'Written Before Re-Reading King Lear' by John Keats
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O golden-tongued Romance with serene lute!
Fair plumed Syren! Queen of far away!
Leave melodizing on this wintry day,
Shut up thine olden pages, and be mute.
Adieu! for once again the fierce dispute
Betwixt damnation and impassioned clay
Must I burn through; once more humbly assay
The bitter-sweet of this Shakespearian fruit.
Chief Poet! and ye clouds of Albion,
Begetters of our deep eternal theme,
When through the old oak Forest I am gone,
Let me not wander in a barren dream,
But when I am consumed in the Fire,
Give me new Phoenix wings to fly at my desire.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Written Before Re-Reading King Lear" by John Keats: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
John Keats was a renowned poet of the Romantic era who left an indelible mark on English poetry with his innovative and imaginative works. One of his most famous poems, "Written Before Re-Reading King Lear," was composed during his stay in Scotland in 1818. In this poem, Keats expresses his admiration for Shakespeare's play King Lear, which he planned to re-read, and reflects on the tragic themes of the play. The poem is a beautiful tribute to Shakespeare and a reflection on the power of literature to inspire and move us.
Summary
The poem begins with Keats stating that he is about to re-read Shakespeare's King Lear, which he has not read for some time. He then reflects on the tragic themes of the play, describing it as a "tale of sorrow done." He acknowledges the power of the play to move and inspire him, stating that it can "pluck the heart out of its own mystery."
Keats then turns his attention to Shakespeare himself, describing him as a "poet of Nature," who is able to capture the essence of the natural world in his writings. He praises Shakespeare's ability to convey complex emotions and ideas through his characters and imagery.
The poem ends with Keats expressing his desire to learn from Shakespeare's writing, to "take him as my model." He acknowledges the difficulty of this task, but remains determined to learn from the master.
Literary Analysis
"Written Before Re-Reading King Lear" is a beautiful tribute to Shakespeare and a reflection on the power of literature to inspire and move us. Keats' admiration for Shakespeare is evident throughout the poem, as he describes him as a "poet of Nature" and praises his ability to capture the essence of the natural world in his writing.
The poem is also a reflection on the tragic themes of King Lear, which Keats describes as a "tale of sorrow done." He acknowledges the power of the play to move and inspire him, stating that it can "pluck the heart out of its own mystery." This language is both vivid and poetic, underscoring Keats' ability to convey complex emotions and ideas through his writing.
Throughout the poem, Keats also reflects on the power of literature to inspire and teach us. He expresses his desire to learn from Shakespeare's writing, to "take him as my model." This desire to learn from the masters is a common theme in Keats' writing, and reflects his commitment to the craft of poetry.
Interpretation
"Written Before Re-Reading King Lear" is a poem that speaks to the power of literature to inspire and move us. Keats' admiration for Shakespeare is evident throughout the poem, as he describes him as a "poet of Nature" and praises his ability to capture the essence of the natural world in his writing. This admiration is a reflection of Keats' own commitment to the craft of poetry, and his desire to learn from the masters.
The poem is also a reflection on the tragic themes of King Lear, which Keats describes as a "tale of sorrow done." This description underscores the power of literature to convey complex emotions and ideas, and suggests that Keats is moved by the tragedy of the play.
Overall, "Written Before Re-Reading King Lear" is a beautiful tribute to Shakespeare and a reflection on the power of literature to inspire and move us. Keats' admiration for the master is evident throughout the poem, and his desire to learn from Shakespeare's writing is a reflection of his own commitment to the craft of poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Written Before Re-Reading King Lear: A Masterpiece by John Keats
John Keats, one of the most celebrated poets of the Romantic era, is known for his profound and evocative poetry that captures the essence of human emotions and experiences. His poem, Written Before Re-Reading King Lear, is a masterpiece that reflects his deep understanding of human nature and the complexities of life. In this article, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and the historical context of this classic poem.
The poem was written in 1818, when Keats was only 23 years old. It is believed that he wrote this poem after reading William Shakespeare's play, King Lear, for the first time. The poem is a reflection of Keats' thoughts and emotions after reading the play, and it is a testament to his admiration for Shakespeare's work.
The poem is structured in three stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with Keats expressing his awe and admiration for Shakespeare's work. He writes, "O golden-tongued Romance with serene lute! / Fair plumed Syren! Queen of far away! / Leave melodizing on this wintry day, / Shut up thine olden pages, and be mute."
In these lines, Keats addresses Shakespeare as the "golden-tongued Romance," a reference to his ability to weave beautiful and captivating stories through his plays. He also refers to Shakespeare as the "Fair plumed Syren," a mythical creature known for its enchanting voice that lures sailors to their deaths. This reference highlights the power of Shakespeare's writing to captivate and enthrall his readers.
The second stanza of the poem is more introspective, with Keats reflecting on his own mortality and the fleeting nature of life. He writes, "Adieu! for once again the fierce dispute, / Betwixt damnation and impassioned clay / Must I burn through; once more humbly assay / The bitter-sweet of this Shakespearian fruit."
In these lines, Keats acknowledges the inevitability of death and the struggle between the physical and spiritual aspects of human existence. He also refers to Shakespeare's work as a "bitter-sweet fruit," highlighting the complex and often contradictory nature of life.
The final stanza of the poem is a call to action, with Keats urging his readers to embrace life and all its complexities. He writes, "Chief Poet! and ye clouds of Albion, / Begetters of our deep eternal theme! / When through the old oak forest I am gone, / Let me not wander in a barren dream."
In these lines, Keats acknowledges the role of poets in shaping the eternal themes of human existence. He also emphasizes the importance of living life to the fullest and not getting lost in a "barren dream."
One of the most striking features of the poem is Keats' use of literary devices to convey his message. The poem is rich in imagery, with Keats using metaphors and allusions to create a vivid and evocative picture in the reader's mind. For example, he refers to Shakespeare as the "golden-tongued Romance" and the "Fair plumed Syren," creating a powerful image of Shakespeare's writing as a captivating and enchanting force.
Keats also uses alliteration and repetition to create a musical and rhythmic quality to the poem. For example, in the first stanza, he writes, "Leave melodizing on this wintry day," using the repetition of the "l" sound to create a sense of musicality and rhythm.
The historical context of the poem is also important in understanding its significance. The Romantic era was a time of great social and political change, with artists and writers challenging traditional norms and values. Keats was part of this movement, and his poetry reflects his desire to explore the complexities of human existence and challenge the status quo.
In conclusion, Written Before Re-Reading King Lear is a masterpiece of Romantic poetry that reflects John Keats' deep understanding of human nature and the complexities of life. Through his use of literary devices and powerful imagery, Keats creates a vivid and evocative picture of Shakespeare's writing and its impact on his own life. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of literature to inspire and transform us, and it continues to resonate with readers today.
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