Introduction: “The Devil’s Thoughts” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
“The Devil’s Thoughts” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge first appeared in 1799 as part of a collaborative publication with Robert Southey in The Morning Post. This satirical poem explores themes of hypocrisy, corruption, and human folly through the devil’s amused observations of humanity. With biting wit, Coleridge critiques various societal roles, such as lawyers, apothecaries, and booksellers, using vivid and ironic imagery. For instance, the devil smirks at “pride that apes humility” when observing a pretentious cottage, a sharp commentary on false modesty. The poem’s popularity stems from its clever allegory and memorable lines like “There! Goes ‘England’s commercial prosperity,’” which mock societal greed and self-destruction. Its enduring appeal lies in its fusion of humor and moral critique, making it a timeless reflection on human nature.
Text: “The Devil’s Thoughts” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
From his brimstone bed at break of day
A walking the DEVIL is gone,
To visit his little snug farm of the earth
And see how his stock went on.
Over the hill and over the dale,
And he went over the plain,
And backward and forward he swished his long tail
As a gentleman swishes his cane.
And how then was the Devil drest?
Oh! he was in his Sunday’s best:
His jacket was red and his breeches were blue,
And there was a hole where the tail came through.
He saw a LAWYER killing a Viper
On a dung heap beside his stable,
And the Devil smiled, for it put him in mind
Of Cain and _his_ brother, Abel.
A POTHECARY on a white horse
Rode by on his vocations,
And the Devil thought of his old Friend
DEATH in the Revelations.
He saw a cottage with a double coach-house,
A cottage of gentility!
And the Devil did grin, for his darling sin
Is pride that apes humility.
He went into a rich bookseller’s shop,
Quoth he! we are both of one college,
For I myself sate like a cormorant once
Fast by the tree of knowledge.
Down the river there plied, with wind and tide,
A pig with vast celerity;
And the Devil look’d wise as he saw how the while,
It cut its own throat. “There!” quoth he with a smile,
“Goes ‘England’s commercial prosperity.'”
As he went through Cold-Bath Fields he saw
A solitary cell;
And the Devil was pleased, for it gave him a hint
For improving his prisons in Hell.
Annotations: “The Devil’s Thoughts” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
| Line | Annotation |
| From his brimstone bed at break of day | Refers to the Devil’s origin in hell, characterized by brimstone (sulfur), a traditional symbol of damnation. The phrase suggests the Devil’s routine begins early, personifying him as an active and observant being. |
| A walking the DEVIL is gone, | Highlights the Devil’s departure from hell to the earthly realm, implying his curiosity and engagement with human affairs. |
| To visit his little snug farm of the earth | Metaphorically describes Earth as the Devil’s “farm,” suggesting his dominion or influence over human lives and activities. The adjective “snug” adds irony, implying comfort in the Devil’s mischief. |
| And see how his stock went on. | “Stock” refers to people or humanity, likened to livestock under the Devil’s care. This line underscores the Devil’s interest in observing moral decay. |
| Over the hill and over the dale, And he went over the plain, | A rhythmic depiction of the Devil’s journey, emphasizing his pervasive presence as he surveys various terrains symbolizing all areas of human life. |
| And backward and forward he swished his long tail As a gentleman swishes his cane. | Comically humanizes the Devil, comparing his tail to a cane, symbolizing aristocratic refinement. This irony contrasts his elegance with his malevolent nature. |
| And how then was the Devil drest? Oh! he was in his Sunday’s best: | The Devil is depicted wearing formal attire, mocking societal pretense and suggesting his adaptability to human norms for deceit. |
| His jacket was red and his breeches were blue, And there was a hole where the tail came through. | The colorful attire adds humor and irony. The mention of the tail hole serves as a reminder of his inhuman nature, despite the polished appearance. |
