A Thing of Beauty by John Keats | A Thing of Beauty | John Keats | Explanation | Summary | Key Points | Word Meaning | Critical Appreciation | Questions Answers | Free PDF Download – Easy Literary Lessons
A Thing of Beauty
A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness; but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways
Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits. Such the sun, the moon,
Trees old, and young, sprouting a shady boon
For simple sheep; and such are daffodils
With the green world they live in; and clear rills
That for themselves a cooling covert make
‘Gainst the hot season; the mid forest brake,
Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms;
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read;
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.
line-by-line explanation of the poem
Line 1: A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Explanation: This line is the poem’s thesis statement, and it sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Keats is arguing that beauty is a source of enduring joy, even in the face of adversity.
Line 2: Its loveliness increases, it will never
Explanation: In this line, Keats expands on his previous point, saying that beauty is not fleeting but rather enduring. He suggests that beauty can grow and intensify over time.
Line 3: Pass into nothingness; but will keep
Explanation: This line reinforces the idea that beauty is permanent. Keats says that beauty will never fade away, but will rather continue to exist and bring us joy.
Line 4: A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Explanation: In this line, Keats describes the specific ways in which beauty can enrich our lives. He says that beauty can provide us with a place of peace and rest, and with a sense of well-being.
Line 5: Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
Explanation: This line further elaborates on the benefits of beauty. Keats suggests that beauty can help us to sleep better, to be healthier, and to live longer.
Line 6: Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
Explanation: In this line, Keats turns his attention to the human response to beauty. He says that we are naturally drawn to beauty, and that we seek it out in our everyday lives.
Line 7: A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Explanation: This line is a metaphor for the way in which beauty connects us to the world around us. Keats suggests that beauty helps us to feel grounded and connected to the earth.
Line 8: Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Explanation: In this line, Keats acknowledges that the world is not a perfect place, and that there are many things that can cause us sadness and despair. However, he suggests that beauty can still be found in the midst of darkness, and that it can help us to cope with the challenges of life.
Line 9: Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Explanation: In this line, Keats lists some of the specific things that he finds beautiful. He mentions noble natures, even on gloomy days.
Line 10: Of all the unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways
Explanation: In this line, Keats contrasts the beauty of noble natures with the ugliness and darkness that can also be found in the world.
Line 11: Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all,
Explanation: In this line, Keats suggests that we are all on a quest for beauty. He says that beauty is something that we all seek out and long for, even if we don’t always find it.
Line 12: Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
Explanation: He says that beauty can help us to dispel the darkness and despair that can sometimes cloud our lives.
Line 13: From our dark spirits. Such the sun, the moon,
Explanation: This line continues the image of beauty dispelling darkness that Keats introduced in the previous line. He now lists some specific examples of beauty, such as the sun and the moon.
Line 14: Trees old, and young, sprouting a shady boon
Explanation: In this line, Keats adds trees to his list of beautiful things. He describes trees as both old and young, suggesting that beauty can be found in all stages of life.
Line 15: For simple sheep; and such are daffodils
Explanation: In this line, Keats expands his list of beautiful things to include flowers. He mentions daffodils, which are a symbol of spring and new beginnings.
Line 16: With the green world they live in; and clear rills
Explanation: In this line, Keats describes the natural world as a place of beauty. He mentions green fields, clear streams, and daffodils.
Line 17: That for themselves a cooling covert make
Explanation: In this line, Keats describes how the natural world provides for itself. He says that streams make their own cool pools, which provide a refuge for animals on hot days.
Line 18: ‘Gainst the hot season; the mid forest brake,
Explanation: In this line, Keats continues to describe the beauty of the natural world. He mentions the mid-forest brake, which is a thick patch of underbrush. He suggests that the brake provides a cool and shady place for animals to escape the heat of the summer.
Line 19: Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms;
Explanation: In this line, Keats adds to his list of beautiful things by mentioning musk-rose blooms. He suggests that the musk-rose is a particularly beautiful flower, and that its presence enriches the forest brake.
