)
Their pinions, ostrich-like, for sails out-spread,
Two lovely children run an endless race,
A sister and a brother!
This far outstripp’d the other;
Yet ever runs she with reverted face.
And looks and listens for the boy behind:
For he, alas! is blind!
O’er rough and smooth with even step he passed, 10
And knows not whether he be first or last.
? 1812.