Women of Christabel and La Belle Dame Sans Merci
Women of "Christabel and 'La Belle Dame Sans Merci'"
"Christabel," by Samuel Taylor Coleridge was written in 1798. It is about the invasion of a disguised witch, Geraldine into the lives of a lonely baron, Leoline and his daughter, Christabel. Geraldine soon captures the heart of Leoline, and alienates his daughter. "La Belle Dame Sans Merci, a ballad by John Keats is written some years later in 1820. In a similar concept to "Christabel." A supernatural woman, or a siren if you will, captures the heart of a knight, only to leave him her slave for eternity. Although they take on unique plots, the poem and the ballad draw many parallels. "Christabel" and "La Belle Dame Sans Merci" are two similar romantic works thematically taking on the intrigue of women and the power of seduction.
First, romanticism is characterized by several details that are evident in both stories. It usually requires simple language and pertains to a medieval subject matter having to do with fantasy or the supernatural. There is always an emphasis on beauty, emotion, sensuality and nature. Both works embody most, if not all, of these traits. The romanticism of these poems grants the exploration of women as a force that is mysterious, beautiful and captivating.
"Christabel" begins with the Baron's daughter, Christabel, roaming the woods late at night waiting for her betrothed lover. In her wanderings, she is startled by the angelic presence of a woman, Geraldine, who claims to be kidnapped. Christabel takes her back to the castle and offers her warmth and hospitality. Coleridge uses foreshadowing, dropping not-so-subtle hints that Geraldine is a witch, such as when Christabel carries her over the blessed threshold or when the ashes flame or the dog barks. These occurrences go unnoticed by Christabel. Geraldine and Christabel then go to bed together in one another's arms. Geraldine is soon introduced to Sir Leoline who is immediately enthralled by her. Christabel becomes suspicious and requests that the guest leave but her father berates her lack of hospitality. Christabel cannot explain her fears because the witch has "stole her tongue."
Two forms of seduction are seen in this poem. One is Geraldine seducing Christabel in an attempt to capture her soul. Immediately, Christabel is fascinated by Geraldine's beauty and mystery. It is Geraldine who suggests that Christabel "unrobe" herself and they lay naked together. This creates a sense of closeness and sensuality. Christabel lays awake...