A Thing of Beauty by John Keats
A Thing of Beauty is a poem by John Keats about the essence and power of beauty in our lives.
The poem contains a small excerpt from his poem ‘Endymion; A Poetic Romance’. A Thing of
Beauty has been given here for better comprehension of the poem and possible future analysis for
poetic appreciation. A beautiful young shepherd named Endymion resolves to seek out Goddess
Cynthia. He goes through several places like the forest and the sea for that. The short excerpt from
this poem reflects how beauty can motivate us in various ways. It talks about beauty being a part
of the system around us. We can find beauty in nature or man-made concepts/ideas like art or
poetry.
Theme
The poem highlights how various objects of nature are a perennial source of pleasure for human beings.
A beautiful object is always treasured in our mind because it provides us eternal and everlasting joy.
An object of beauty never fades into insignificance , but multiplies manifolds whenever it returns to our
mind. The poem focuses on the theme of happiness and how it can be experienced.
Summary
A Thing of Beauty is about appreciating anything and everything around us. Anything that looks
beautiful is a source of joy for us. A beautiful thing becomes more attractive as we keep enjoying
it. The more we look closely at its beauty, the more we discover its stunning features. We never
forget a thing of beauty as its memory is etched into our minds due to the joy and loveliness
received from it. The after-effect of a beautiful thing is that it will always prove to be a source of
happiness and peace, just like a shade under a tree or a sleep full of sweet dreams. Our lives, as a
consequence, will be full of good health and peace.
Humans are connected to nature in a very close way. We participate in various earthly activities to
keep ourselves attached to mother nature. Bonding with nature around us has been compared to
wreathing flowery bands. There are many negative things in our lives, like dealing with
hopelessness, encountering people who are not kind or compassionate by nature and facing
various immoral and inhuman activities that lessen our belief in humanity. Despite acknowledging
the presence of these things, a beautiful thing never fails to uplift our moods. It makes us forget
our worries and troubles away.
We can find beauty anywhere if we want to see it. We can find it in ordinary things around us like
the sun, the moon, trees or something as simple as a shade for sheep. The poet gives more
examples to show the richness of beauty around us, like flowers, rills and the mid-forest brake. He
also points out that we can find beauty in places where we generally do not look, like the reasons
and circumstances behind the deaths of mighty heroes and warriors. Beauty exists in intangible
things like the stories that we read or hear.
The poet urges us to see the immense reserve of beauty around us. He calls it an ‘endless fountain
of immortal drink’: ‘endless’ because sources of beauty are limitless and ‘immortal’ to denote the
effect of beauty on our minds. The memory of a beautiful experience is forever. It never dies. We
are blessed to experience beauty in all forms around us. A direct reference to ‘heaven’ has been
made to show that God has provided us with many sources of beauty.
As discussed earlier, this is a poem about the role of beauty in our lives and how it can refresh our
perspective towards thinking. Life has negative and positive aspects, but we can achieve the best
by finding beauty in everything around us. The types of things we can find beauty in can range
from physical items to intangible things like feelings or ideas. The result of experiencing a
beautiful thing is immortal. The joy that beauty brings is priceless and never fades – providing us
with memories that can enrich our lives forever.
Short Answers
1 What does the poet mean by ‘a thing of beauty’?
’A thing of beauty’ is anything we find beautiful. It does not have to follow any stereotype of
beauty. The meaning of beauty is subjective here.
2 What is the central theme of the poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’?
The poem talks about beauty being a source of eternal joy and happiness that enriches our lives by
giving us good health and quality of life.
3 What are the beautiful things in the poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’?
The poet calls everything around us in nature beautiful. Creative things like stories that we read
and hear are also called beautiful. He even advocates negative intangible things like ideas and
sentiments related to dead heroes as beautiful and worth relishing.
4. List the Things that Cause Suffering and Pain.
Ans: According to the poet, the things that cause sufferings and pain are the inhumanity of cruel
people with noble nature and these experiences cause sad and painful moments.
5. What Does the Line, ‘Therefore are We Wreathing a Flowery Band to Bind Us to Earth’
Suggest to You?
Ans: This line ‘Therefore are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to earth’ mentioned by the
poet suggests that beauty binds us to the earth and these beauties fill us with the spirit to live. So,
it is the beauty created by God that helps us to remove sadness from our lives.
6. What Makes Human Beings Love Life despite Troubles and Sufferings?
Ans: Human beings love life despite its daily troubles and sufferings due to the presence of the
beauties that surround them. According to the poet, the world is full of greed and hatred. The
sadness caused by the negative vibes fades away with the positivity provided by the beauties
around us.