Line 20: And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
Explanation: In this line, Keats turns his attention to the beauty of human imagination. He says that the stories we tell ourselves about death and the afterlife can also be beautiful.
Line 21: We have imagined for the mighty dead;
Explanation: In this line, Keats gives a specific example of the kind of story he is talking about. He says that we have imagined grand tales about the mighty dead.
Line 22: All lovely tales that we have heard or read;
Explanation: In this line, Keats expands his list of beautiful stories to include all of the lovely tales that we have heard or read.
Line 23: An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Explanation: In this line, Keats compares beauty to an endless fountain of immortal drink. This image suggests that beauty is a source of nourishment and refreshment that can never be exhausted.
Line 24: Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.
Explanation: In this line, Keats concludes the poem by suggesting that beauty comes to us from heaven. This image suggests that beauty is a gift from God, and that it is something to be cherished.
Word Meaning
| Line | Word | Meaning | अर्थ |
| 1 | Joy | great pleasure and happiness | आनंद |
| 1 | forever | for all time | हमेशा के लिए |
| 2 | loveliness | great beauty and charm | सुंदरता |
| 3 | nothingness | the state of being nothing; non-existence | शून्य |
| 4 | bower | a shady shelter made of branches and leaves | कुंज |
| 5 | breathing | the process of inhaling and exhaling air | श्वसन |
| 6 | morrow | morning | सुबह |
| 6 | wreathing | making a wreath, which is a ring of flowers or leaves | पुष्पांजलि |
| 7 | band | a strip of material used to tie things together | बंध |
| 8 | spite of | despite | के बावजूद |
| 8 | despondence | a feeling of great sadness and hopelessness | मायूसी |
| 8 | dearth | a shortage of something | अकाल |
| 9 | noble | having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles | महान |
| 9 | gloomy | dark and depressing | उदास |
| 10 | o’er-darkened | made very dark | ओर-अँधेरा |
| 11 | searching | seeking something eagerly | खोजना |
| 12 | pall | a dark cloud or covering that brings sadness or gloom | नक़ब |
| 13 | spirits | the immaterial part of a person, which is regarded as immortal and distinct from the body | आत्माओं |
| 14 | boon | a gift or blessing | वरदान |
| 15 | daffodils | Daffodils flower | हलका पीला रंग |
| 16 | rills | small streams | छोटी धाराएँ |
| 17 | covert | a place where something is hidden or sheltered | प्रच्छन्न |
| 18 | ‘Gainst | against | खिलाफ |
| 18 | brake | a thick patch of underbrush | झाड़ियों का एक घना टुकड़ा |
| 19 | sprinkling | a small amount of something that is scattered or spread | छिड़काव |
| 19 | Musk rose | a type of rose with a strong, sweet scent | कस्तूरी गुलाब |
| 19 | blooms | to produce flowers | खिलता |
| 20 | grandeur | great beauty and impressiveness | शान |
| 20 | dooms | judgments or fates, especially those that are considered to be final or inevitable | कयामत |
| 21 | mighty | having or showing great power or strength | ताकतवर |
| 22 | tales | stories | कहानियाँ |
| 23 | fountain | waterwoks | झरना |
| 23 | immortal | living forever; undying | अमर |
| 24 | brink | the edge of a steep drop or cliff | कगार / किनारा |
Summary
This beautiful poem, “A Thing of Beauty,” is written by John Keats, a renowned English Romantic poet. It was first published in 1818 in his collection of poetry, “Endymion.” The poem celebrates the enduring nature of beauty and its ability to bring joy and inspiration to our lives. Keats suggests that beauty is eternal and that it has the power to uplift our spirits and provide solace in the face of life’s challenges and hardships.
The poem conveys the idea that beauty is not fleeting; it continues to grow and inspire, offering a refuge for our souls. Keats mentions various examples of beauty in nature, such as the sun, the moon, trees, daffodils, and clear rills (streams), as well as the beauty found in stories and legends of great heroes and deeds. These elements of beauty serve as a source of inspiration and rejuvenation, like an “endless fountain of immortal drink” that flows from the heavens.
