A THING OF BEAUTY

Do we experience things of beauty only for short moments or do they make a lasting
impression? Explain. (A Thing of Beauty)

Answer:

Eternal is the beauty of few things and this enduring beauty of certain things remains etched in our
memories and creates a lasting happiness. The joy they bring persists indefinitely and intensifies
with each recollection. The poet craftily focused on the fact that when we remember beautiful things
from the past, it "lifts the cloud from our dark spirits."

2.How does nature contribute to our good health? (A Thing of Beauty)

Answer:

Nature significantly contributes to our good health by providing a tranquil environment, keeping our
surroundings peaceful and quiet, which aids in relaxation and stress reduction. The beauty of nature
promotes sound sleep, filled with sweet dreams, and offers solace, making us feel calm and
rejuvenated.

3.What is the message of the poem, ‘A Thing of Beauty’?

[2022, 2011]

Answer:

John Keats has given a very clear message in the poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’ that every beautiful
thing that surrounds us, is a source of constant joy and inspiration. They give us eternal pleasure
and leave an indelible mark on our minds and, therefore, every beautiful thing is worth being
treasured. It never passes into nothingness Our earth is replete with innumerable natural objects full
of beauty. These enliven our spirits and remove the pall of despondency, misery, sadness and
sufferings.

4.List the things that cause suffering and pain. (A Thing of Beauty)

Answer:

The things that cause suffering are dark phases of our life, adverse circumstances, gloomy days,
derth of noble people and bad health.

5.What makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings? (A Thing of Beauty

Answer:

Human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings because of the existence of
several natural and beautiful things around them. These things of beauty never fade. They
give us joy and optimism and thus, help in overcoming or enduring the troubles and
sufferings.

5.What are the things that cause suffering and pain?

Answer: The poet talks about nature in the poem 'A Thing of Beauty'. The poem tells about how
nature and its wonder mesmerize us and take away all the sorrow that surrounds us from time to
time which can take away all our pain. There are several things that bring pain and suffering in our
life like jealousy, despondency, lack of human qualities, gloomy days, unhealthy and evil ways give
birth to may troubles. The pain that Keats had experienced in his life made him realize that sadness
and pain are present in and around everyone who exists on this earth. And he is no exception to
that. We must accept that some days or situations in life can certainly bring pain and suffering. Even
the hostile and inhuman attitude makes our days gloomy and sad and may even darken our ways.
Some people only desire to offend others or trouble them. It only depends on us that how we
struggle to come out of these situations and make ourselves happy.

6.What is the theme of the poem – A Thing of Beauty?

Answer:
The message of the poem ‘A thing of beauty’ is that beautiful things are a source of constant joy and
inspiration. They give us eternal pleasure and leave an indelible image on our minds. Therefore,
every beautiful thing is worth being treasured.

7.How does a thing of beauty provide shelter and comfort? (A Thing of Beauty)

Answer:

A thing of beauty provides shelter and comfort. It is like a bower, a place under the shade of
a tree where we can rest. It gives us a sleep filled with sweet dreams. The streams and
forests provide a cooling covert for us in the hot weather.

8.What are the things of beauty that the poet mentions in the poem A Thing of Beauty?

Answer:

According to the poet, things related to nature that are the source of joy or pleasure can be
called things of beauty. The things of beauty that help us forget our sorrows. These are the
sun, the moon, old and young trees that provide shade to ‘simple sheep’, daffodil flowers,
clear streams of rivers, blooming musk-roses in the forest, and the lovely tales of mighty
men.

9.What makes a thing of beauty a joy forever?

Answer:

The existence of a thing of beauty brings joy into our lives, and its allure only grows with the
passage of time. These beautiful elements surround us in their simplest forms, such as the
sun, moon, trees, and rivers, as well as the historical tales we encounter through reading or
hearing. They serve as a wellspring of peace, capable of soothing and tranquilizing our
minds, enabling us to find solace even in the midst of darkness. These exquisite entities
forge a connection between us and the Earth, empowering us to navigate life’s challenges
with resilience and discover light amidst adversity.

10.What grandeur is associated with the mighty dead? (A Thing of Beauty)

Answer:

The grandeur of the ‘mighty dead’ lies in their brave and noble deeds. They have left behind
the beautiful legacy of their acts and through this, they continue to live among us. This has
become a source of beauty for us. Their selfless sacrifice for their nation and deeds for the
welfare of mankind still continue to inspire us.

11.Explain On every morrow are we wreathing.