7. Why is ‘Grandeur’ Associated with the ‘Mighty Dead’?
Ans: ‘Grandeur’ is associated with the ‘mighty dead’ because it it lies in their noble deeds. There
are tales of warriors who laid their lives for their countries or humanity.
8. Do We Experience Things of Beauty Only for Short Moments or Do They Make a Lasting
Impression on Us?
Ans: According to the poet, these are the beauties that stay forever. It never fades away, Instead, it
increases with each passing day.
9. What Image Does the Poet Use to Describe the Beautiful Bounty of the Earth?
Ans: According to the poet, beauty is a gift from God to us. It is like nectar given by us which is
immortal and gives reasons to live on earth.
Short Answer
Question 1: Mention any four things of beauty that add joy to our life. (Or ) List the things of
beauty mentioned in the poem.
Answer: Four things of beauty that add joy to our life are clear streams, daffodils and the greenery
surrounding them, old and young trees and the forests.
2: Mention any two things which cause pain and suffering. (Or ) List the things that cause
suffering and pain.
Answer: Things which cause pain and suffering are sadness, hopelessness, a lack of noble
qualities and an unhealthy and wicked style of living.
3: Which objects of nature does Keats mention as sources of joy in his poem, A Thing of Beauty’?
Answer: The objects of nature mentioned by Keats are clear streams, musk-rose and daffodil
flowers, the greenery surrounding them, old and young trees, the forests, the Sun and the Moon.
4: What does a thing of beauty do for us?/ Life is full of sorrows. What brings joy in it?/
How do we get joy from life which is otherwise full of sorrows?
Answer: A thing of beauty adds endless joy to our life and helps us to overcome our sadness and
hopelessness. The memory of such a thing gives us everlasting happiness.
Question 5: What makes human beings love life Inspite of all the troubles they face?
(Or) What makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings?
Answer: Human beings love life Inspite of all the troubles and sufferings they face because of all
the things of beauty which surround them. These things remove our despondent state and allow us
to enjoy the beauty of nature.
6: How do beautiful things help us to live a happy life?
Answer: We derive comfort and happiness when we look at objects of beauty, and the lasting
impression they leave on our minds is a source of permanent joy. They provide us relief from our
every day trials and tribulations and help us live a happy life.
7: What does Keats consider an endless fountain of immortal drink and why does he call its drink
immortal?
Answer: Keats considers nature’s beauty as an endless fountain of immortal drink. He calls its
drink immortal as the pleasure and delight given by it never diminishes. It only increases with
time. Beauty is like an elixir of life.
8: According to Keats, what spreads the pall of despondence over our dark spirits? How is it
removed?
(Or) What spreads the pall of despondence over our dark spirits? How is it removed?
Answer: Keats says that pain and suffering are a part of life which spread the pall of despondence
over our dark spirits. But still, we can find hope. The hope and motivation comes from nature and
it removes this covering of despondence.
9: How does a thing of beauty provide shelter and comfort?
Answer: A thing of beauty provides shelter and comfort in many ways. It is like a bower, a place
under the shade of a tree where we can rest. It gives us a sleep full of sweet dreams in the hot
weather, the small streams of cool and clear water and the green forests around making a shady
place for us.
10: What does the line,Therefore are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to the Earth’ suggest
to you?
Answer: This line suggests that every day we appear to weave a wreath of flowers because it is
beautiful and keeps us attached to the beauties of the earth.
11: How is a thing of beauty a joy forever? (Or) Do we experience things of beauty only for a
short moment or do they make a lasting impression on US?
Answer: A thing of beauty is a joy forever because it is an eternal source of pleasure and
motivation. The happiness given by it never fades away, but keeps on increasing.
12: Why is ‘grandeur’ associated with the ‘mighty dead?
Answer: The poet finds beauty even in death. ‘Mighty dead’ refers to our glorious forefathers,
who were great in their own ways. Grandeur is associated with them because our past is full of
stories of their glory. They will always be remembered for their achievements.
13: What is the message of the poem, ‘A Thing of Beauty?
Answer: The message that the poem conveys is that a thing of beauty gives us endless joy. It helps
us to come out of sadness and hopelessness. The memory of such a thing is a source of everlasting
happiness.
14: What is the ‘endless fountain’ and what is its effect?
Answer: ‘Endless fountain’ refers to the beauty of nature. It is a boon from heaven itself. Our life
is full of miseries but the infinite delight that we get from beautiful things of nature gives us
motivation to continue our journey.
