A Thing of Beauty —John Keats POETRY Pr eg ee er ee ra cre a ey ek aera suffering and sorrow. The poem begi ed eed aeeeeL enna ins with the proverbial famous line about Mee eee eee cle) the things that represent beauty, The po: Pee ees ee ee eee eagle ey Topic Notes Poem in Detail @ Poetic Devices @ Learnings 3 DictionaryBE Poem in Detail Lines 1 to 5 A thing of beauty is a joy forever: Its loveliness increases, it will never Pass into nothingness; but stil will keep A bower quiet for us, and a sleep Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing, Interpretation The first line of the poem is probably one of the most famous lines in English poetry. The phrase in the first line ‘A thing of beauty is a joy forever’ is the main idea of the whole poem. The rest of the lines are an explanation of this: phrase. The phrase is a complete sentence which has through repetition become almost a proverb. It shows a certain aesthetic sense. The poet says that a beautiful thing gives joy to the people who see it. The beauty increases with time without tading away. Ihe Joy given by a beautitut thing provides a shade where one can sleep and have sweet dreams, good health and relaxation. Lines 6 to 13, Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing A flowery band to bind us to the earth, ‘Spite of despondence, of the in human 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. Interpretation In these lines, the poet explains that every morning we create a connection with the earth through the bond of beauty. It's this very bond that helps us tide cover sad and depressing days. And that in spite of all the gloom that covers the world, it is beauty in some way that helps to remove this cover and lifts the veil of depression from our spirits. In other words, the world is made more bearable because of the presence of beauty that nature provides. Example 4. What does the line, ‘Therefore are ‘we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to earth’ suggest to you? INCERT] Ans. The poet suggests that every day, human beings create a bond with the earth because of beauty. Even though life can be tough and depressing, for the human being, itis the beauty of life on earth that keeps us here. Lines 13 to 19 ‘Such the sun, the moon, Trees old, and young, sprouting a shady boon For simple sheep; and such are daffodits 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; Interpretation In these lines, the poet lists all the things in nature which are beautitul He continues the thought trom the previous lines that beauty is a source of great joy and consolation and gives a detailed list of beautiful things in nature and how they provide joy. The list is headed by the things of the macracosm like the sun and the moon and then moves onto the microcosm such as the trees, animals, the daffodils, the brooks and streams which provide a cool shelter in the suimmer, and the thicket in the forest with ite heady musk-rose flowers all of which are a balm for the soul. Lines 20 to 24 And such too is the grandeur of the dooms We have imagined for the mighty dead, Alllovely tales that we have heard or read: An endless fountain of immortal drink, Pouring unto us from the heaven's brink. Interpretation Along the same line as the beauty of nature, the poet considers the beauty of the great deeds done by heroes in the past which we have heard about ‘or read, and which continue to inspire us. Finally, the poet ends this extract from ‘Endymion’ with a couplet which expounds that beauty on earth is of divine origin, and that is why it is of an immortal nature. Example 2. Why is ‘grandeur’ associated with the ‘mighty dead’? INCERT] Ans. The ‘dead’ are ‘mighty’ becouse they have committed many brave deeds. ‘Grandeur’ is ‘associated with the ‘mighty dead’ since they continue to inspire the living with their tales of brave and heroic acts. Example 3. Extract Based: Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: 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:a Q @) @) © © (A) What does ‘wreathing’ mean in this context? (@) to link, unite or fuse together (by weaving) (b) to interweave or cross one with another (©) to create or form a layer over (d) to exceed or cross a given limit (8) Which does the poet imagine to be the cause of human despondence? (@) the chance of ill health on earth (b) the tack of beauty on earth (© the pain of life on earth (@) the ‘of bonds on earth (©) How