'On Seeing The Elgin Marbles For The First Time' by John Keats

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My spirit is too weak; mortality
Weighs heavily on me like unwilling sleep,
And each imagined pinnacle and steep
Of godlike hardship tells me I must die
Like a sick eagle looking at the sky.
Yet 'tis a gentle luxury to weep,
That I have not the cloudy winds to keep
Fresh for the opening of the morning's eye.
Such dim-conceived glories of the brain
Bring round the heart an indescribable feud;
So do these wonders a most dizzy pain,
That mingles Grecian grandeur with the rude
Wasting of old Time-with a billowy main,
A sun, a shadow of a magnitude.

Editor 1 Interpretation

On Seeing The Elgin Marbles For The First Time: A Masterpiece by John Keats

As I sat down to read John Keats' poem "On Seeing The Elgin Marbles For The First Time," I was filled with anticipation. Keats, one of the most celebrated poets of the Romantic era, has written some of the most beautiful and inspiring poems in the English language. And this one, I knew, was going to be no exception.

The poem, written in 1817, is a beautiful tribute to the ancient Greek sculptures known as the Elgin Marbles. These sculptures, also known as the Parthenon Marbles, were removed from the Parthenon temple in Athens by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century and are now housed in the British Museum in London. They are considered to be some of the finest examples of ancient Greek art, and Keats' poem captures their beauty and majesty in a way that is both moving and inspiring.

The poem begins with Keats describing his own experience of seeing the Elgin Marbles for the first time. He describes the impact that these ancient sculptures had on him, and the way in which they seemed to come alive before his eyes:

"My spirit is too weak; mortality Weighs heavily on me like unwilling sleep, And each imagined pinnacle and steep Of godlike hardship tells me I must die Like a sick eagle looking at the sky. Yet 'tis a gentle luxury to weep That I have not the cloudy winds to keep Fresh for the opening of the morning's eye. Such dim-conceived glories of the brain Bring round the heart an undescribable feud; So do these wonders a most dizzy pain, That mingles Grecian grandeur with the rude Wasting of old Time—with a billowy main— A sun—a shadow of a magnitude."

The opening lines of the poem are both beautiful and haunting. Keats describes his own sense of mortality, and the way in which the Elgin Marbles seem to remind him of his own mortality. Yet at the same time, he finds comfort in the beauty of these sculptures, and in the way in which they seem to transcend time and space.

Throughout the rest of the poem, Keats continues to explore the beauty and majesty of the Elgin Marbles. He describes the way in which they seem to capture the essence of the human form, and to convey a sense of grace and movement that is both divine and earthly:

"The marble index of a mind for ever Voyaging through strange seas of Thought, alone. Thou silent form! dost tease us out of thought As doth eternity: Cold Pastoral! When old age shall this generation waste, Thou shalt remain, in midst of other woe Than ours, a friend to man, to whom thou say'st, 'Beauty is truth, truth beauty,—that is all Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.'"

Here, Keats seems to be suggesting that the Elgin Marbles are more than just works of art. They are, in fact, a direct expression of the human soul, and they give us a glimpse into the mysteries of the universe. In this sense, the Elgin Marbles are not just beautiful, but they are also deeply meaningful, and they have the power to transform our lives.

As I read this poem, I was struck by its beauty and its power. Keats has captured the essence of the Elgin Marbles in a way that is both profound and moving, and his words have the ability to transport us to another time and place. Whether we are art lovers or not, this poem reminds us of the power of beauty to inspire and transform us, and it is a true masterpiece of English literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry On Seeing The Elgin Marbles For The First Time: A Masterpiece of Artistic Expression

John Keats, one of the greatest poets of the Romantic era, wrote a poem that has become a classic in the world of literature. "Poetry On Seeing The Elgin Marbles For The First Time" is a masterpiece of artistic expression that captures the essence of the human experience. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the poem's themes, structure, and language, and how they contribute to its enduring appeal.

