Summary:
Frost at Midnight by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is a deeply reflective poem written in 1798. The poem is set during a quiet, frosty night when the poet watches over his sleeping infant son. Coleridge expresses his thoughts on childhood, nature, and the power of imagination. He contrasts his own lonely and confined childhood in the city with the natural and free upbringing he wishes for his son.
The poem highlights the Romantic belief that nature is a divine teacher, shaping a child’s character and spirituality. Coleridge hopes that his son will grow up surrounded by nature, learning from its beauty and wisdom. The poem’s tone is calm, introspective, and filled with paternal love. It reflects themes of nature’s influence, childhood innocence, and the passage of time.

Score: 0
Attempted: 0/10
Subscribe
Question | Answer |
Poem Name | Frost at Midnight |
Author | Samuel Taylor Coleridge |
Year Written | 1798 |
Year Published | 1798 |
Poem Type | Lyrical and Personal Reflection |
Main Themes | Nature’s Influence, Childhood, Imagination, Fatherhood |
Poetic Structure | Written in blank verse |
Symbolism | The frost and fireplace represent thoughts and time |
Addressed To | Coleridge’s infant son, Hartley |
Literary Significance | One of Coleridge’s finest poems on nature and childhood |