does beauty help the despondent human? (@) It uncovers the beauty underneath the despondence. (&) It covers the despondence of natural things. (©) It removes the cover of a happy atmosphere. (d) It removes the cover of hopelessness. (0) Which of the following explains ‘the inhuman dearth/ Of noble natures’? (@) There is a lack of men of noble nature on earth. (b) There is a scarcity of beautiful humans on earth. (©) There is a shortage of inhumanness on earth. @ There is a deficiency of natural beauty on earth. Ans. (A) (b) to interweave or cross one with another Explanation: ‘Wreathing’ means ‘to interweave ‘or cross one with another’. This points to option (b) as the correct answer. Options (0), (¢) and (d) do not explain the word and mean different things. Hence, these options are incorrect. (@) to link, unite or fuse together (by weaving) - crisscross (©) to create or form a layer over - overlap (@) To exceed or cross a given Limit - overrun ®) (0 the pain of life on earth Explanation: Life on earth is full of obstacles which causes despondence in human beings. ‘So, option (¢) is the correct answer. Options (0), (b) and (d) cannot be deduced from the context. Hence, they are incorrect. (©) @ Itremoves the cover of hopelessness. Explanation: According to the poet beauty helps uncover the pall of despondence. Hence, ‘option (d) ie the correct ancwer. Optione (a), (b) ‘and (c) are incorrect conclusions drawn from the lines. So, they are not the correct answer. (©) (0) There is a lack of men of noble nature on earth, Explanation: The line means that there is a lack of noble men on earth. Hence, this points to option (a) as the correct answer. Options (©), (©) and (d) are incorrect conclusions drawn from the phrase. Thus, they are not the correct answers. Alliteration: A figure of speech in which consonants at the beginning of words or stressed syllables are repeated. * Some shape of beauty moves away the pall * Trees old and young, sprouting a shady boon ‘© Forsimple sheep; and such are daffodils Antithesis: Itis the use of opposites terms used together to highlight the contrast. + Trees old and young, sprouting a shady boon Assonance: A repetition of similar vowel sounds usually close together to achieve the effect of being pleasing to the ear is called assonance. ‘+ Its loveliness increases, it will never Enjambment: Running on of the meaning from one poetic line to the next, without terminal punctuation is called enjambment. ‘* Its loveliness increases, it will never Pass into nothingness; Epigram: A short witty statement in verse or prose which may be complementary, satiric or aphoristic. © Athing of beauty is a joy for ever Heroic couplet: This is a traditional form of English poetry which consists of rhyming couplet in iambic pentameter. All the lines of this poem are heroic couplets.© Anendless fountain of immortal drink, Pouring unto us from the heaven's brink. (7) Internat rhyme: It occurs when two or more words rhyme within a single line of verse. * Pass into nothingness; but still will keep (8) Imagery: Visually descriptive or figurative language, especially in a literary work is called imagery. * are we wreathing A flowery band to bind us to the earth * Trees old, and young, sprouting a shady boon © With the green world they live in; and clear rills * — That for themselves a cooling covert make ‘Gainst the hot season « —_..such are daffodils With the green world they live in; * And such too is the grandeur of the dooms © Anendless fountain of immortal drink, (9) Inversion: The reversal of normat word order in a sentence is called inversion. © ~are we wreathing A flowery band to bind us to the earth (10) Metaphor: A figure of speech in which one thing is described in terms of another. A comparison is usually implicit, whereas in simile itis explicit. © A bower quiet for us (the clam and quiet of the bower is equated with the clam offered by beauty) * are we wreathing A flowery band to bind us to the earth, (beauty and beautiful things bind us to the earth) (11) Oxymoron: A figure of speech which combines incongruous and apparently contradictory words and meanings for a special effect. + We have imagined for the mighty dead: (12) Repetition: A repetition of sounds, words, phrases or stanzas that create a certain effect. Repetition is of many types. Specifically, a repetition of initial words or phrases is called anaphora. + Of noble natures, of the gloomy