Correct option is B
"France: An Ode" was written by
S.T. Coleridge in 1798. In this poem, Coleridge reflects on the French Revolution, which initially inspired hope in him due to its promise of liberty and democracy. However, the revolution's descent into violence and tyranny deeply disillusioned Coleridge. The poem expresses this transformation in his thoughts, showing both admiration for the original ideals of the revolution and disappointment with its outcomes.
Information Booster:
1.
S.T. Coleridge was a central figure in the English Romantic movement, known for works like
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner and
Kubla Khan. His poetry often explores deep philosophical and emotional themes, and
"France: An Ode" reveals his shifting political sentiments in the wake of the French Revolution.
2. Coleridge and his contemporaries, such as William Wordsworth, were initially supporters of the French Revolution, which symbolized freedom and reform. However, the violent phase of the revolution led to a reassessment of these views.
3.
"France: An Ode" is considered a key piece that represents the Romantic poets’ complicated relationship with political ideals, particularly in the context of the revolution's impact on Europe.
4. The poem also reflects Coleridge's broader concerns with liberty, justice, and the dangers of unchecked power, making it significant not only as a political commentary but also as a profound reflection on human nature.
Additional Information:
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A. William Wordsworth: Although Wordsworth was also inspired by the French Revolution, he did not write
"France: An Ode." He expressed his revolutionary sympathies in poems such as
The Prelude and
Lines Written a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey.
·
C. William Blake: Blake was another poet who supported the revolutionary ideals of his time but did not write
"France: An Ode." His works like
Songs of Innocence and Experience and
The Marriage of Heaven and Hell reflect his revolutionary spirit.
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D. Robert Southey: Southey, a contemporary of Coleridge and Wordsworth, also had radical political sympathies in his youth, but he is not the author of
"France: An Ode." His notable works include
Thalaba the Destroyer and
The Curse of Kehama.