| He saw a LAWYER killing a Viper On a dung heap beside his stable, | Satirizes lawyers as morally questionable, comparing the act of killing a viper (symbol of deceit) to Cain’s murder of Abel. The dung heap signifies corruption and decay. |
| And the Devil smiled, for it put him in mind Of Cain and his brother, Abel. | The Devil’s smile reflects his delight in human sinfulness, drawing a parallel between the lawyer’s actions and the biblical story of fratricide. |
| A POTHECARY on a white horse Rode by on his vocations, | Depicts the apothecary (pharmacist) as a harbinger of death, riding on a white horse, which symbolizes conquest and death from Revelations. |
| And the Devil thought of his old Friend DEATH in the Revelations. | Links the apothecary’s work to death, mocking the profession’s association with healing by contrasting it with mortality. |
| He saw a cottage with a double coach-house, A cottage of gentility! | Critiques false modesty and pretension. The cottage, described as simple, ironically contains symbols of wealth (double coach-house). |
| And the Devil did grin, for his darling sin Is pride that apes humility. | The Devil delights in pride disguised as humility, a “darling sin” that reflects societal hypocrisy and self-deception. |
| He went into a rich bookseller’s shop, Quoth he! we are both of one college, | Satirizes booksellers as exploitative, likening them to the Devil himself. The “college” metaphor refers to shared greed and intellectual corruption. |
| For I myself sate like a cormorant once Fast by the tree of knowledge. | The Devil compares himself to a cormorant (a greedy bird), recalling his presence at the biblical Tree of Knowledge and his role in the Fall of Man. |
| Down the river there plied, with wind and tide, A pig with vast celerity; | The pig’s rapid movement down the river symbolizes reckless progress, mocking industrialization and unchecked ambition. |
| And the Devil look’d wise as he saw how the while, It cut its own throat. “There!” quoth he with a smile, “Goes ‘England’s commercial prosperity.’” | Satirizes the self-destructive nature of England’s commercial success, comparing it to a pig’s foolish demise. The Devil’s smile underscores his amusement at human greed. |
| As he went through Cold-Bath Fields he saw A solitary cell; | Cold-Bath Fields was a prison in London, notorious for harsh conditions. The solitary cell reflects the cruelty of human punishment systems. |
| And the Devil was pleased, for it gave him a hint For improving his prisons in Hell. | The Devil sees human punishment as a source of inspiration, critiquing society’s inhumanity and mirroring it in his vision of Hell. |
Literary And Poetic Devices: “The Devil’s Thoughts” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
| Literary/Poetic Device | Example | Explanation |
| Alliteration | “And the Devil did grin, for his darling sin Is pride that apes humility.” | Repetition of the “d” sounds creates a rhythmic effect, emphasizing the Devil’s movements. |
| Allegory | The Devil’s observations of human actions | The Devil symbolizes moral corruption and hypocrisy, representing broader critiques of societal flaws. |
| Allusion | “Cain and his brother, Abel” | References the biblical story of Cain and Abel to highlight fratricidal betrayal and sin. |
| Ambiguity | “England’s commercial prosperity” | The phrase can be interpreted literally or as a sarcastic critique of self-destructive greed. |
| Anthropomorphism | The Devil swishing his tail like a gentleman’s cane | Human-like qualities are given to the Devil to make him relatable yet ironically sinister. |
| Assonance | “Over the hill and over the dale” | Repetition of the “o” and “a” vowel sounds creates a musical quality, enhancing the poem’s rhythm. |
| Caesura | “There! Goes ‘England’s commercial prosperity.'” | The exclamation mark in the middle of the line breaks the flow, adding emphasis and irony. |
| Connotation | “His darling sin is pride that apes humility” | Words like “darling” and “apes” carry connotations of affection and imitation, underscoring hypocrisy. |
| Couplet | “And backward and forward he swished his long tail / As a gentleman swishes his cane.” | Two consecutive rhyming lines create a sense of balance and closure. |
| Hyperbole | “A pig with vast celerity” | Exaggeration of the pig’s speed for comedic and satirical effect. |
