A Thing of Beauty | Poem 3 | Poetry | English 12th | Flamingo | Summary | Questions | Answers

 

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A Thing of Beauty | Poem 3 | Poetry | English 12th | Flamingo | Summary | Questions | Answers

 

A Thing of Beauty

A thing of beauty is a joy forever

Its loveliness increases, it will never

Pass into nothingness; but will keep

A bower quiet for us, and a sleep

Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.

Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing

A flowery band to bind us to the earth,

Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth

Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,

Of all the unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways

Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all,

Some shape of beauty moves away the pall

From our dark spirits. Such the sun, the moon,

Trees old, and young, sprouting a shady boon

For simple sheep; and such are daffodils

With the green world they live in; and clear rills

That for themselves a cooling covert make

‘Gainst the hot season; the mid forest brake,

Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms;

And such too is the grandeur of the dooms

We have imagined for the mighty dead;

All lovely tales that we have heard or read;

An endless fountain of immortal drink,

Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.

                    (John Keats)

 

Short Summary

"A Thing of Beauty" by John Keats is an excerpt from his poem Endymion, which emphasizes the everlasting joy and solace that beautiful things bring to human life. The poem celebrates the enduring impact of beauty on the human spirit.

Keats begins by asserting that a thing of beauty is a source of constant joy. Its charm never fades, and it continues to inspire and uplift the soul. Beauty provides a sense of comfort, helping us overcome the negativity, hardships, and disappointments of life.

The poet acknowledges the struggles of human existence, including despair, suffering, and a lack of noble qualities. However, he argues that the presence of beauty—whether in nature, art, or human deeds—acts as a balm, that soothes these sorrows and renews our spirits.

Keats illustrates his idea of beauty through imagery, referencing the beauty of natural elements such as the sun, moon, trees, and clear streams. He also mentions the inspiration derived from tales of heroic deeds, which offer hope and motivate humanity.

In conclusion, Keats presents beauty as a divine and eternal gift that connects humans to the spiritual realm and fills life with purpose and joy. It serves as a reminder of the inherent goodness in the world, providing an escape from life's troubles.

 

Think it Out

Question 1. List the things of beauty mentioned in the poem.

Answer: The poem mentions several things of beauty, including:

The sun and the moon

Trees old and young that provide shade

Clear streams of water

Daffodils in green surroundings

Forests rich with beautiful flowers

The stories of heroic deeds and the grandeur of the mighty dead.

Question 2. List the things that cause suffering and pain.

Answer: The gloomy days and dark spirits of human life

Despair caused by human greed and lack of noble qualities

The pain of inhuman acts, cruelty, and the unhealthy environment humans create for themselves.

Question 3. What does the line, ‘Therefore are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to earth’ suggest to you?

Answer: This line suggests that the beauty of nature and the world acts as a bond that connects humans to life and keeps them rooted to the earth. The "flowery band" symbolizes the joy and hope derived from beautiful things, which make life worth living despite its challenges.

Question 4. What makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings?

Answer: The presence of beautiful things—whether in nature, art, or human achievements—provides solace, joy, and inspiration. These moments of beauty uplift the spirit, bring hope, and remind humans of the goodness in life, making them love life despite its hardships.

Question 5. Why is ‘grandeur’ associated with the ‘mighty dead’?

Answer: The "mighty dead" refers to great individuals or heroes of the past who achieved remarkable deeds. Their grandeur lies in the legacy they leave behind, which continues to inspire humanity. They are celebrated and remembered through stories, adding to the beauty of the world.

Question 6. Do we experience things of beauty only for short moments or do they make a lasting impression on us?

Answer: According to the poet, things of beauty leave a lasting impression. They provide enduring joy and continue to inspire and uplift us, becoming a permanent source of comfort and solace that transcends fleeting moments.

Question 7. What image does the poet use to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth?

Answer: The poet uses the image of an endless fountain of immortal drink, pouring down from heaven. This metaphor conveys the abundance and eternal nature of beauty on earth, which nurtures and refreshes the human spirit like a divine blessing.