Jonathan Fayzakov

English 151W

Professor Leila Walker

Glossary Entry

Supernatural and its Relation to Christabel

As defined by the Meriam Dictionary, the supernatural is defined as “that which exists, yet cannot be explained by the laws of nature (Supernatural).” The term pertains to an order of existence beyond the visible and observable universe. Often in works of literature, film, and art, the supernatural is depicted as god like. Examples often include qualities portrayed in spirits, ghosts, demons, angels, along with numerous others that are not identified as a common and known being. As opposed to naturalism or the idea that natural laws and forces govern the world, supernaturalism is the belief that the supernatural is interpreting or controlling the world. All religions include elements of the supernatural and it is believed by many that supernaturalism originated from religious concepts. In literature, the use of supernatural themes allows readers to vicariously envision the creative expression and imagination of authors. Throughout generations, supernaturalism has gained popularity across the world and has been incorporated into numerous works of literature (Dalby).

On work of literature that incorporates the idea of supernaturalism is “Christabel” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. In the poem, the character Geraldine plays as the supernatural being that takes over the castle. Throughout the poem there are numerous references towards Geraldine’s supernatural abilities. One of the most significant moments in the play that clearly suggest supernaturalism occurs when Geraldine and Christabel are in Christabel’s room. Geraldine takes Christabel in to her arms and mentions that the spell is working on her: ‘In the touch of this bosom there worketh a spell, Which is lord of thy utterance, Christabel! Thou knowest to-night, and wilt know to-morrow, This mark of my shame, this seal of my sorrow.” Christabel wakes up from the dreaming “trance” that following morning and we get a hint that the two ladies engaged in sexual activities. This portion of the poem portrays supernaturalism because through a certain spell, Geraldine was able to manipulate Christabel’s mind and body and was able to enforce what she desired. Later in the text we witness Christabel under the spell once more. When Christabel awakens she begs to send Geraldine away and in turn is yelled at for disrespecting Geraldine: “That thou this woman send away!’ She said: and more she could not say: For what she knew she could not tell, O’er-mastered by the mighty spell (Coleridge).” Despite controlling Christabel physically and mentally, Geraldine was able to take control over the actions of Christabel’s father, Sir Leoline. Geraldine’s character demonstrates how super naturalistic abilities lead to complete control over the castle. It is ambiguous as to what type of supernatural being Geraldine’s character classified as, but her role in the poem clearly demonstrated the supernatural.

Work Cited

Dalby, Daesha. “Literature and the Supernatural.” Teen Ink, www.teenink.com/nonfiction/academic/article/587126/Literature-and-the-Supernatural/.

Coleridge, Samuel Taylor. “Christabel by Samuel Taylor Coleridge.” Poetry Foundation, Poetry Foundation, www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43971/christabel.

“Supernatural.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supernatural.