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Name: Sayantika Chatterjee

Date:

THE ROMANTIC POEM & THE ROMANTIC PERIOD:

Romantic movement or Romantic era was an artistic and intellectual movement that

originated in Europe towards the end of the 18th century. Romanticism in poetry arose in

response to the enlightenment ideals that prevailed in the 18th century. This form of poetry

emphasizes on emotions rather than reason. William Wordsworth, John Keats, P.B. Shelly

and many more romantic poets strengthened the movement of romanticism in poetry to a

great extent. The Romantic Movement began somewhere around the end of the 18th century,

and instantly struck a chord with poets and readers across the globe. Growing interest in

folklore was one of the early signs of romantic poetry becoming popular.

Some of the important romantic poetry characteristics are passionate display of emotion,

interest in the supernatural, idealism, and affinity towards nature.

• Imaginations: The phenomenon of imagination is the essence or core of romantic

poetry. According to romantic poets, it is possible to attain a transcendental

experience by means of imagination. It takes us near to the spiritual truth.

• Emotions: When it comes to romantic poetry, reason and logic take a backseat. The
 one thing which rules the world of romanticism is emotion. Romantic poetry is one of

the best means to let loose one's emotions through words. The overflow of emotions

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depicted through romantic poetry transcends the boundaries of logical reasoning.

Spontaneity in romantic poetry arises from an emotional outflow, and sometimes pain

is the inspiration.

• Nature: Romantic poetry associated with nature is a kind of a meditative process. The

rationalists tend to view or associate nature with some kind of machine while a

romanticist's perception of nature is that of an organic phenomenon.

• Symbolism: Symbolism in literature allows to infer / derive different meanings from a

single expression. Representing a particular thing allegorically lies at the core of

symbolism. Symbolism rouses the curiosity of readers and also adds a kind of enigma

to the expressions or thoughts of the poet.

"Ode to Autumn" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem by John Keats.

The poem consists of three stanzas, each with a unique rhyme scheme and meter. Keats

employs a rich, sensual language, using vivid imagery and symbolism to convey the themes

of the poem.

The first stanza describes Autumn's abundance, emphasizing the season's role in ripening

fruits and grains:

"Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,

Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;

With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;"

Keats personifies Autumn as a benevolent goddess, who, in partnership with the sun, brings

forth the season's bounty.

The second stanza introduces a note of melancholy, as the speaker reflects on the passing of

summer and the impending arrival of winter:

"Who hath not seen thee oft amid thy store?

Sometimes whoever seeks abroad may find

Thee sitting careless on a granary floor,

Thy hair soft-lifted by the winnowing wind;"

The speaker acknowledges Autumn's fleeting nature, hinting at the mortality that lies

beneath the season's abundance.

The final stanza explores the cyclical nature of the seasons, as the speaker urges Autumn

to linger and not rush into winter:

"Where are the songs of spring? Ay, where are they?

Think not of them, thou hast thy music too,—

While barred clouds bloom the soft-dying day,

The speaker accepts the inevitability of change, finding beauty in the season's decline.

The poem concludes with an appreciation for the unique music and beauty of Autumn.

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"Ode to Autumn" is widely regarded as a Romantic poem for several reasons:

• Emphasis on Nature: Romanticism emphasizes the importance of nature and its

impact on human emotions. In "Ode to Autumn," Keats personifies Autumn,

describing its beauty, abundance, and fleeting nature.

• Imagery and Sensuality: Romantic poetry is characterized by vivid, sensual imagery.

Keats' descriptions of Autumn's "mists and mellow fruitfulness," "conspiring with

the sun," and "soft-dying day" evoke a rich sensory experience.

• Emotional Intensity: Romanticism emphasizes strong emotions and personal feelings.

Keats' ode expresses a deep sense of melancholy, nostalgia, and appreciation for the

beauty of Autumn.

• Focus on the Individual: Romantic poetry often focuses on the individual's emotional

and personal experience. In "Ode to Autumn," Keats addresses the season directly,

creating an intimate and personal connection.

• Celebration of Beauty: Romanticism celebrates the beauty of the natural world and

the human experience. Keats' ode is a tribute to Autumn's beauty, emphasizing

• Use of Symbolism: Romantic poetry often employs symbolism to convey deeper

meanings. In "Ode to Autumn," Autumn serves as a symbol for the cycle of life,

death, and rebirth, as well as the fleeting nature of beauty.

• Emphasis on the Sublime: Romanticism often explores the sublime, a feeling of awe
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and wonder inspired by nature's power and beauty. Keats' ode captures the sublime

quality of Autumn's beauty, evoking a sense of reverence and admiration.

• Personal and Reflective Tone: Romantic poetry often features a personal, reflective

tone. Keats' ode is characterized by a contemplative, introspective tone, as the

speaker reflects on the nature of Autumn and its impact on human emotions.

By incorporating these Romantic elements, "Ode to Autumn" embodies the spirit of Romantic

poetry, inviting readers to appreciate the beauty, power, and emotional resonance of the

natural world.