15: What image does the poet use to describe the beautiful bounty of the Earth?
Answer: The poet uses the image of nature as an ‘endless fountain’ pouring onto us from heaven.
Nature is a source of endless joy. The sun, the moon, the daffodils, the clear streams, the forests
etc, are a few beautiful images that make a deep impact on us.
16: What pleasure does a beautiful thing give us? Are truthful things worth treasuring?
Answer: A beautiful thing gives us everlasting joy and pleasure. Beautiful things are worth
treasuring because their memory soothes our nerves and inspires us to overcome the depressing
elements in life.
17. Give a gist of Keats’ poem A Thing of Beauty in about 60 words.
Answer: Beauty is a tonic, a heavenly drink. It is an endless fountain of amrita or nectar. It dispels
the dark sadness or depression from your mind at one stroke. This beauty comes in different
forms a poem/play, a lovely object of nature or the heavenly bodies. Life in its raw form is full of
struggles, failures, pain and despair. But the sun and the moon, the trees and flowers and streams,
and finally the rise and fall of mighty heroes distract our mind and brighten up our mood.
18. What pleasure does a beautiful thing give us ? Are beautiful things worth treasuring ?
Answer: A beautiful thing gives us pleasure today and all times to come. They are as soothing as
the cooling shade of a bower or sound health and mental peace. That’s why the beautiful things
are worth-treasuring. They are eternal source of joy. With the passing of time the sweet memories
become all the more lovely.
19. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
A thing of beauty is a joy for ever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness; but will keep
A bower quiet for us.
(a) ‘A thing of beauty is joy for ever’. Explain.
(b) Why does a beautiful thing ‘pass into nothingness’ ?
(c) What does poet mean by ‘a bower quiet for us’ ?
Answer:
(a) It means that a thing of beauty has long-lasting impact. We even think of them in our dream.
(b) A beautiful thing passes into nothingness as it has long standing impression.
(c) It means a shady place for one to sit and ponder there.
Long Answer
1: Analyse the myth of Endymion in the context of the poem.
Answer: The poem is an excerpt from John Keats’ first epic poem ‘Endymion’, which was
published in 1818. The title of this poem is taken from the very first lines of Endymion. According
to Greek mythology, Endymion was a handsome young shepherd who lived on Mount Latmos of
Asia Minor. He was in love with the moon goddess Selene, who was also known as Cynthia. The
enchanted shepherd resolved to seek her in his admiration. This poem echoes the pleasure of the
shepherd as he wanders through the forests and finds pleasure in beholding the beautiful sights of
nature. That beauty can create joy in the soul that will last forever, is what is conveyed in the
poem. The nature with its beauty, the sun, the moon and daffodils gives to life a new meaning and
significance.
2: Explain ‘An endless fountain of immortal drink’.
Answer: This line is taken from John Keats’ poem, ‘A Thing of Beauty’. That beauty is
everlasting, as it creates an eternal joy in the beholder. It is an endless fountain of joy that is
immortal as a drink pouring down on us, as a water of joy from the edge of heaven’s cliff. The
eternal joy is like a bliss of heaven on Earth. The poet here says these words in order to explain
the nature of the pleasure and joy that is created when a beautiful object is seen by a beholder. The
poet here affirms the truth that beauty is not ephemeral, but eternal. The pleasure we receive in
perceiving a beautiful object is a gift that is worth treasuring, as the joy soothes the gloom in our
minds.
3: Explain ‘A thing of beauty is a joy forever’.
Answer: It is the first line of John Keats’ first epic poem, ‘Endymion: A Poetic Romance’ and of
the poem ‘A Thing of Beauty.’ This line is dramatically very significant because it is multi-
layered in its meaning. It explains the effect of beauty on the soul. Beauty heals the negative
impulses of our life. It relieves us from being weighed down by worldly worries. Keats, as a
romantic poet, brings out the belief in the power of nature to heal and give happiness. A beautiful
thing is an object of joy because it gives us mental peace and makes us happy. Its value lies in its
effect on us and it never breeds a sense of nothingness. It will not diminish with the passage of
time.
4: Analyse the poetic devices used in the poem.
Answer: The poem is rich in images and the use of various poetic devices. There is alliteration in
‘simple sheep’ which actually refers to mankind. Metaphor has been employed in ‘moves the pall’
where our souls steeped in sadness and hopelessness are compared to dead bodies covered with a
shroud. In the metaphor, ‘immortal drink’, a feeling of immense joy has been compared to a drink
that flows down from heaven’s brink, like an endless fountain. There is use of alliteration in
‘noble natures’, ‘simple sheep’ and ‘cooling covert’,. The poem abounds in the use of imagery, as
in ‘flowery bands’, ‘daffodils with the green world they live in’, ‘clear rills’, and ‘endless
fountain.’