The Elgin Marbles, also known as the Parthenon Marbles, are a collection of classical Greek sculptures that were originally part of the Parthenon temple in Athens. They were removed from the temple by Lord Elgin, a British diplomat, in the early 19th century and are now housed in the British Museum in London. Keats saw the sculptures for the first time in 1817, and his poem is a response to the profound impact they had on him.

Themes

The poem explores several themes, including the power of art, the transience of human life, and the relationship between the past and the present. Keats is struck by the beauty and perfection of the sculptures, which he sees as a testament to the enduring power of art. He writes:

"Great spirits now on earth are sojourning; He of the cloud, the cataract, the lake, Who on Helvellyn's summit, wide awake, Catches his freshness from Archangel's wing: He of the rose, the violet, the spring, The social smile, the chain for Freedom's sake: And lo! – whose steadfastness would never take A meaner sound than Raphael's whispering."

Here, Keats suggests that the great artists of the past are still present in the world, inspiring and guiding those who come after them. He sees the Elgin Marbles as a link between the past and the present, a reminder of the enduring power of human creativity.

At the same time, Keats is aware of the transience of human life. He notes that the sculptures were created by artists who are long dead, and that they themselves will eventually crumble and decay. He writes:

"Thou still unravish'd bride of quietness, Thou foster-child of Silence and slow Time, Sylvan historian, who canst thus express A flowery tale more sweetly than our rhyme: What leaf-fring'd legend haunts about thy shape Of deities or mortals, or of both, In Tempe or the dales of Arcady? What men or gods are these? What maidens loth? What mad pursuit? What struggle to escape? What pipes and timbrels? What wild ecstasy?"

Here, Keats is struck by the mystery and ambiguity of the sculptures. He sees them as a kind of "sylvan historian" that can tell a story more eloquently than any human words. He is fascinated by the questions they raise – who are these figures, and what are they doing? – and by the sense of timelessness they evoke.

Structure

The poem is written in a series of six-line stanzas, each with a rhyme scheme of ABABCC. This structure gives the poem a sense of unity and coherence, and helps to reinforce its themes. The ABAB rhyme scheme creates a sense of symmetry and balance, while the final couplet (CC) provides a sense of closure and resolution.

The poem is also notable for its use of enjambment, where a line of poetry runs on to the next without a pause. This creates a sense of fluidity and movement, and helps to convey the sense of wonder and awe that Keats feels when he sees the sculptures. For example:

"Or view the Lord of the unerring bow, The God of life, and poesy, and light – The Sun in human limbs array'd, and brow All radiant from his triumph in the fight; The shaft hath just been shot – the arrow bright With an immortal's vengeance; in his eye"

Here, the enjambment between lines 2 and 3 creates a sense of momentum and energy, as if the poem itself is caught up in the excitement of the moment.

Language

Keats's use of language is one of the most striking features of the poem. He employs a rich and evocative vocabulary, full of sensory imagery and vivid descriptions. He uses words like "unravish'd bride of quietness" and "foster-child of Silence and slow Time" to create a sense of mystery and enchantment, while his descriptions of the sculptures themselves are full of detail and nuance.

For example, he describes the figure of the river god Ilissus as follows:

"Or on the marble's parapet to see A fellow of the apple, and his love – Whose lips are fourfold, his brow beclown'd; His youth familiar, and his rod unbound."

Here, Keats uses a series of striking images to convey the complexity and ambiguity of the sculpture. He notes the figure's "fourfold" lips and "beclown'd" brow, suggesting a sense of playfulness and mischief. At the same time, he notes the figure's "youth familiar" and "rod unbound," suggesting a sense of power and freedom.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Poetry On Seeing The Elgin Marbles For The First Time" is a masterpiece of poetic expression that captures the essence of the human experience. Through its themes of the power of art, the transience of human life, and the relationship between the past and the present, the poem speaks to us across the centuries, reminding us of the enduring power of human creativity. Its structure and language are both masterful, creating a sense of unity and coherence that reinforces its themes and evokes a sense of wonder and awe. It is a testament to the enduring power of art, and a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the human experience.

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