Student Question

Why does Christabel leave her father's castle at midnight in Coleridge's poem "Christabel"?

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Christabel leaves her father's castle at midnight because she is anxious and worried about her faraway betrothed, which has disrupted her sleep. Seeking comfort and solace through prayer, she ventures out to a mighty oak, hoping the walk will ease her fears. Her departure from the castle at this late hour also leads to her encounter with Geraldine, introducing supernatural elements into the poem.

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Christabel has been dreaming all night of her betrothed, her sleep has been interrupted, she has tossed and turned consumed with worry. Feeling lonely and desiring to pray, she leaves her father's castle in the middle of a cold spring night to seek solace under a mighty oak. Perhaps walking will ease her anxiety and calm her fears over her faraway knight's safety. Christabel's leaving the safety of the castle also allows her to meet Geraldine and become subject to the supernatural.

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