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
“A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness; but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.”
1: How does a thing of beauty remain a joy forever?
Answer: A thing of beauty gives us eternal and everlasting joy. The joy it gives us keeps on
increasing with time.
2: Mention any two sources of joy which a thing of beauty provides to us.
Answer: A thing of beauty gives us a quiet bower to rest peacefully and blissful sleep full of
pleasant dreams.
3: Explain ‘never pass into nothingness.’
Answer: The joy that a thing of beauty gives is eternal. It never ends; instead it only increases with
time.
4: What is meant by’ bower?
Answer: ‘Bower’ refers to a peaceful place under the shade of trees.
II. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
“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
Made for our searching.”
1: What are the flowery bands that bind us to Earth?
Answer: Flowery bands refer to beautiful and pleasant things. The memory of these things
remains in our minds and helps us strengthen our bond with Earth.
2: What message do the above lines convey?
Answer: The above lines convey that life is full of hopelessness and sadness. There is lack of
noble feelings among men. In spite of all this, some beautiful things help us to shed our sad and
grim thoughts.
3: What is meant by ‘spite’ in the above lines?
Answer: Spite here refers to malice. It means that in spite of despair and gloom, a beautiful thing
or a flowery band can make us happy.
4: Describe the evil and bad things that we possess in us.
Answer: We suffer from disappointments, lack of noble ways and noble qualities.
III. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
“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
Made for our searching”
1: Name the poem and the poet.
Answer: The poem is ‘A Thing of Beauty’ and the poet is John Keats.
2: Why are we despondent?
Answer: Human life is full of trials and tribulations. We add to our troubles and make our lives
more difficult by following evil ways. We hurt others as well as ourselves. This makes us
despondent.
3: What removes the pall from our dark spirits?
Answer: The various objects of beauty around us remove the pall from our dark spirits. Beautiful
things have the power to make us happy.
4: Explain the inhuman dearth of noble natures’.
Answer: The poet here means that the world lacks men of noble nature or qualities. There are few
people who are noble in character; most of the people are self-centered and pursue evil ways.
5: What are we doing every day?
Answer: The memory of beautiful things remains in our minds and strengthens our bond with
Earth every day. The poet says that every day we prepare flowery wreaths to make our life
beautiful and to remain connected with nature.
6: Which evil things do we possess and suffer from?
Answer: We suffer from hopelessness and sadness and our style of living makes us grim.
7: What are the circumstances that contribute towards making humans unhappy and disillusioned
with life?
Answer: Hopelessness, sadness and lack of noble ways are a part of human life. We do ourselves
harm by following unhealthy and wicked paths. These circumstances contribute towards making
humans unhappy and disillusioned with life.
8: What removes the pall from our dark spirits?
Answer: Any beautiful object or a thing of beauty removes the pall of sadness from our hearts or
spirits.
IV. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
“Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits.”
1: How does beauty help us when we are burdened with griep
Answer: Whenever we look at a beautiful object, we are filled with comfort and joy. When we are
burdened with grief, a thing of beauty comes as a ray of hope, and makes us forget our sorrow and
suffering, at least for some time.
2: Explain’ Some shape of beauty.’
Answer: Beauty is an abstract idea and has no specific shape. The poet here means beauty in some
form or some beautiful object which pleases us.
3: Identify the figure of speech in the above lines.
Answer: The given lines present an example of metaphor. Our souls are steeped in sadness and
disappointment which are compared to a pall or shroud covering the dead.
4: Why are our spirits referred to as dark?
Answer: Our spirits are dejected due to extreme sadness and disappointment, which may be the
result of our own evil actions. So, the poet refers to them as dark, because of the hopelessness we
feel.
V. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
“Such the Sun, the Moon,
Trees old and young, sprouting a shady boon
For simple sheep; and such are daffodils
With the green world they live in; and clear rills
That for themselves a cooling covert make
‘Gainst the hot season.”
1: List the things that give us joy. Which of these provide respite in the hot season?
Answer: The various objects of nature, like the sun, the moon, old and young trees in forests,
daffodils and clear water streams give us joy. Clear water streams, green surroundings and the
shade of trees in forests gives us respite from the heat.
2: Name the poem and the poet.
Answer: The poem is ‘A Thing of Beauty’ and the poet is John Keats.
3: Describe the role of daffodils and clear rills.