| Imagery | “His jacket was red and his breeches were blue, and there was a hole where the tail came through.” | Vivid description helps readers visualize the Devil’s attire, blending humor and satire. |
| Irony | “And the Devil did grin, for his darling sin Is pride that apes humility.” | The irony lies in pride being disguised as humility, a critique of false modesty. |
| Metaphor | “To visit his little snug farm of the earth” | Earth is compared to a “farm,” implying the Devil’s control over humanity. |
| Onomatopoeia | “Swished his long tail” | The word “swished” imitates the sound of the Devil’s tail moving, adding sensory detail. |
| Paradox | “Pride that apes humility” | The phrase contrasts pride and humility, revealing the self-contradictory nature of human hypocrisy. |
| Personification | “England’s commercial prosperity” | Abstract concepts like England’s economy are personified, ascribing them human traits like the ability to act. |
| Repetition | “Over the hill and over the dale, And he went over the plain” | The repetition of “over” emphasizes the Devil’s extensive journey, covering all human domains. |
| Satire | The Devil mocking lawyers, apothecaries, and commercial greed | The poem critiques societal vices and professions through humor and irony, showcasing Coleridge’s satirical tone. |
| Simile | “As a gentleman swishes his cane” | Compares the Devil’s tail movement to a gentleman’s cane, blending refinement with menace. |
| Symbolism | “Fast by the tree of knowledge” | The “tree of knowledge” symbolizes the Devil’s association with temptation and humanity’s fall, linking to the biblical story of Adam and Eve. |
Themes: “The Devil’s Thoughts” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- Human Hypocrisy and Moral Corruption: The poem consistently critiques human hypocrisy, particularly in professions and societal roles. Coleridge portrays figures like the lawyer killing a viper, which “put him in mind of Cain and his brother, Abel,” highlighting the lawyer’s moral duplicity despite his outward appearance of righteousness. Similarly, the apothecary on a white horse is likened to “DEATH in the Revelations,” revealing the inherent contradiction between a healer’s role and the harm their practices may bring. The Devil’s amusement at these figures emphasizes humanity’s inability to live up to its virtuous ideals, presenting a satirical exploration of moral corruption.
- Pride and False Modesty: Another central theme is the critique of pride disguised as humility. The Devil grins at the “cottage with a double coach-house,” mocking those who pretend to lead humble lives while indulging in luxury. Coleridge calls this “pride that apes humility,” encapsulating the deceptive nature of individuals who mask their vanity with a façade of simplicity. This theme resonates throughout the poem, as the Devil repeatedly encounters examples of such duplicity, offering a sharp commentary on the human tendency to disguise selfishness and arrogance as virtuous humility.
- Critique of Materialism and Greed: Coleridge’s satire extends to society’s obsession with wealth and material success, epitomized in the pig that “cut its own throat” to symbolize “England’s commercial prosperity.” This vivid image critiques the self-destructive nature of unchecked greed and capitalism. By equating England’s economic pursuits to a pig’s futile and violent act, Coleridge condemns the prioritization of profit over ethical or sustainable practices. The Devil’s cynical observation underscores the destructive consequences of humanity’s materialistic pursuits, making this a central critique in the poem.
- The Devil as a Satirical Observer: The Devil himself serves as a lens through which Coleridge examines human flaws. As he roams the earth, the Devil observes human behavior with a mix of amusement and scorn, commenting on societal failings like imprisonment (“Cold-Bath Fields…gave him a hint for improving his prisons in Hell”) and intellectual greed (“Fast by the tree of knowledge”). His role as an outsider allows him to expose the absurdities and contradictions of human life. By using the Devil as a satirical observer, Coleridge not only critiques humanity but also implicates readers in the moral failings depicted, making the Devil a mirror of collective guilt.
