Questions and Answers
What does the frost perform during the night?
Who is beside the speaker in 'Frost at Midnight'?
The cradled infant
The speaker feels disturbed by the calmness of the night.
True
What does the speaker reflect upon in the poem?
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What does the speaker say the infant will learn?
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The owlet's cry twice pierced the _____ of the night.
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Match the elements mentioned in the poem to their descriptions:
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Study Notes
Frost at Midnight Overview
- "Frost at Midnight" explores themes of solitude, nature, and parental hopes.
- The poem is written in the first person, reflecting personal thoughts and experiences of the speaker.
Setting and Atmosphere
- The poem opens at midnight, highlighting the frost's quiet, secretive presence without wind.
- The speaker listens to the cry of an owlet, which breaks the tranquil silence.
- Intense stillness in the environment evokes a sense of disturbance in meditation.
Speaker’s Solitude
- The speaker's cottage is filled with sleeping "inmates," emphasizing the theme of isolation.
- The speaker finds comfort in the presence of a cradled infant beside him, highlighting family ties amid solitude.
Reflection on the Past
- The speaker reminisces about childhood experiences, viewing school and the old church-tower with nostalgia.
- The church bells, described as "the poor man's only music," symbolize a connection to simpler times and dreams.
- The motif of dreaming connects the speaker's memories to his current reflections.
Vision for the Future
- The speaker expresses hope for the infant's upbringing, contrasting his own experiences confined in a city.
- The poem envisions a future where the child explores nature freely, unlike the speaker's sheltered upbringing.
Nature as a Teacher
- The concept of nature as a universal teacher emerges, symbolizing growth and enlightenment for the child.
- The speaker anticipates that through nature's varied experiences, the child will learn a divine language.
Seasons and Their Beauty
- Different seasons are depicted as sources of beauty and freshness, reinforcing the connection to nature.
- Imagery of summer, winter, and frost illustrates the cycles of life and the diversity within nature.
Language and Sound
- The poem employs elements like assonance and repetition to enhance its musical quality and emotional depth.
- "Sea, hill, and wood" repetition emphasizes the speaker's reverence for nature’s serenity.
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Description
Explore Coleridge's poem 'Frost at Midnight' through flashcards that highlight its key themes and imagery. This interactive study tool will help deepen your understanding of the poem's language and meaning as you engage with its vivid descriptions and emotional resonance.
