An Epic Hero

An Epic Hero

  • Submitted By: HippieGirl
  • Date Submitted: 02/02/2009 12:16 PM
  • Category: English
  • Words: 306
  • Page: 2
  • Views: 525

Ode on a Grecian Urn

In the poem there are different stanzas. In will explain the first three in the story.
Keats calls the vase, ‘an unravished bride of quietness’ relating to the fact that it has existed for centuries and has stood against the eroding effects of the passage of time. He also calls it the ‘foster child of Silence and Time’, both of which are personified here. The parents have conferred eternal stillness, on the urn. Keats also feels that the urn is a superior work of art since it depicts the beauty of nature with more panache, than his words. He wonders about the origin of the maidens and the activity that seems to be taking place.
In the second stanza, Keats praises the silent music emanating from the pipes, since it is not affected by time. He feels that it is far superior to audible music, since it caters to one’s soul! He also notices a young man playing the music beneath a tree and says that he shall remain immortal. The leaves of the tree shall be evergreen. He then says that the bold lover cannot embrace his beloved in spite of their proximity, since there are still for life. However, he asks the young man not to lament since his lady love shall remain beautiful and endearing forever. Their love, though unfulfilled, shall continue through eternity.
The third stanza calls the trees ‘happy happy boughs’ since the trees shall remain covered with leaves. The piper is a ‘Happy Methodist’ since his songs shall remain a part and parcel of eternity. His love shall remain immortal and eternal, unlike love in today’s world that is imperfect, brings immense pain and sorrow, lasting until the thirst for desire is quenched.
These stanzas give a lot of insight of the poem.

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