Literary Theories and “The Devil’s Thoughts” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
| Literary Theory | Analysis | References from the Poem |
| Marxist Criticism | Examines class struggle, societal inequality, and the critique of materialism in the poem. Coleridge critiques the hypocrisy of the wealthy and the capitalist system, as seen in the Devil’s amusement at human greed and material pursuits. | “There! Goes ‘England’s commercial prosperity,'” mocks capitalism’s self-destructive greed. The “cottage with a double coach-house” critiques the pretensions of the bourgeoisie. |
| Psychoanalytic Theory | Explores the Devil’s observations as a reflection of humanity’s subconscious desires and moral failings. The Devil symbolizes the id, indulging in the pleasure of exposing hidden truths about human nature. | “Pride that apes humility” reflects repressed arrogance in human behavior. The Devil’s enjoyment of moral corruption highlights suppressed guilt and desire. |
| Postcolonial Criticism | Critiques imperialism and the exploitation inherent in commercial greed. Coleridge subtly addresses the effects of colonial expansion and economic policies that prioritize wealth at the expense of humanity. | The “pig with vast celerity” cutting “its own throat” symbolizes the destructive nature of England’s imperial and economic practices, resonating with colonial exploitation. |
| New Historicism | Analyzes the poem in the context of late 18th-century British society, exploring its commentary on legal, medical, and commercial institutions. The poem reflects societal tensions and moral questions of the time. | The lawyer killing a viper “on a dung heap” critiques corruption within the legal profession. “A POTHECARY on a white horse” highlights the problematic dualities of healers. |
Critical Questions about “The Devil’s Thoughts” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
1. How does Coleridge use satire to critique societal institutions in “The Devil’s Thoughts”?
Coleridge employs biting satire to expose the hypocrisy and corruption of societal institutions such as the legal, medical, and economic systems. The lawyer is depicted killing a viper on a dung heap, a symbolic act that evokes Cain’s betrayal of Abel. This imagery underscores the moral decay within the legal profession, as lawyers—supposed arbiters of justice—are implicated in violence and deceit. Similarly, the apothecary riding on a white horse evokes the biblical association with death, suggesting that even professions dedicated to healing are tainted by harmful practices. Finally, the line “There! Goes ‘England’s commercial prosperity’” mocks the greed and recklessness of capitalism, likening it to a pig cutting its own throat. Coleridge’s sharp humor lays bare the flaws in these systems, holding up a mirror to society’s self-destructive tendencies.
2. In what ways does the Devil’s perspective influence the poem’s tone and themes in “The Devil’s Thoughts”?
The Devil’s perspective infuses the poem with a tone of sardonic amusement, providing a unique lens to explore human failings. As an outsider, the Devil observes humanity with detached curiosity, noting their hypocrisy and moral contradictions. For instance, he grins at the “cottage with a double coach-house,” mocking the pretense of humility masking wealth and vanity. His role as a satirical observer allows Coleridge to critique societal norms without overt moralizing. By giving the Devil a voice, Coleridge also questions the nature of evil, implying that human actions, rather than supernatural forces, are the root of corruption. The Devil’s delight in human folly underscores the themes of pride, greed, and self-deception, making his perspective essential to the poem’s critique.
3. How does Coleridge’s use of imagery enhance the satirical critique in “The Devil’s Thoughts”?
Coleridge’s vivid imagery sharpens the poem’s satire by juxtaposing mundane settings with exaggerated, often grotesque depictions. The Devil’s attire, “his jacket was red and his breeches were blue, and there was a hole where the tail came through,” adds humor while reminding readers of his otherworldly nature. Similarly, the image of a pig “plying with vast celerity” before cutting its own throat effectively mocks England’s reckless pursuit of commercial success. These striking visual elements not only evoke laughter but also highlight the absurdity of human behavior. The grotesque humor in these descriptions draws attention to the underlying critique of moral and social decay, making the imagery a powerful tool for satire.
4. What role does religious symbolism play in the critique of human behavior in “The Devil’s Thoughts”?
Religious symbolism permeates the poem, framing human actions within a moral and theological context. The Devil’s association with the Tree of Knowledge—“I myself sate like a cormorant once fast by the tree of knowledge”—links him to humanity’s original sin, emphasizing the cyclical nature of moral failure. The lawyer’s act of killing a viper evokes the biblical story of Cain and Abel, suggesting parallels between ancient sin and modern corruption. Additionally, the apothecary is tied to the Book of Revelation, symbolizing death and the consequences of unchecked ambition. These references imbue the poem with a sense of divine judgment, positioning human behavior as not merely flawed but spiritually significant. Coleridge uses religious imagery to deepen the moral weight of his critique, connecting individual vices to larger, universal themes of sin and redemption.
