A Thing of Beauty

-John Keats

Theme of the poem:

The poem is about the poet's view on beauty and it’s importance in life. The central theme of the
poem revolves around beauty in all its forms – Earthly beauty and Spiritual beauty. The poet
talks about how important beauty is for all of us. He highlights the transformational, therapeutic
and spiritual impact of beauty on our lives. The poet describes how beauty can be found
everywhere. The poet also says that a beautiful thing is a source of endless joy and its beauty
never fades away.

The poet’s message is that beauty has the ability to transform lives and it can dispel negativism
and dark thoughts. Beauty has a positive impact on one’s health, it can help steady the breathing,
and can give one a sound sleep. Beauty can also remove the sting of dejection, it can help one
survive even when there is a ‘dearth of noble natures’ or when one is surrounded by hostile
conditions and malicious people. John Keats suggests that beauty can be found everywhere in
life; as such he draws a list of beautiful things which include: the sun, the moon, trees, daffodils,
beautiful rills, musk rose blooming among mid forest brake, lovely tales etc. The poet also
expresses the idea of beauty being spiritual in nature and that the ultimate goal of appreciating
beauty should be to appreciate God who created beautiful things for us. Keats suggests that
beauty has a spiritual source when he implies that it flows from ‘An endless fountain’ in heaven.
Beauty thus, is a spiritual drink, an ‘immortal drink’ made especially for all mankind.

Think it about :

1 question - attempt by yourself.

2. List the things that cause suffering and pain.

Ans: There are many things that cause us suffering and pain. Malice and disappointment are “the
biggest source of our suffering. Various disappointments make us feel dejected in life. Another
one is the lack of noble qualities. There are absence of values and noble natures around us
especially in this modern world. Another thing is the gloomy days when one is gloomy due to
certain known or unknown reasons. Our unhealthy and evil ways also give birth to so many
troubles and sufferings. All the illegal or unethical practices we adopt for our success in life as
well as the difficulties and troubles we come across in life also cause suffering and pain. They
dampen our spirits. They act as a pall of sadness on our lives.

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

Ans: The things of beauty are like wreaths of beautiful flowers. We seem to weave a flowery
band everyday. It keeps us attached to the beauties of this earth. It means that we get attached to
the beautiful things around us and weave a pretty band which binds us with our life and it
becomes the reason for us to live. Beauty enables us to cover ourselves in a band made of
flowers (wreathe) to help us form a bond with the earth. Beauty fills us with the spirit to live and
builds the desire in us to live through the sad moments.

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

A. The eternal beauty of various things gives us happiness and relaxation. It makes us love life
inspite of life’s troubles and sufferings.

5. Why is the grandeur associated with the mighty dead?

A. The noble deeds of the brave men who sacrificed their lives are an inspiration for us, forever.
The beautiful legacy of their bravery is the grandeur which is associated with the mighty dead.
These legacies continue to live among us through stories and legends which has now become a
source of beauty.

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

A. According to the poet, a thing of beauty is a joy forever. Even if we see it for a few moments,
it has a lasting impression on us and its beautiful memory stays with us forever. It inspires us to
live, despite the ruthlessness of life.
7. What image does the poet use to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth?

A. The beautiful bounty of the earth is described by -endless fountain of immortal drink- which
signifies that God bestows us with all his beautiful creations which help us live despite the sad,
gloomy aspects of life. The poet says that nature provides us with abundant beauty that it looks
like a never ending fountain of a drink which falls on is and let us live forever. It is like a shower
of blessings. The beauty of nature is like a nectar that flows straight from the edge of heaven.