Answer: Daffodils bloom in green surroundings. Clear rills are small streams which make a
cooling shelter for us.
VI. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
“And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read;
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.”
1: Name the poem and the poet.
Answer: The poem is ‘A Thing of Beauty’ and the poet is John Keats.
2: What is the thing of beauty mentioned in these lines?
Answer: The thing of beauty mentioned in these lines is the lovely stories celebrating the glory of
our powerful ancestors, which we have read or heard about.
3: What image does the poet use in these lines?
Answer: The poet uses the image of an ‘endless fountain’ coming down to us from heaven.
According to him, nature and other beautiful things around us are like a gift from God, which give
us infinite delight and joy.
4: What is the effect of this ‘immortal drink’ on us?
Answer: The immortal drink gives us immense joy, a joy that is everlasting and one that will never
come to an end.
5: Who are the‘mighty dead? How do we know about them?
Answer:Our forefathers, who were great in their own ways, have been referred to as the ‘mighty
dead’. We come to know about them by reading and learning about the tales of their glory.
6: What images does the poet use to convey that beauty is everlasting?
Answer:An endless fountain of joy is the image that has been used to convey that beauty is
everlasting. A thing of beauty makes a deep impression on our mind. It gives us infinite pleasure
7: What is the effect of that immortal drink?
Answer: The immortal drink that nature’s endless fountain pours into our hearts is a source of
immense joy and pleasure to us.
8: Point out the words from the extract which mean
1. Stories - Tales
2. Magnificence - grandeur
A Thing of Beauty Extra Questions Value Based Type
1: ‘A thing of beauty is a joy forever.’ This is what John Keats says in the poem. Do you think in
the present times of acute stress and violence, proximity to beautiful things can lead man to
everlasting happiness? Discuss.
Answer: A thing of beauty gives us permanent happiness. When we look at objects of beauty, we
feel happy, and the lasting impression that such objects leave on our mind continues to give us
pleasure even when they are no longer in our sight. In the present times of acute stress and
violence, the objects of beauty attain even greater significance. When our mind is anxious and
troubled, the very sight of beautiful things often comes as a relief and provides us comfort and
happiness for the moment.
Appreciating beautiful things is like appreciating God, who has bestowed them upon mankind as a
gift so that we can derive happiness and solace from them. Proximity to beautiful things brings us
closer to the creator, in whom lies the ultimate power to grant us relief from all anxieties and
troubles. Therefore, it is sure to bring everlasting happiness at all times.
About the Poem
Beauty, they say, is nine days’ wonder. Beauty is skin deep. These are common sayings. But
Keats has a different opinion. For him a thing of beauty is a joy for ever. By beauty he means
much else than physical charm. A lovely young face will become wrinkled in old age but the
sweet memory of our beloved, of a mountain scene, of a painting or the eighth wonder of the
world haunts us for years on end.
A melodious tune or an emotional song delights us for ever. Life is not always a bed of roses. We
suffer mental and physical pain very often. We complain of the treachery of our friend, of our
ailments, of misfortunes. But this pall of sadness disappears when we hear or see a lovely thing. It
soothes our nerves. The beauty of a poem or of music is no less effective.
A Thing of Beauty in short to recall.
Beautiful things are worth treasuring. They are eternal source of joy. With the passing of time the
sweet memories become all the more lovely. We cherish them till our last breath. A beautiful thing
gives us pleasure today and all times to come. They are as soothing as the cooling shade of a
bower or sound health and mental peace. It is for this reason that we keep our contact with nature
alive.
Every morning we prepare garland of fresh flowers. We forget our worries for a while. We keep
away our despair and our complaint about wickedness of man and of hardships of life. These are
unavoidable part of life. Every person gets a bitter taste of sorrow, suffering and grief. Yet in spite
of all the problems that afflict us, nature brightens up our mood. A thing of beauty, a great idea
and a sweet memory remove our pall of sadness. There are numerous objects of beauty in nature.
There are the heavenly bodies like the sun and the moon to cheer us up.
Then there are trees, shady bowers which provide shelter to simple sleep, the daffodil flowers
encaged in a green cover, and the streams that flow through a cool tunnel in hot summer. The
streams make a shady passage for themselves, made of plants on either side. Finally there are
bushes bearing flowers.
In addition to lovely objects of nature, there are plays and poems to lift our spirits. The glorious
achievements of mighty heroes are as exciting as their tragic fall and end. Literature or tales that
we have created or heard from our elders. These imaginary tales are an endless source of
everlasting joy, or of a heavenly drink.
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