Keats’ poetry often focuses on the themes of beauty, nature, and the transient nature of human existence, and “A Thing of Beauty” is a quintessential example of his romantic and contemplative style.
Key Points
Author The poem “A Thing of Beauty” is written by John Keats, a prominent English Romantic poet.
Form The poem “A Thing of Beauty” by John Keats is written in iambic pentameter and follows an AABB rhyme scheme. This means that the first and second lines of each stanza rhyme with each other, and the third and fourth lines also rhyme with each other. For example, in the first stanza:
A thing of beauty is a joy for ever: (A)
Its loveliness increases; it will never (A)
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep (B)
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep (B)
Here, “ever” rhymes with “never”, and “keep” rhymes with “sleep”. This pattern continues throughout the poem.
Speaker The speaker of the poem is an unnamed narrator, who could be interpreted as Keats himself.
Setting The poem doesn’t have a specific geographical setting, but it takes place in the natural world, amidst the beauty of flowers, trees, the sun, and the moon.
Theme The central theme of the poem is the enduring power of beauty. Keats suggests that beautiful things bring joy and inspiration, and have the power to soothe and comfort.
Plot The poem doesn’t have a traditional plot, but it explores the idea that beauty, whether in nature or in stories of the “mighty dead”, is a source of endless delight.
Tone The tone of the poem is one of admiration and reverence for beauty.
Style Keats’s style in this poem is characterized by his use of vivid imagery and sensuous descriptions. He uses these techniques to convey the beauty of the natural world and its impact on the human spirit.
Message The message of the poem is that beauty, in all its forms, is a source of constant joy. It provides a “bower quiet for us, and a sleep full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing”. Despite all the negativity and challenges in life, beauty remains a source of happiness and inspiration.
John Keats
Birth and Early Life John Keats was born on 31 October 1795 in London. His father worked at a livery stable, but died in 1804.
Education Keats was educated at a school in Enfield. When he left at 16, he was apprenticed to a surgeon.
Career He wrote his first poems in 1814. In 1816, he abandoned medicine to concentrate on poetry.
Famous Works Keats is best known for his odes, including “Ode to a Grecian Urn,” “Ode to a Nightingale,” and his long form poem Endymion.
Death His poems had been in publication for less than four years when he died of tuberculosis at the age of 25.
Legacy Keats’s poetry became influential after his death and was recognized in the 20th century for its technical and intellectual achievement. Today his poems and letters remain among the most popular and analysed in English literature.
Very Short Answer Questions
Who is the author of the poem “A Thing of Beauty”?
John Keats.
What form does the poem take?
The poem is an excerpt from Keats’s longer work, “Endymion”, and is written in iambic pentameter.
Who is the speaker in the poem?
The speaker of the poem is an unnamed narrator, who could be interpreted as Keats himself.
Where is the poem set?
The poem doesn’t have a specific geographical setting, but it takes place in the natural world.
What is the central theme of the poem?
The central theme of the poem is the enduring power of beauty.
What is the plot of the poem?
The poem doesn’t have a traditional plot, but it explores the idea that beauty, whether in nature or in stories of the “mighty dead”, is a source of endless delight.
What is the tone of the poem?
The tone of the poem is one of admiration and reverence for beauty.
How would you describe the style of the poem?
Keats’s style in this poem is characterized by his use of vivid imagery and sensuous descriptions.
What is the message of the poem?
The message of the poem is that beauty, in all its forms, is a source of constant joy.
What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?
The rhyme scheme of the poem is AABB.
According to the poem, what is “a joy forever”?
A thing of beauty.
How does the poem describe the loveliness of a thing of beauty?
It increases and never fades.
What does the poem say about the impact of beauty on our spirits?
It moves away the pall from our dark spirits.
What is created “on every morrow” according to the poem?
A flowery band.
What purpose does the flowery band serve?
To bind us to the Earth.
What is the poem’s attitude towards challenges and dark times?
In spite of challenges, beauty has a positive influence.
What examples of beauty in nature are mentioned in the poem?
