'What Kisses Had John Keats?' by Robert Service
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I scanned two lines with some surmise
As over Keats I chanced to pore:
'And there I shut her wild, wild eyes
With kisses four.'
Says I: 'Why was it only four,
Not five or six or seven?
I think I would have made it more,--
Even eleven.
'Gee! If she'd lured a guy like me
Into her gelid grot
I'd make that Belle Dame sans Merci
Sure kiss a lot.
'Them poets have their little tricks;
I think John counted kisses for,
Not two or three or five or six
To rhyme with "sore."'
Editor 1 Interpretation
"What Kisses Had John Keats?" by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Oh, the beauty of poetry! How it captivates our hearts and minds with its words and rhythms, taking us on a journey of emotions and thoughts! And when it comes to the classic poem, "What Kisses Had John Keats?" by Robert Service, one cannot help but be enchanted by its romanticism and nostalgia. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we shall delve into the various aspects of the poem, examining its themes, symbolism, and literary devices, as well as its historical context and relevance to our contemporary world.
Historical Context and Authorial Intentions
Before we begin, let us first explore the historical context and authorial intentions of the poem. Robert Service, a Scottish-born poet and writer, wrote "What Kisses Had John Keats?" in 1930, as a tribute to the famous Romantic poet, John Keats, who died at the young age of 25, leaving behind a legacy of passionate poetry and unfulfilled love. Service was a great admirer of Keats, and in this poem, he imagines what it would have been like to be in Keats' shoes, to experience the same kind of love and passion that inspired his poetry.
Thus, the poem can be seen as a tribute not only to Keats but also to the power of love and its ability to transcend time and space. Service wanted to capture that essence of love that Keats wrote about so eloquently in his poems, and to explore the depths of human emotions and desires that move us all.
Themes and Symbolism
Now, let us turn our attention to the themes and symbolism of the poem. At its core, "What Kisses Had John Keats?" is a meditation on love and the power of memory. The poem begins with the speaker asking the question, "What lips my lips have kissed, and where, and why?" This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker reflects on their past loves and the memories that they evoke.
Throughout the poem, we see the speaker reminiscing about their past loves, imagining what it would have been like to be with Keats and experience the same kind of passion and romance that inspired his poetry. The imagery used in the poem is rich and evocative, with Service using a range of literary devices such as metaphors, similes, and allusions to create a sense of nostalgia and longing.
One of the most striking symbols in the poem is the image of the "ghosts of dear desires." This phrase captures the essence of what the poem is trying to convey, namely the idea that our past loves and desires continue to haunt us, even after they have faded away. The speaker is haunted by the memory of the kisses they have shared with past lovers, and seeks solace in the idea that Keats likewise experienced these feelings.
Literary Devices
Service employs a variety of literary devices in the poem, which add to its richness and depth. One of the most notable is the use of repetition, particularly in the opening lines of each stanza. For example, the repetition of the phrase "What lips my lips have kissed" reinforces the sense of nostalgia and longing that permeates the poem.
Another important device is the use of imagery and metaphor. Service uses vivid and evocative imagery throughout the poem, such as the "dim sea-light" and the "guttering candle." These images create a sense of melancholy and longing, as the speaker imagines what it would have been like to experience the same kind of love and passion that Keats did.
The poem also contains a number of allusions to Keats' poetry, particularly to his famous Ode to a Nightingale. For example, the line "I have forgot much, Cynara! gone with the wind" is a direct reference to Keats' poem, which begins with the line "I have been half in love with easeful Death." These allusions add to the richness and complexity of the poem, as the speaker draws on Keats' own poetry to explore the themes of love and memory.
Contemporary Relevance
Despite being written almost a century ago, "What Kisses Had John Keats?" remains a relevant and poignant poem today. Its themes of love and memory are timeless, and its imagery and language continue to capture the imagination of readers. Moreover, the poem speaks to a universal human experience, namely the experience of love and the memories that it creates.
In our contemporary world, where technology and social media dominate our lives, the poem reminds us of the power of human connection and the importance of cherishing the moments that we share with others. It encourages us to reflect on our own past loves and desires, and to recognize the ways in which they continue to shape us and influence our lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "What Kisses Had John Keats?" is a beautiful and moving poem that captures the essence of love and memory. Through its use of vivid imagery, rich symbolism, and powerful language, the poem speaks to a universal human experience, offering us a glimpse into the depths of our own emotions and desires. As readers, we are invited to reflect on our own past loves and desires, and to recognize the ways in which they continue to shape us and influence our lives. In short, this poem is a testament to the power of poetry and its ability to touch our hearts and souls, even after all these years.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
What Kisses Had John Keats? A Poem by Robert Service
As a lover of poetry, I am always on the lookout for new and exciting works to explore. Recently, I came across a poem that immediately caught my attention - "What Kisses Had John Keats?" by Robert Service. This poem is a beautiful tribute to the famous Romantic poet, John Keats, and his love for Fanny Brawne. In this analysis, I will delve deeper into the meaning behind the poem and explore the themes and literary devices used by Service.
The poem begins with the speaker asking a question - "What kisses had John Keats?" This question sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker goes on to describe the love between Keats and Brawne. The first stanza describes the physical beauty of Fanny Brawne, with her "rosebud mouth" and "lilac eyes." The use of imagery here is particularly effective, as it paints a vivid picture of Brawne's beauty in the reader's mind.
In the second stanza, the speaker describes the love between Keats and Brawne as "a flame that burned too bright." This line is significant, as it foreshadows the tragic end to their love story. Keats and Brawne's love was intense and passionate, but it was also short-lived, as Keats died at the young age of 25. The use of the metaphor of a flame burning too bright is a powerful way to convey the intensity of their love, while also hinting at its inevitable end.
The third stanza is where the poem really begins to shine. Here, the speaker describes the kisses between Keats and Brawne as "a sacrament of joy." This line is particularly poignant, as it suggests that their love was not just physical, but also spiritual. The use of the word "sacrament" is significant, as it implies that their love was holy and sacred. This is a beautiful way to describe the depth of their love, and it adds a layer of complexity to their relationship.
The fourth stanza is perhaps the most powerful in the entire poem. Here, the speaker describes Keats' death, and the impact it had on Brawne. The line "her heart was broken too" is particularly heartbreaking, as it suggests that Brawne never fully recovered from Keats' death. The use of the word "too" is significant, as it implies that Brawne's heart was just as broken as Keats'. This line is a powerful reminder of the tragic end to their love story, and it adds a layer of depth to the poem.
The final stanza is a beautiful tribute to Keats and his legacy. The line "his kisses live forevermore" is particularly powerful, as it suggests that Keats' love and poetry will live on long after his death. The use of the word "forevermore" is significant, as it implies that Keats' legacy will never die. This is a beautiful way to end the poem, as it reminds us of the enduring power of love and poetry.
In terms of literary devices, Service uses a number of techniques to convey the themes of love and loss in the poem. The use of imagery is particularly effective, as it helps to paint a vivid picture of Keats and Brawne's love. The use of metaphor is also significant, as it adds depth and complexity to the poem. Finally, the use of repetition is a powerful way to reinforce the themes of the poem, particularly the idea of Keats' love and legacy living on forever.
In conclusion, "What Kisses Had John Keats?" is a beautiful tribute to the famous Romantic poet and his love for Fanny Brawne. The poem is a powerful reminder of the enduring power of love and poetry, and it is a testament to the legacy of Keats. Service's use of imagery, metaphor, and repetition is particularly effective, and it adds depth and complexity to the poem. Overall, this is a beautiful and moving work of poetry that is well worth exploring.
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