days, (13) Rhyme scheme: The poem is a single stanza with rhyming couplets in the rhyme scheme aabbccddee_etc_ This kind of rhyme is usually seen in the Heroic couplet. (14) Symbol and symbolism: A symbol is an object, animate or inanimate, which represents or stands for something else. * For simple sheep (the sheep are human beings who follow Christ, the shepherd) (15) Transferred epithet: Also known as hypallage, this is a figure of speech in which the epithet is transferred from the appropriate noun to modify another to which it does not really belong. © ~ of the gloomy days, Of all the unhealthy and o'er-darkn'd ways (Neither the days nor ways are gloomy, unhealthy and over-darkened; these epithets qualify the person but have been transferred to other nouns) @ Learnings (1) Beauty is a balm to the soul of the despondent human, (2) A beautiful thing gives eternal joy. (3) There is beauty everywhere if we look for it. (4) Beauty in nature and in noble people inspire us. (5) The eternal presence of beauty on earth is of divine origin (© Beauty itself is a divine blessing. @) Beauty in all in its forms helps us deal with pain,Dictionary Word Meaning ‘the absence or cessation of life or existence nothingness bower a pleasant shady place under trees or climbing plants in a garden or wood ‘Synonyms extinction, void, blankness arbor, pergola, alcove Antonyms life, being, existence desert, arid region esterday, the previous day unwinding, untwining, uneoiling hope, mirth, cheer plethora, abundance, excess morrow thenext or following day | tomorrow, next day, the following day wreathing ‘to Interweave or cross one twisting, winding, coiling with another despondence a state or spell of low spirits heartsickness, dejection, blues dearth an insufficient quantity or paucity, Lack, scarcity number pall ‘something that covers blanket, cloak, veil or hides (in darkness), figuratively or literally rills: @ natural body of running water smaller than a river brooks, creeks, streamlets brightness, happiness, light distributary, effluent brake adense group of bushes, _ thicket, grove, woodland clearing ‘shrubs or trees covert a place where a person goes _ hideaway, hideout exposed, uncovered, visible to hide or to avoid others grandeur especially of appearance or style immortal lasting forever splendor and impressiveness, magnificence, majesty, glory _ insignificance, commonness, unimportance eternal, everlasting, undying mortal, temperary, transient ( OBJECTIVE / COMPETENCY Questions ) [Tmark] Multiple Choice Questions 1. On the basis of the extract, pick the opinion that is NOT TRUE about the theme of the poem. (@) A thing of beauty transcends time and doesn't fade away. (&) Beauty doesn’t dispel darkness and is surrounded by evil. (©) Athing of beauty is not only physical but spiritual as well. (@) A beautiful thing has a therapeutic quality and brings in a ray of hope. [CBSE Question Bank 2021] ‘Ans. (b) Beauty doesn't dispel darkness and is surrounded by evil Explanation: Only option (b) is not true of the theme of beauty as expressed in John Keats poem ‘A Thing of Beauty: Hence, option (b) is the correct answer. Options (a), (¢) and (4) are all true about the theme so they are incorrect. 2. Pick the statement that contradicts the idea ‘as expressed by the poet: (@) People are beautiful not in looks but just, in what they are. (b) Beautiful people have known suffering, struggle and loss. (Q) We must think of all the beauty that is left around us and be happy. (d) We must dwell on the beauty in life and be inspired by it. [CBSE Question Bank 2021}Ans. (b) Beautiful people have known suffering, struggle and loss. Explanation: it can be inferred that only option (b) contradicts the idea of beauty as expressed by John Keats in his poem. Hence option (b) is the correct answer. Options (a), (¢) and (d) are incorrect since they support Keats’ idea of beauty. 3. Choose the quote that best describes the poet's attitude to beauty: (@) Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams. —Ashley Smith (b) The seeds of beauty are in humility. —Maxime Lagacé (©) Beauty is how you feel inside and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something Physical. —Sophia Loren (d) Youth is happy because it has the capacity to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old. —Franz Kafka @ Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams. —Ashley Smith Explanation: All the quotes talk about beauty but only one talks about noticing it and living life. Hence, option (a) is the correct answer. Options (b), (c) and (d) do not come close to John Keats’ vision of beauty. So, they are not the correct answer. 