Poem: A Thing of Beauty (Flamingo)

  POEM: A THING OF BEAUTY

(John Keats)

THEME:

The very opening line of the poem, ‘A Thing of Beauty…. ‘ openly recites the very theme of the poem. Any beautiful object is always treasured in our mind because it provides us eternal and everlasting joy. The happiness that anything beautiful provides, never fades into nothingness but multiplies manifold whenever it returns to our mind.

SUMMARY:

This poem presents the reader with the views of Keats on beauty and its value, and its ‘ importance to humans. Beauty, in whatever form it may be found, is an eternal joy to humans, because it offers humans the constant opportunity to reflect on that beauty, which stands in such stark contrast to the dejection, monotony and ugliness of our everyday lives.

In spite of all the difficulties and the sufferings that humans face, beauty has the ability to produce happiness and temporarily shift the burdens that humans bear.

Keats therefore, establishes that in his view of the world, life for humans consists of unremitting struggles and difficulties, and it is only beauty in its various guises that is able to shift those trials and at least temporarily produce happiness. The poem concludes with a list of things that constitute “beauty” for Keats, which include both physical objects which are examples of natural beauty such as daffodils, and also beauty that can be found in art, such as “the lovely tales we have heard or read”.

All of these forms of beauty act as “an endless fountain of immortal drink”, allowing humans to forget bleak reality and experience joy. This poem therefore, focuses on the theme of happiness and how it can be experienced. It inspires us and gives us the courage to fight against all odds.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

Q1. What does the line, "Therefore are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to earth suggest to you?

It means that we get attached to the beautiful things around us and weave a pretty band which binds us with our life, it becomes the reason for us to live.

Q2.What makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings?

The eternal beauty of various things gives us happiness and relaxation. It makes us love life inspite of life's troubles and sufferings.

Q3.Why is grandeur associated with the mighty dead?

The noble deeds of the brave men who sacrificed their lives are an inspiration for us forever. The beautiful legacy of their bravery is the grandeur which is associated with the mighty dead.

Q4.Do we experience things of beauty only for short moments or do they make a lasting impression on us?

According to the poet, a thing of beauty is a joy forever. Even if we see it for a few moments, it has a lasting impression on us and its beautiful memory stays with us forever. It inspires us to live, despite the ruthlessness of life. 

Q5.What image does the poet use to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth?

The beautiful bounty of the earth is described by -endless fountain of immortal drink- which signifies that God bestows us with all his beautiful creations which help us live despite the sad, gloomy aspects of life.