Poetry Synthesis Essay

Knowledge of the background of a poem, whether historical, biographical, social or otherwise, can enhance one's understanding of the work. When one knows about a poet’s background, they can better understand the ideas that the poet is trying to convey. One will be able to better understand why the poet made certain stylistic choices within the poem. Furthermore, with knowledge on the poet’s background, a reader may be able to pick up on hidden themes or metaphors that would go unnoticed to someone without background knowledge. This can be seen in works by poets Sylvia Plath and John Keats. Both of these poets write poems that reflect their current struggles and personal feelings. Without knowing the struggles that these poets were going through, it can be difficult to understand the meaning of their poems. Both Plath and Keats had some personal problems and depression, whether it be caused by family or health issues,

Within this poem, Keats explores the idea that beauty within life is temporary. Life will eventually go on and may end in disaster while art can capture a beautiful moment forever. When evaluating those ideas within the work, it is important to know about Keat’s background and understand that he was slowly dying and soon he would not be on earth. This idea is expressed in the lines “Your leaves, nor ever bid the Spring adieu; / And, happy melodist, unwearied”(22-23) where he expresses how beauty is important because it will remain long after he dies from his illness. This idea is once again conveyed in the lines “When old age shall this generation waste, / Thou shalt remain, in midst of other woe” (46-47). This helps to emphasize Keats’ feeling that the urn will still be there when he is gone and the next generation is on earth. If a reader did not know what Keats was going through, the message would not be as