Analysis of the character Geraldine in Coleridge s Christabel
In the 1800 poem “Christabel,” Samuel Coleridge argues both the innocent and evil qualities of the mysterious lady Geraldine. I believe this poem expresses Coleridge’s belief that although women may appear naïve, they are actually manipulative beings that will stop at nothing to get what they want. Geraldine, who represents women as a whole, exercises this theory quite well. She appeals to the young maiden, Christabel, as a simple, helpless lady in order to enter her life and eventually control it. The lady abuses Christabel’s innocence to reach her father, Baron Leoline, and become more powerful. ... `Coleridge reveals the harmlessness of women through Geraldine’s appearance and behavior to oppress Christabel. In part one, the poet introduces Geraldine as a “damsel bright/drest in a silken robe of white” (58-59). Clearly, white symbolizes purity and so introducing Geraldine in all white implies she is a guiltless creature. Christabel assumes the lady’s gentle nature as well, and takes her back to the castle only to be exploited later. Therefore, the application of the color white denotes Geraldine as an innocent woman who could do no wrong. Nevertheless, the “shadowy moon” (60) and “blue-veined feet” (63), hint at a suspicious characteristic of Geraldine. Despite her innocent appearance, something about her contradicts Coleridge’s naïve description.