A Thing of Beauty - Endymion (John Keats)

Flashcards cover the key ideas, imagery, and devices from Keats's 'A Thing of Beauty' as described in the notes.

Who is the poet of 'A Thing of Beauty' and when did he live?

John Keats, a British Romantic poet (1795-1821).

What is the central message of 'A Thing of Beauty' according to the excerpt?

Beauty provides lasting joy, revives the soul, and helps us endure despondence and hardship.

Complete the line: 'A thing of beauty is a joy forever; Its loveliness increases, it will never .'

Pass into nothingness.

According to the poem, what comforts does beauty provide (hint: 'a bower quiet for us…')?

Solace: a quiet shelter, restful sleep, health, and quiet breathing.

What does the image 'a flowery band to bind us to the earth' signify?

Beauty binding us to life and helping us endure through despondence.

Name some things of beauty mentioned in the poem.

The sun, the moon, trees old and young, rills, daffodils, mid-forest brake, musk-rose blooms.

What does 'an endless fountain of immortal drink, pouring unto us from the heaven's brink' refer to?

Beauty as an eternal source of inspiration and joy.

How is 'grandeur' connected to the 'mighty dead' in the poem?

Grandeur relates to noble ancestors and their deeds; beauty keeps their memory alive and revered.

Name two literary devices used in the poem as noted in the notes.

Metaphor and imagery (also alliteration, anaphora, antithesis, etc.).

What two questions are asked before reading the excerpt?

What pleasure does a beautiful thing give us? Are beautiful things worth treasuring?

Who is Cynthia in the Greek legend mentioned, and what is her relation to Endymion?

Cynthia is the Moon Goddess; Endymion is a shepherd/lover who has a vision of her.

What is the broader sense Keats gives to beauty’s influence on life (cosmic and earthly)?

Beauty is a sustaining, elevating force that uplifts the spirit and binds us to life amid trouble.