A flowery band to bind us to the earth …. (A Thing of Beauty)

Answer:

The poet highlighted that in spite of the sad things in life, things of beauty enable us to
sleep quietly and have good dreams. Every day, these beautiful things act like a band of
flowers that bind us to Earth and give us a reason to keep living.

12.In what way do the things of beauty leave a lasting impression on us?

Answer:

Things of beauty make a lasting impression on us. Our encounter with them might be
momentary, however, their beauty never diminishes and we can always derive joy from
them. According to the poet, these beautiful things make such an impression that they act
as anchors to pull us out when we sink into sadness. The things of beauty have a profound
impact on us, leaving lasting impressions that endure over time. Beauty, whether in art,
nature, or human expression, touches our emotions and stimulates our senses. It has the
power to evoke a range of emotions, from joy and awe to tranquility and introspection.
When we encounter beauty, it resonates with our innermost selves, stirring feelings of
wonder and appreciation. These impressions linger within us, shaping our memories and
influencing our perspectives. Beauty inspires and uplifts us, encouraging us to seek a
deeper meaning and connect with the world around us. It offers solace in difficult times
and brings forth moments of pure delight.

13.According to the poet, Keats, nature offers a vast array of beautiful things around us
which we fail to notice in our mundane life. List the beautiful things.
Answer:

John Keats adored nature and he saw its beauty as an everlasting source of joy and
happiness. He sees beauty in all natural objects since it helps us to forget our sorrows. In
this poem, he lists the sun, the moon, the old and young trees, daffodils, green forests,
clear rills, masses of ferns, blooming musk-rose, and lovely tales, etc. as things of beauty.

14.A thing of beauty is a joy forever. Explain with reference to the poem.

Answer:

John Keats refers to a beautiful thing as a source of joy forever because it is a constant
source of happiness and pleasure. Their mere existence brings joy to our lives. Its beauty
remains timeless, and in fact, grows stronger as time passes. These elements of beauty
surround us in their simplest forms, such as the sun, the moon, trees, rivers, and the
captivating tales of history that we read or hear. They serve as a source of tranquility,
allowing us to find solace and serenity amidst the chaos. In their presence, our minds find
relaxation and inner peace, illuminating even the darkest moments. These remarkable
entities forge a profound connection between us and the Earth, empowering us to confront
life’s challenges with resilience and fortitude.

15.How can the mighty dead be described as a thing of beauty? Explain.

Answer:

The ‘mighty dead’ are those who have performed brave and noble deeds. They continue to
live on among us through the stories and legends about their life, which have now become
a source of beauty for us. Owing to the noble life they have lived, on doomsday or judgment
day, they will be rewarded with “grandeur”.

16.How do things of beauty have a lasting impact on us? (A Thing of Beauty)

Answer:

Things of beauty have a profound and lasting impact on us due to their ability to evoke deep
emotions and connect with our senses. Whether it is a captivating painting, a mesmerizing
piece of music, or a breathtaking landscape, beauty touches our souls and leaves an
indelible impression. Beauty has the power to uplift our spirits and transport us to a realm
of pure aesthetic pleasure. It stirs our emotions, evoking joy, wonder, awe, and even a
sense of tranquility. It has the ability to transcend language and cultural barriers,
resonating with people across time and space. Furthermore, beauty has the potential to
inspire and ignite our creativity. It stimulates our imagination, encouraging us to explore
new ideas and perspectives. It provides solace and respite from the complexities of life,
offering a momentary escape and a sense of harmony.

In essence, things of beauty captivate us on a deep level, leaving a lasting impact by

17.What, according to Keats, causes a pall over our spirit?

Ans:

According to Keats, suffering and pain caused by man’s malice and his evil ways spreads
the pall of despondence over our dark spirits.

18.Justify the title of the poem A Thing of Beauty.

Answer

The title of the poem “A Thing of Beauty” is justified by the content and themes explored
within the poem itself. Keats in this poem celebrates the enduring power and impact of
beauty on the human spirit. He suggests that beauty is not merely superficial or fleeting,
but rather a profound force that has the ability to uplift and inspire individuals. Throughout
the poem, Keats portrays beauty as a source of solace and joy amidst the trials and
tribulations of life. He highlights the ability of beautiful things, such as nature and art, to
provide a respite from the sorrows and troubles of the world. Beauty, according to Keats,
possesses a transformative quality, capable of stirring the human soul and instilling a
sense of awe and wonder. The title encapsulates the central message of the poem,
emphasizing the significance and impact of beauty in our lives. It suggests that beauty is
not merely an aesthetic concept, but a powerful force that enriches our existence and
holds the potential to bring solace, inspiration, and joy to our hearts.