Literary Works Similar to “The Devil’s Thoughts” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- “The Devil’s Walk” by Percy Bysshe Shelley
Similar because it features the Devil walking the Earth and satirically observing the moral corruption of society, much like in Coleridge’s “The Devil’s Thoughts”. - “London” by William Blake
Similar in its critique of societal corruption and moral decay, exposing hypocrisy and suffering within society, akin to the themes in “The Devil’s Thoughts”. - “Don Juan” by Lord Byron
Shares similarity through its satirical approach to societal norms and moral hypocrisy, paralleling Coleridge’s examination of human vices in “The Devil’s Thoughts”. - “The Rape of the Lock” by Alexander Pope
Similar in its use of satire to mock the vanity and superficiality of high society, reflecting Coleridge’s satirical critique in “The Devil’s Thoughts”. - “The Vanity of Human Wishes” by Samuel Johnson
Resonates with Coleridge’s themes by reflecting on human folly and the futility of earthly pursuits, highlighting moral corruption and hypocrisy as in “The Devil’s Thoughts”.
Representative Quotations of “The Devil’s Thoughts” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
| Quotation | Context | Theoretical Perspective |
| “From his brimstone bed at break of day, A walking the DEVIL is gone” | The Devil begins his journey to observe humanity from his domain in hell. | New Historicism—Reflects 18th-century concerns about societal and moral decay, positioning the Devil as a detached observer. |
| “To visit his little snug farm of the earth And see how his stock went on.” | Earth is described as the Devil’s “farm,” emphasizing his control over humanity. | Marxist Criticism—Critiques societal exploitation, framing humanity as subjugated “stock” in systems of control. |
| “And backward and forward he swished his long tail As a gentleman swishes his cane.” | The Devil is humorously humanized, comparing his tail movement to a gentleman’s cane. | Psychoanalytic Theory—Represents the Devil’s duality, blending refinement with underlying menace. |
| “And the Devil did grin, for his darling sin Is pride that apes humility.” | The Devil mocks the duplicity of human pride disguised as humility. | Moral Criticism—Critiques human hypocrisy and vanity masked by false modesty. |
| “There! Goes ‘England’s commercial prosperity.'” | The Devil observes a pig cutting its throat, symbolizing destructive greed. | Postcolonial Criticism—Critiques imperial exploitation and the self-destructive nature of unchecked capitalism. |
| “He saw a LAWYER killing a Viper On a dung heap beside his stable.” | A lawyer is shown committing a violent act, recalling the story of Cain and Abel. | Biblical Allusion—Highlights moral corruption and betrayal within the legal profession. |
| “A POTHECARY on a white horse Rode by on his vocations.” | An apothecary is associated with death, linking to the Book of Revelation. | Religious Symbolism—Critiques the contradictions in the healing profession and its ties to mortality. |
| “For I myself sate like a cormorant once Fast by the tree of knowledge.” | The Devil recalls his connection to humanity’s original sin and the fall. | Mythological Criticism—Explores the Devil’s role in temptation and humanity’s moral failings. |
| “As he went through Cold-Bath Fields he saw A solitary cell;” | The Devil notices a solitary prison cell, drawing parallels to Hell. | Foucault’s Theory of Discipline and Punishment—Reflects societal mechanisms of control through punitive isolation. |
| “And the Devil was pleased, for it gave him a hint For improving his prisons in Hell.” | The Devil finds human punishment systems inspiring for Hell’s prisons. | New Historicism—Examines the alignment of human and infernal punitive systems, reflecting historical practices of discipline. |
Suggested Readings: “The Devil’s Thoughts” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- Coleridge, Samuel Taylor, and Robert Southey. “The Devil’s Thoughts, 1829 and 1835.” (1997).
- Volz, Robert, and James Rieger. “The Rochester Southey Collection.” The Wordsworth Circle, vol. 5, no. 2, 1974, pp. 89–91. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/24039395. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.
- Canuel, Mark. Keats-Shelley Journal, vol. 58, 2009, pp. 178–79. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/25735183. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.
- Runyan, William Ronald. “Bob Southey’ s Diabolical Doggerel, Part II: Source and Authorship (Continued from TWC, 6, Iv).” The Wordsworth Circle, vol. 7, no. 1, 1976, pp. 58–62. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/24039181. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.