A Thing of Beauty
By - John Keats
By - John Keats
A thing of beauty is a joy 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.
Questions
1. What is “a thing of beauty”?
Ans: A thing of beauty is something that gives us joy forever.
2. How does beauty affect our happiness?
Ans: Its loveliness increases and provides lasting joy.
3. What does “bower quiet” mean in the stanza?
Ans: It means a peaceful and calm place that beauty creates for us.
4. According to Keats, can beauty ever disappear?
Ans: No, beauty never passes into nothingness.
5. What feelings does beauty give us?
Ans: It gives sweet dreams, health, and quiet breathing (peace).
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
Questions
1. What does Keats mean by “a flowery band”?
Ans: It symbolizes beauty and hope that bind us to life.
2. How does beauty help us in life according to this stanza?
Ans: It gives hope and joy even during sadness and difficulties.
3. What is meant by “gloomy days”?
Ans: It refers to hard, sad, or depressing times in life.
4. Does beauty only exist in good times?
Ans: No, beauty is present even in dark and difficult times.
5. Why does the poet say “to bind us to the earth”?
Ans: Because beauty gives us a reason to live and appreciate life.
…Then, every man, as he hears the songs
Of poets and sees beauty in the world,
Realizes that these things give the mind
A calm and happy state, a peaceful rest,
And joy that lasts for all time.
Questions
1. What brings a calm and happy state to the mind?
Ans: Beauty in the world and the songs of poets.
2. Why does the poet mention poets?
Ans:Because poets create beauty through their words, inspiring joy.
3. What does the poet say about the joy of beauty?
Ans: That it is lasting and permanent.
4. How does beauty affect human life?
Ans: It makes life peaceful and worth living.
5. What is the main idea of this stanza?
Ans: Beauty in nature and art brings lasting happiness and peace.
Bower – A shady, peaceful place.
Pass into nothingness – Disappear or be forgotten.
Loveliness – Beauty or charm.
Morrow – Tomorrow or future days.
Despondence – Sadness or low spirits.
Inhuman dearth – Lack of kindness or noble people.
Poets – People who write beautiful and meaningful poetry.
Realizes – Understands clearly.
Calm and happy state – Peace of mind.
Q.1 List the things of beauty mentioned in the poem "A thing of beauty" ?
Ans : List the things of beauty mentioned in the poem "A thing of beauty" are -
The sun, the moon, trees, daffodils, clear rills, musk roses, sheep etc
Q.2 List the things that cause suffering and pain ?
Ans : According to the poet, there are number of things that cause suffering and pain such as depression, unhealthy, inhuman dearth of noble natures, darkness etc.
Q.3 What does the line " Therefore are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to earth " suggest to you ?
Ans : In the poem "A Thing of Beauty " John Keats mentions the line " Therefore are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to earth ". This line suggests us that a thing of beauty binds us to the earth with a beautiful connection.
Q.4 What makes human beings love life in spite of trouble and sufferings ?
Ans : In the poem "A Thing of Beauty " John Keats says that a thing of beauty is joy forever. It will never pass into nothingness. According to the poet, a thing of beauty makes human beings love life in spite of trouble and suffering.
Q.5 What images does the poet use to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth ?
Ans : The poet uses the image of an endless fountain of immortal drink to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth. The other images are trees, simple sheep, daffodils, musk rose, clear rills etc.