4. what purpose do ‘sweet dreams, health and quiet breathing’ have in our lives? (a) To help us understand the origin of beauty in life. (b) To help us see the beauty of nature and human life. (©) To help us tolerate the trials and tribulations of life. (4) To help us appreciate the true beauty of human life. : 5. Choose the ‘unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways’ from this list: (1) indulge in excess of eating and sleeping (2) discover a new business idea (3) make deals with corrupt people (4) help other people earn money @ @)& @) ©) @) & 4) © Qe) @ee4 Ans. (a) (1) & (3) Explanation: Keats’ ‘unhealthy and o'er- darkened ways’ could be inferred to apply to ‘one's own and others’ physical and financial health as well. This points to option (0) os the correct answer. Options (b), (c) and (d) are partially correct, and hence not the correct answer. 6. Choose the word that DOES NOT mean ‘despondence’: (@) dependence _(b) melancholy (©) miserableness (4) exuberance 7. Choose the two meanings of the word ‘brake’: (2) clearing 4 ‘constraint brake [> (2) catalyst g @) thicket (@) (1) & 2) © Q@&B) ©) @)& 4) @ @) &@) Ans. (c) (3) & (4) Explanation: ‘Brake’ means both ‘a thing that slows or hinders a process’ (a constraint) and ‘a dense group of bushes, shrubs or trees (@ thicket). Therefore, option (c) is the correct, answer. Option (a) is the antonym of “brake' Options (b) and (c) are partially correct. They are therefore not the correct answer. 8. Which poetic device is used in this line: ‘of the gloomy days,/ Of all the unhealthy and o'er-darkn'd ways’? (@) internal rhyme (b) transferred epithet (©) oxymoron () inversion ‘Ans. (b) transferred epithet Explanation: The adjective ‘gloomy’ and ‘unhealthy and o'er-darkn'd ways’ describe the human but the epithet has been transferred to the objects here. The poetic device used here is transferred epithet. Hence, option (b) is the correct answer, Options (a), (c) and (d) are not the poetic devices used in this line, so they are not the correct answers.Extract Based Questions 9. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: A thing of beauty is a jay forever: Its loveliness increases, it will never Pass into nothingness; but still will keep A bower quiet for us, and a sleep Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing. (A) Which poetic device is used in the first line: ‘A thing of beauty is a joy forever’? (© anaphora (b) transferred epithet (©) epigram (d) metaphor (B) According to the poet, ‘to pass into nothingness’ means which of the following? (@) to slip away (b) to survive (©) to become alive (d) to become extinct (C) Which poetic device is used in ‘but still will keep/A bower quiet for us"? (a) anaphora (b) transferred epithet (© epigram (d) metaphor (0) @According to the poet, it can be inferred that beauty can help us... (@) lead a healthy and wholesome life. (b) love each other and attain peace. (©) understand the hurnan condition. (d) enjoy nature's delightful bounty. Ans. (A) (c) epigram Explanation: The poem begins with an epigram, which is ‘a short witty statement in verse or prose which may be complementary, satiric or aphoristic: Hence, option (c) is the correct answer. Options (a), (6) and (d) are not correct as they are not the poetic devices used in this context, (8) (d) to become extinct Explanation: “To pass into nothingness’ means to become extinct, Hence, option (d) is the correct answer. Options (a), (b) and (@ are incorrect as they do not accurately indicate the meaning of the line. (© @ metaphor Explanation: The poetic device is metaphor @s the calm and quiet of the bower is equated with the calm offered by beauty. ‘A metaphor is a figure of speech in which, one thing is described in terms: of another. Hence, option (d) is the correct answer. Options (a), (6) and (c) are incorrect since they are not the devices used in this line. 10. