Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- Do you agree with Coleridge that a life in Nature is better than life in a more urban environment? Why or why not?
- What does Coleridge mean by describing Nature as God's "eternal language"? What is Nature supposed to be saying about God, specifically?
- What does the image of the frost symbolize—if it symbolizes anything?
- What does Coleridge imagine the church bells are saying or predicting, do you think? What parts of the poem gives you your answer?
- Is it possible to find something valuable in all seasons (like Coleridge hopes his son will at the end)? Or are there any times of year you just hate? Why or why not?
- What about life in the city? Is it necessarily as boring as Coleridge suggests it is? Can it be as redeeming as a life connected to Nature?
- What does Coleridge mean by saying that God "by giving makes [the spirit] ask"?