Sun, moon, trees, daffodils, and clear rills.
What does the poet say about the tales of mighty heroes?
They are part of an endless fountain of immortal inspiration.
How does the poem describe the grandeur of the imagined dooms?
As the magnificence of stories about the mighty dead.
What does beauty create for simple sheep in the poem?
A shady boon with old and young trees.
What do daffodils do in the green world they live in?
They live with the green world.
What do clear rills do against the hot season in the poem?
They create a cooling covert for themselves.
What is the significance of the mid forest brake in the poem?
It is rich with fair musk-rose blooms.
What does the poet mean by “the heaven’s brink”?
It symbolizes the source of eternal inspiration.
According to the poem, what is beauty’s impact on our spirits?
It moves away the pall from our dark spirits.
How does the poem view the tales of mighty heroes and deeds?
They are part of an endless fountain of inspiration.
What is the overall mood of the poem?
Reflective, contemplative, and celebratory of beauty.
Where was the poem first published?
In John Keats’ collection of poetry, “Endymion.”
Short Answer Questions
What does the poem suggest about the nature of beauty?
The poem suggests that beauty is enduring and has the power to bring joy and comfort.
How does the poem portray the impact of beauty on the human spirit?
The poem portrays beauty as a source of inspiration and comfort, capable of soothing our spirits and bringing us peace.
What does the poem reveal about Keats’s views on beauty?
The poem reveals that Keats saw beauty as a powerful, positive force in the world, capable of bringing joy and comfort.
How does the poem reflect the Romantic ideals of its time?
The poem reflects Romantic ideals through its celebration of beauty, its emphasis on emotion and individual experience, and its reverence for nature.
What is the significance of the title “A Thing of Beauty”?
The title “A Thing of Beauty” signifies the poem’s focus on the power and value of beauty in our lives.
What role does nature play in the poem?
Nature plays a significant role in the poem as the source of the beauty that the speaker admires and finds comfort in.
How does the poem use imagery to convey its themes?
The poem uses vivid and sensuous imagery to convey its themes, painting a picture of the beauty in nature and its impact on the human spirit.
What does the poem suggest about the relationship between beauty and joy?
The poem suggests that beauty is a source of constant joy, capable of soothing our spirits and bringing us peace.
How does the poem reflect Keats’s poetic style?
The poem reflects Keats’s poetic style through its use of vivid imagery, sensuous descriptions, and exploration of themes like beauty and joy.
What makes “A Thing of Beauty” a notable work in Keats’s oeuvre?
“A Thing of Beauty” is notable for its beautiful imagery, exploration of the theme of beauty, and its reflection of Keats’s Romantic ideals.
List the things of beauty mentioned in the poem.
The poem “A Thing of Beauty” by John Keats mentions several things of beauty:
- The sun
- The moon
- Old and young trees
- Daffodils
- Clear streams (rills)
- The mid-forest brake
- Musk-rose blooms
- Tales of the mighty dead
- All lovely tales that we have heard or read
List the things that cause suffering and pain.
In the poem “A Thing of Beauty” by John Keats, the following things are mentioned that cause suffering and pain:
- Despondence
- The inhuman dearth of noble natures
- Gloomy days
- All the unhealthy and over-darkened ways made for our searching
What does the line, ‘Therefore are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to earth’ suggest to you?
This line is a metaphor for the way in which beauty connects us to the world around us. Keats suggests that beauty helps us to feel grounded and connected to the earth.
What makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings?
In the poem “A Thing of Beauty” by John Keats, it’s the beauty in the world that makes people love life, even when there are problems or sadness. Beautiful things, like nature or inspiring stories, give us happiness and comfort. They help us feel peaceful and keep us connected to life. So, even when things are hard, the beauty around us can make us feel better and give us joy.
Why is ‘grandeur’ associated with the ‘mighty dead’?