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: 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 (A) Which of the following does the ‘grandeur of the dooms’ refers to? (Q) the stories told to commemorate the dead (b) the forests grown to give shelter to people (© the fountains built in honour of beauty (@ the monuments erected to honour the heroes (8) Which poetic device is used in this line ‘We have imagined for the mighty dead’? (@) oxymoron —_—(b) apostrophe (©) assonance (@) symbol (©) Whose tales has the poet heard of or read? (@) the joy of beauty (©) the eternal fountain (© the heroic dead (@ gods and goddesses (O) Which of the following pours from the heavens according to the poet? (@) water (b) beauty (©) streams (@) grandeur Ans. (A) (d) the monuments erected in honour of the heroes Explanation: The ‘grandeur of the dooms’ refers to the monuments erected to commemorate the dead heroes. This points to option (d) as the correct answer. Evidence for options (a), (b) and (c) cannot be found in the extract. Hence, these options are incorrect. (8) (2) oxymoron Explanation: The poetic device ‘oxymoron’ is used in the phrase ‘mighty dead’ Itis a figure of speech which combines incongruous and apparently contradictory words and meanings for a special effect. Hence, option (a) is the correct answer. Options (b), (€) and (d) are not the poetic devices used in these lines. So, they are incorrect. (© © the heroic dead Explanation: The poet praises the heroic dead for their deeds and for inspiring the living through the tales of their bravery. Therefore, option (¢) is the correct answer, Evidence for options (a), (b) and (d) cannot be found in the poem. Hence, they are not the correct answer. (0) (b) beauty Explanation: According to the poet, beauty pours from the heavens, from the ‘endless fountain of immortal drink. Hence, option (©) is the correct answer. Options (a), (c) and (d) are not referenced in the poem Thus, they are not the correct answer. (SHORT ANSWER (SA) Type Questions ) { 2 marks ] Answer the following questions in 30-40 words: 1:1. How is a thing of beauty a joy forever? [CBSE 2015, 12] ‘Ans. The phrase ‘a thing of beauty is a joy forever’ means that a beautiful object whether that is natural or artificial is a source of joy for © person/ people for a long time even if the original beauty fades or circumstances change. 12, Swat ie the message of the poem’ Thing of Beauty’? [cBsE 2011} 13. In the hot season, how do man and beast get comfort? [CBSE 2017} Ans. In the hot season, nature provides man and beast with comfort. The thickets and groves of woodland, the streams and flowers provide coal comfort to anyone who seeks them. 14. What makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings? [CBSE 2015, 12, 10] Ans. Human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings because of the salve and respite offered by the beauty of life on earth. The sight of pristine forests, the pretty nooks and gurgling brooks are a balm to the harassed human mind, 15. If you were given an opportunity to share your perception of beauty, what would you say? Explain. [CBSE Question Bank 2021] ‘Ans. Beauty to me is simple and natural. Simple and natural beauty can be found in a kind heart, a sweet smile, a quiet moment and a generous attitude, In nature and in human beings, all the things which adhere to these two criteria can be considered as beautiful in my opinion. 46. ‘Beauty is best left undefined’. Support your position on this statement with your rationale, coupled with ideas in the poern. [CBSE Question Bank 2021) Ans. | agree that beauty is best left undefined. In defining beauty, something is lost. For example, the beauty of nature cannot be captured in words no matter how wonderful the words are, Even the beautiful John Keats’ poem pales before the beauty of nature. 17. Artists, singers and musicians have a different perception of beauty as compared to people who are in other professions. Comment. [CBSE Question Bank 2021) Ans. Artists, singers and musicians perceive beauty more closely than others because of their professions. Hence, they have a deeper knowledge of beauty as defined by John Keats, So, it is likely they have a different perception of beauty than people in other professions. 18. Explain with three real-world examples how beauty is eternal as John Keats says in his poem. ‘Ans. Major words of art which have survived through the ages illustrate how the beauty of art is eternal. Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, Rembrant’s The Nighwatch and the cave paintings of Ajanta and Ellora caves are examples of the immortality af beauty in art 19. What can be inferred to be John Keats’ opinion of human beings based on his poem? Ans. John Keats believes that human beings suffer o lot for being on this earth, They therefore need the support of beauty to survive and thrive. With the support of beauty, their lives become bearable.