Examining Prayer in Christabel

Christabel is a poem that is home to many features which one could examine with great interest. It is a poem filled with depth, both in the words employed by it's creator and the images it can inspire in the minds of it's readers. Samuel Taylor Coleridge's use of prayer is one facet of Christabel that cannot be ignored. It seems to be present in many important moments in the poem. Coleridge's use of the act of prayer represents a peaceful serenity that is opposite to content that is darker and profane.

Praying in the novel is an important symbol for readers to grasp from the beginning. The poem features Christabel as she "kneels beneath the huge oak tree" in the beginning of the poem. This is the first the reader is introduced to the character. It does seem to be an unusual way to introduce a character. When one prays, he or she is often stationary and alone for a significant period of time.

Christabel went to the wood to pray for her lover who is away when the poem starts. Coleridge is trying to tell his readers something about Christabel. He is introducing a character who loves the people in her life so much that she would go kneel down near a tree and pray for a period of time, just so they come back safely. Coleridge is introducing us to a character who acts selflessly, despite her position in society.

The beginning is not the only part of the poem where Christabel is seen praying. The beginning of the conclusion of part one features Christabel praying at the base of an old oak tree. The tree is described as being caught in shadows and being a part of a darker area of the forest. This moment of reflection and prayer depicts Christabel as a very beautiful person. Prayer here is used to highlight the physical perfections of her character. Her palms are described as slender. Her face is called fair. Her eyes are described as bright and blue. These are all honest descriptions of Christabel. It is as though a light from the sun has shone on her as she is praying to make her sound even more beautiful.

Christabel praying is a scene that can be considered a completely opposite scenario when compared to other instances in the poem. Sir Leoline "found his lady dead" at the beginning of Part II. This scene is much more darker and morose compared to Christabel praying in the woods. Christabel is a temporary inhabitant in her own world or prayer, completely free from any of the worries or stress she inherits when she arrives back at the castle. This juxtaposition shows us that peace and tranquility is just as vital to one's personal health as it seems.

I think its interesting that Coleridge would introduce the a character who is praying at the beginning of his poem because praying oftentimes is associated with religion. While there is a solemnity to prayer, the reader can interject his or her own religion and prayer if it is not explicitly noted. This  provides the reader with a personal stake that helps one connect to the story.

Discussion Questions:
What are other reasons why Coleridge used prayer in Christabel? Are there any other religious overtones the poet uses in his story? How can they be interpreted? What are some themes

How do the religious aspects of the novel shape Christabel as a character? Do they take away or add to her own character development?