Question

The poem is a fragment. What do you think has made it a lasting literary piece?

Answer 1

According to critics, Kubla Khan's poem is considered one of Coleridge's most significant works. The poem dwells between darkness and corruption, which coexist with innocence and simplicity. The dark, gloomy, violent river is compared with the calm, peaceful surroundings, and we get to hear the wailing of the damsel for her "demon lover".
The poem also combines Christian, Hinduism and Islamic traits in its symbolic descriptions. For example, Kubla Khan is from an Islamic background, but his palace Xanadu has a cross of Jesus Christ.
The poet took the ideas from different religions, and they effectively leave an impact on readers. Thus, this poem has emerged as a versatile piece of poetry by drawing on broad, universal and allencompassing themes.