(LONG ANSWER (LA) / COMPETENCY (Questions [ 5 marks ] Answer the following questions in 120-150 words: 20. You are a blogger who loves to record travel stories. You recently visited a picturesque location, and you were enamoured by its beauty. Pen down the post for your blog giving vivid descriptions of the natural beauty of this place. Supplement your writing with Keats’ ideas about beautu. [CBSE Question Bank 2021) Ans. | recently went to the Andaman Islands. It was my first adventure in a long time. | tanded on Port Blair on @ warm Friday afternoon onto the jewel-green island that | saw from the Gir. The air was so fresh. | was whisked off on a boat ride through some of the quietest forests | had ever been to. As the engine of the motorboat was switched off in the middle of @ stream, a sudden silence descended on me. It was all-pervading and therapeutic to listen to this silence. It was certainly ‘a bower quiet from Keats’ poem. All | could hear was the “quiet breathing’ of the forest. This cool stream certainly lifted my spirits and rejuvenated me. More adventures awaited the next day, but | had had my Keatsian moment. The Andamans. re truly ‘a thing of beauty and a joy forever’ 2: Explain the various pairs of contrasting ideas ‘that John Keats uses in‘A Thing of Beauty’. ‘Ans. John Keats’ poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’ uses various contrasting ideas, According to Keats, a beautiful thing is.@ source for much joy forever because even if the original source fades away, it doesn’t fade away in our minds. Here lies: the first two sets of opposite ideas, now and forever and remembering and forgetting. Second, he says that beauty binds us to the earth and if it were not for beauty, we'd have left it. Here lies the next contrasting idea, leaving and staying. Third, he says beauty lifts our spirits and makes life tolerable. Here are the opposites: happiness and despondence. Fourth, Keats says that during the hot weather, nature’s beauty provides a cool shade for humans and animals. Therefore, opposite ideas like hot and cool, and shade and sun appear here. Lastly, he says that beauty is an eternal boon from the heavens poured on the earth. This points to opposing ideas of earth and heavens and immortality and death 22. Comment on the beauty of the language used by John Keats in ‘A Thing of Beauty’ Ans. John Keats uses some of the most exquisite language in ‘Endymion’ a part of which we can see in ‘A Thing of Beauty). Since the subject is beauty, Keats hac used many postic devices which bring this out. The imagery used is particularly striking. Some of them are: “. are we wreathing/ A flowery band to bind us to the earth’ where humans are shown to have relied on beauty and nature to make their earthly stay bearable. When the poet says, “Trees old, ‘and young, sprouting a shady boon’ an imagine of a forest appears in one’s mind. Adding to it is the rippling brook of ‘the green world’ and ‘clear nls. Keats’ descriptions of nature are delicately woven like this one: ‘Some shape of beauty moves away the pall/ From our dark spirits’ The picture created with words is of a shady grove into which humans and beasts can take shelter and where the ‘musk-rose blooms. This creates a potent picture of the power of nature to heal the tired and weary soul, 23. What is the function of beauty according to John Keats in ‘A Thing of Beauty’? Ans. The function of beauty according to John Keats is to help humans deal with the trials and tribulations of their everyday lives. Keats says, ‘A thing of beauty is a joy forever’, which means the joy given by looking at and experiencing beautiful thing is something that lasts forever. Even when the source of this beauty is no longer in sight, it stays in our mind's eye. Since we live in a world of stress and violence, we are troubled and anxious. A big relief comes from watching beautiful things. Keats believes that beauty is the reason humans are able to live on earth in spite of having stressful lives, Beauty is a source of solace and comfort for humans. 24. @observe the world around you and explain the beauty that you see. Refer to John Keats! poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’ to support your description. <