Wordless Words: Children, Language, and Nature's Ministry in 'The Nightingale: A Conversation Poem'

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Abstract

In the notebook entries of the 1790s, Coleridge devoted considerable attention to observing his children’s growth, particularly their early attempts at language and their relationship to nature. These musings on children deeply influence the conversation poems, particularly “Frost at Midnight” and the lesser known “The Nightingale: A Conversation Poem.” In this paper, I would like to explore the ways in which “The Nightingale” posits a complex philosophical and theological concept of communication: namely, that a child-like mind, which is pure, unself-conscious and full of wonderment can best understand nature as the spiritual language of God. 
Original languageAmerican English
JournalColeridge Bulletin
Volume32
StatePublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes

EGS Disciplines

  • American Literature
  • Literature in English, North America

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