Write a Note on the Imagery in the Poem “Kubla Khan.”

Answer

Write a note on the imagery in the poem “Kubla Khan.”

Imagery is a literary device that uses descriptive language to create mental pictures in the reader’s mind. S. T. Coleridge’s (1772-1834) dream poem “Kubla Khan” (1816), is rich in imagery. The poem’s images—such as the pleasure dome, gardens, the sacred river, deep chasm, and fountain—help readers to imagine the beauty and mystery of Kubla’s palace and surroundings. These images create a dream-like atmosphere in the poem. These images also showcase Coleridge’s creativity and power of imagination. We will take a closer look at the images below. 

The Pleasure Dome and Gardens: The poem begins with a description of the magnificent “pleasure dome” built by Kubla Khan in Xanadu. We find vivid images of the natural beauty surrounding Kubla’s palace. The palace is surrounded by ten miles of “fertile ground.” The ground is surrounded by walls and towers. There are acres of beautiful gardens, flowers, fragrant trees, and streams of water.

“Twice five miles of fertile ground

With walls and towers…”

We also find ancient forests and hills beside the palace, which create a green atmosphere. The palace is in a place where we see both sunshine and caves of ice. Coleridge’s imagery creates a vivid picture in our minds. As if we are seeing the palace and its beautiful natural surroundings in front of our eyes.

The Sacred River Alph: The sacred river Alph is a beautiful and mysterious image. The river runs through the fertile land. It starts in the gardens but then moves deeper into “caverns measureless to man.” The caves are so vast and deep that no one can fully understand them. The river then flows into a “sunless sea,” meaning an underground sea.

“Where Alph, the sacred river, ran…

Down to a sunless sea.”

Here, the images of the sacred river, deep caves, and underground sea, just beside Kubla’s palace, create a beautiful and surreal