A Critical Analysis of Ode on a Grecian Urn

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A Critical Analysis of Ode on a Grecian Urn

The Romantic Period introduced a variety of writing styles. The authors of the

early eighteenth century altered many of the earlier romantic pieces. The early writers

primary area of concern was nature. It was not until the ladder part of the eighteenth

century that authors began to focus on the supernatural as well as nature. John Keats

unique style of writing gave the world a great respect for his work. Keats felt his poetry

should effect the readers emotions, and only great poetry could move the reader to the

point of enjoyment. In doing this Keats felt the only way to achieve his goal of "moving his

audience" was to surrender to uncertainties, or by believing much of life is unexplainable,

especially human beings, who strive on emotion that guide their wants and needs.

In the "Ode on a Grecian Urn", the urn represents a story without regard to time.

(Bloom 16). The unchanging marble arrests time through the urn. (Bloom 16).

"When old age shall this generation waste, Thou shalt remain" (lines 46-47),

describes the unchanging marbles and the characters on the urn. With the unchanging

marble, the urn has slowed time towards eternity, making artwork immortal (bloom 16).

This shows the immortal side of the Grecian urn physical appearance. The unchangeable

urn also displays a tale of an everyday place. The urn show the people with their endless

deeds.

"Fair youth, beneath the trees, thou canst not leave

Thy song, nor ever can those trees be bare;

Bold Lover, never, never canst thou kiss,

Tough winning near the goal- ye, do not grieve;...

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...tars' yet there is a hidden message within the lives they lead. "Beauty

is truth, truth beauty." This message is apparent whenever a 'star' is in the spotlight.

Society believes in the reality behind the message "Beauty is truth, truth beauty." We want

to believe this message is the key to all our happiness. We all at one time or another within

our lives have tried to live according to our favorite celebrity, just as Keats idolized the

people projected on his urn. Keats life unfortunately ended before it ever began yet he was

able to realize despite his heartbreak and illness, that this is almost never true. No matter

how perfect things appear to be on the outside, it's totally different when you attempt to

put the other person shoes on and takes a stroll. In other words, things are not what they

always appear to be.

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