Ode on a Grecian Urn is one of the most popular poems of Romantic poet, John Keats. It is one of the most widely read poems amongst Literature students and scholars alike
The Ode is a form of Lyric poem, which is divided into the Strophe, the Antistrophe and the final Epode. It is generally a poem addressed to someone and has an elaborate style of writing. Ode on a Grecian Urn is an ode written by Keats, which addresses a beautiful urn or a vase from Greece. It explores the essence that attributes to human happiness, on a universal scaleBeauty. The Ode is divided into five stanzas which address the varied figures and beautiful forms of art, portrayed on the urn.
In the first stanza, 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. The urn is also a Sylvan Historian, since it records a pastoral scene from times immemorial. 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. The poet also speculates that the scene is set in Tempe or Arcady, both of which are picturesque places in Greece, favoured by Apollo, the God of poetry and music. He, then, 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 ones 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 todays world that is imperfect, brings immense pain and sorrow, lasting until the thirst for desire is quenched.
The fourth stanza inquires about the images that portray a crowd approaching an altar, to sacrifice a cow. The poet wonders if the crowd originates from a little town by the river or a seashore or hill topped by a fortress. The town that they belong to shall be empty since all the inhabitants are participants in this merry-making. They are still ni time and cannot go back home forever!
The last and final stanza talks about the origin of the urn, which is Attica, a place in Greece. The beauty of the urn is described, it is full of embroidery and craft work. The scene is cold since it is depicted on cold marble. Anyone who tries to decipher its meaning shall not fathom it, since it is as tricky as eternity. Finally the poet says that Beauty is Truth and Truth is Beauty. One should not look beyond the present since it does not bring us any gains. The present is the epitome of beauty and therefore, it must be given full attention! Otherwise, the beauty is lost---this is the truth of life!!!
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