Describe the Supernatural Elements in the Poem "Dejection: An Ode".

    The poem "Dejection: An Ode" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is a fascinating exploration of the human experience and the supernatural elements that intertwine with it. Written during a period of emotional turmoil in the poet's life, the poem delves into themes of despair, melancholy and the presence of supernatural forces. In this article, we will examine the supernatural elements found within the poem and their significance in conveying the poet's inner struggles.

Supernatural Elements in the Poem "Dejection: An Ode":

    One of the primary supernatural elements in "Dejection: An Ode" is the portrayal of a supernatural being or spirit. The persona in the poem introduces the character of "Loveliness," which is described as a mysterious figure that can dispel the poet's melancholy. The persona confesses their desperate need for this supernatural presence to overcome their despair, proclaiming, 

"A green and silent spot, amid the hills, 

A small and silent dell!" 

This depiction of Loveliness as a supernatural entity suggests that the poet believes in the power of a higher force to relieve their emotional turmoil.

    Furthermore, throughout the poem, there is a recurring motif of moonlight and its transformative nature. The moon is personified as an ethereal being with the ability to influence the poet's emotions. The poet addresses the moon, expressing their desire for the moon to chase away their melancholy:

 "That with moist eye glaze 

Each little grass-blade's brim." 

This imagery reinforces the supernatural element of the moon, as it possesses the power to alter the physical world and the poet's emotional state.

    Another significant supernatural aspect in the poem is the presence of the supernatural beauty of nature. Coleridge skillfully describes the natural world surrounding the persona in vivid detail, infusing it with supernatural qualities. The mention of "flocks of sheep" appearing "milk-white" and "cliffs" that are "fantastically bold" contributes to a sense that these natural elements possess otherworldly attributes. The poet suggests that through the observation and connection with nature, one can tap into a supernatural realm that transcends human suffering and elevates the spirit.

    Furthermore, in "Dejection: An Ode" Coleridge includes a mention of the supernatural power of music. The persona pleads for music to lift their melancholy and to reconnect them with their lost inspiration. The phrase "the spell of quickening joy" emphasizes the transformative nature of music and its ability to transport the listener beyond the mundane realm. This reference to the supernatural power of music reflects Coleridge's belief in its ability to access a higher plane of existence and to revive the soul.

    The poem also explores the realm of dreams and the supernatural experiences that can occur within them. The persona describes a dream where they are embraced by an angelic figure who imparts tranquility and bliss: 

"With dreams that nightly lift us from the dust, 

And plunge us in the regions of the blest." 

This dream sequence suggests that the supernatural can directly intervene in the dream world to provide solace and respite from the struggles of reality. It serves as a reminder that supernatural experiences can occur beyond the boundaries of our waking lives.

    In "Dejection: An Ode" Coleridge uses these supernatural elements to convey his own emotional state and to explore the divine and mysterious aspects of existence. By infusing the poem with supernatural imagery, he invites readers to contemplate the transcendent nature of the human spirit and the potential for supernatural experiences to provide solace and inspiration.

    In conclusion, the supernatural elements in "Dejection: An Ode" play a vital role in conveying the poet's emotional turmoil and the human longing for connection with the supernatural realm. Through the personification of Loveliness, the portrayal of the moon's transformative power, the supernatural beauty of nature, the influence of music, and the exploration of dreams, Coleridge invites readers to contemplate the existence of supernatural forces and their impact on the human experience. This poem serves as a testament to the enduring allure of the supernatural in literature and its profound ability to touch the depths of the human soul.