From Letter to Robert Southey

I would like to focus on the sonnet “From Letter To Robert Southey”; particularly “Tears of doubt-mingled Joy...(Coleridge 214).” Coleridge appears to be foreshadowing the emotions he intends to feel upon his arrival at the Cottage Dell. As discussed in class Coleridge planned to set up a Pantisocracy. Doubt could be understood as Coleridge would be embarking upon a journey of the unknown. Although he may have felt the need to flee from his living situation in Europe he seems to know that there is not a guarantee that the future will be brighter elsewhere. It seems to me, Coleridge would be crying tears of joy as he would have been able to leave the heartaches of home behind him. Prior to writing about tears of joy and doubt Coleridge spoke of eyes that ached from sadness. Joy could come from the feeling of having overcome the past and excitement and hope tied to beginning a new life. It seems to me, the idea of doubt-mingled joy parallels nicely with the closing sentiments of the sonnet, Coleridge closed with a feeling of “Pleasance trembling to the Heart (Coleridge 214).” While Coleridge plans to feel joy and positivity in the future he seems to know that there will be feeling mixed emotions which tells me he understands that an intended utopia may turn out to be dystopia.