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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker observes the colorful sea snakes with newfound appreciation after a curse.
In plain terms
He saw the bright colors of the sea creatures while on the ship.
What can you take from it?
Beauty can be found even in strange or feared places.

Where it applies

  • reflecting on past biases
  • noticing details in nature
  • healing from guilt

Putting it to work

  • mindfulness practice
  • creative writing
  • environmental appreciation

Questions to consider

  • When did you first see something ugly as beautiful?
  • How does guilt cloud vision?

Another view

The description relies on subjective perception which may vary.

More from Samuel Taylor Coleridge

  1. Beyond the shadow of the ship, I watched the water-snakes: They moved in tracks of shining white, And when they reared, the elfish light Fell off in hoary flak…

    Permalink to quote #60
  2. O happy living things! no tongue Their beauty might declare: A spring of love gushed from my heart, And I blessed them unaware: Sure my kind saint took pity on…

    Permalink to quote #62
  3. The moving Moon went up the sky, And no where did abide: Softly she was going up, And a star or two beside.

    Permalink to quote #59

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