Would it be correct to describe 'Kubla Khan' as a finished fragment? Give reasons for your answer (MEG 102) (COLERIDGE: KUBLA KHAN)

Yes, it would be correct to describe "Kubla Khan" as a finished fragment.

"Kubla Khan" is a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, first published in 1816. The poem is widely regarded as one of Coleridge's most famous and celebrated works. However, the poem is also notorious for its unusual composition and publication history.

The poem is a fragment in the sense that it appears to be incomplete, ending abruptly after only 54 lines. Coleridge himself claimed that he had been interrupted while composing the poem by a "person on business from Porlock," which prevented him from completing the work as he had originally intended. This interruption has led to much speculation and debate about the poem's meaning and intended structure.

Despite its incomplete state, "Kubla Khan" is widely regarded as a finished work of art. The poem has a clear beginning, middle, and end, and is rich in imagery, symbolism, and thematic content. The language and structure of the poem are carefully crafted and demonstrate Coleridge's mastery of poetic technique. Additionally, the poem has been widely interpreted and analyzed by scholars and readers, suggesting that it has achieved a level of completeness in its own right.

In conclusion, while "Kubla Khan" may be a fragment in terms of its intended length, it is also a finished work of art in its own right, and has been recognized as such by generations of readers and critics.