In the poem “A Thing of Beauty” by John Keats, the term ‘grandeur’ is associated with the ‘mighty dead’ to convey the idea of the greatness and nobility of those who have passed away. These could be great historical figures, heroes, or individuals who have left a significant impact on the world. Their stories and deeds continue to inspire us, adding to the beauty in the world. The ‘grandeur’ of these ‘mighty dead’ is a source of inspiration and a thing of beauty that helps us find joy in life, despite its challenges.
What image does the poet use to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth?
In the poem “A Thing of Beauty” by John Keats, the poet uses several images to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth. He mentions the sun and the moon, old and young trees providing a shady boon for simple sheep, daffodils living in the green world, clear streams that make a cooling covert against the hot season, and the mid-forest brake rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms. These images collectively represent the beautiful bounty of the earth.
Essay Type Questions
Q. Write the critical appreciation of the poem?
Introduction
“A Thing of Beauty” is a poem by John Keats, a prominent figure in the second generation of Romantic poets. This poem is an excerpt from his longer work, “Endymion”, and is renowned for its theme of the enduring power of beauty.
Theme and Subject Matter
The central theme of “A Thing of Beauty” is the enduring power of beauty. Keats suggests that beautiful things, whether they be in nature or in stories of the “mighty dead”, provide a source of endless delight. They have a soothing effect on our spirits, bringing us peace and comfort. Even in the midst of hardship, the beauty in the world provides a respite and serves as a source of joy and inspiration.
Imagery and Symbolism
Keats uses vivid imagery to bring the poem to life. He describes a variety of beautiful things in nature, including the sun, the moon, trees, daffodils, clear streams, and musk-rose blooms. These images collectively represent the beautiful bounty of the earth. The ‘mighty dead’ symbolize great historical figures, heroes, or individuals who have left a significant impact on the world. Their stories and deeds continue to inspire us, adding to the beauty in the world.
Rhyme and Meter
The poem is written in iambic pentameter and follows an AABB rhyme scheme. This rhythmic structure gives the poem a musical quality, enhancing its lyrical nature.
Tone and Mood
The tone of the poem is one of admiration and reverence for beauty. Keats expresses a deep appreciation for the beautiful things in the world and their ability to bring joy and comfort. The mood of the poem is reflective and contemplative, inviting the reader to consider the power of beauty in their own lives.
Conclusion: Impact and Legacy
“A Thing of Beauty” is a testament to Keats’s belief in the power of beauty. Despite the brevity of his life and career, Keats left a lasting impact on the world of poetry. His exploration of beauty and its effects on the human spirit continues to resonate with readers today. This poem, with its celebration of beauty and its power to bring joy amidst difficulties, is a shining example of Keats’s poetic genius and his contribution to Romantic literature.
Q. Discuss the poem “A Thing of Beauty” by John Keats in light of its poetic devices.
“A Thing of Beauty” by John Keats is a poem rich in poetic devices that enhance its depth and beauty. Here are some of the key poetic devices used in the poem:
Imagery
Keats uses vivid imagery to bring the poem to life. He describes a variety of beautiful things in nature, including the sun, the moon, trees, daffodils, clear streams, and musk-rose blooms. These images collectively represent the beautiful bounty of the earth.
Metaphor
Metaphor: The poem is filled with metaphors. For example, ‘bower quiet’ refers to a quiet shady part in the garden, ‘sweet dreams’ refer to happy dreams, ‘wreathing a flowery band’ refers to connecting to nature, ‘pall’ refers to a covering like a shroud, and ‘endless fountain of immortal drink’ refers to the deeds of great men and women that have made them a source of inspiration for people of all times.
Alliteration
Alliteration: Alliteration, the repetition of initial consonant sounds, is used in phrases like ‘shade of the boughs’ and ‘sweet dreams’. Other examples include ‘noble natures’, ‘cooling covert’, and ‘band to bind.
Rhyme
The poem is written in rhyming couplets, following an AABB rhyme scheme.
Assonance
Assonance: Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds, is used in phrases like ‘deep-delved’ and ‘fostered’.
Symbolism
The poem is rich in symbolism. The ‘mighty dead’ symbolize great historical figures, heroes, or individuals who have left a significant impact on the world.