19.What according to Keats are things of beauty? What is their significance in our lives?

Answer:

According to John Keats, things of beauty are those that bring joy, pleasure, and a sense of
aesthetic delight to our senses and emotions. Keats believed that beauty could be found in
both nature and art, and he celebrated the ability of such objects to evoke intense
emotions. He craftily focuses on all the beautiful things in nature, like the sun, the moon,
rivers, trees, daffodils (flowers), masses of ferns, roses, streams, and also the mighty
warriors who laid down their lives for their nation.
The significance of things of beauty in our lives lies in their ability to uplift our dark spirits,
provide solace, and inspire us. They offer a respite from the mundane and the ordinary,
transporting us to a realm of heightened sensibility and imagination. During the low
moments of our lives, we learn to love life by being inspired by these beautiful things, good
deeds, and compelling stories.

20.Why are the lovely tales called an endless fountain in the poem A Thing of Beauty?

Answer:

The ‘lovely tales’ are the stories of our ancestors and these celebrate their glory and victory.
These tales are referred to as ‘an endless fountain’ because they serve as a constant
source of joy and beauty for us. The poet compared these things of beauty to a fountain
that is being poured on us from heaven.

21.The objects of beauty remove the gloom from our lives. Discuss with reference to the
poem A Thing of Beauty.

Answer.

Keats skillfully emphasizes how the inherent beauty found in the objects surrounding us
alleviates the sorrow within our hearts. The presence of a captivating form or any
aesthetically pleasing item eradicates the darkness that envelops our thoughts and uplifts
our spirits. Despite the numerous challenges and sufferings that cast a gloomy shadow
over human existence, the love for life persists due to the transformative power of beauty,
which dispels sadness and restores joy. The exquisite elements of nature bring forth a
delightful and blissful essence to life. Keats employs the imagery of an everlasting fountain,
ceaselessly pouring heavenly nectar onto the earth, nourishing our souls. The
magnificence of the sun, moon, trees, daffodils, and clear rivers serves as reflections of the
divine blessings that God has bestowed upon us.

22.Keat’s things of beauty move away the pall from our darkened spirits. Explain.

Answer

Keats suggests that the anguish and torment brought about by humanity’s malicious
actions and wicked behavior cast a gloomy shadow of despair upon our troubled souls.
Humanity’s absence of virtuous qualities and its hostile, inhumane nature contribute to the
somberness of the world. However, this darkness can be dispelled through the beautiful
things of nature such as the sun, moon, old, and young trees, clear rills, inspiring deeds,
and stories of the mighty dead, etc. that serve as an enduring source of joy.
These things of beauty drive away the despondence and gloom from our sorrowful hearts.
The exquisite elements of nature bring forth a delightful and blissful essence to life. They
give never-ending happiness and peaceful sleep. They also help us in overcoming our
troubles and add meaning to our lives. Keats employs the imagery of an everlasting
fountain, ceaselessly pouring heavenly nectar onto the Earth, nourishing our souls.

23.How is a thing of beauty a joy forever? Elaborate with reference to the poem.

Answer:

A thing of beauty is a joy forever because it is a permanent source of joy and inspiration and
leaves a lasting impression on us. The everlasting joy of a thing of beauty stems from its
ability to serve as an enduring wellspring of inspiration, leaving an indelible imprint on us.
The delight and contentment it brings never diminish, but rather intensify over time. John
Keats emphasized that a thing of beauty holds an eternal power to bestow tranquility upon
our minds by its mere contemplation. It will never lose its luster and never dissolve into
insignificance. A captivating idea or scene will never vanish or lose its significance. The joy
derived from a thing of beauty endures eternally, owing to its timeless bliss and enchanting
allure that never wanes, but instead provides pleasure to all who encounter it.

24.How does a thing of beauty bring joy in our lives?

Answer:

A thing of beauty brings joy into our lives simply by existing. Its beauty never fades away, but
in fact, it keeps increasing with time. These things of beauty are present all around us in the
simplest form. They include the sun, the moon, the trees, rivers and also tales from history
that we read or hear about. All of these things of beauty act as a source of peace for us.
Being in their midst can relax and calm our minds and help us find light even in darkness.
These beautiful things bind us to the Earth, help us strengthen our relationship with nature,
and give us the strength to deal with the hardships of life. 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.

25.How can ‘mighty dead ’ be a thing of beauty?

Answer

The ‘mighty dead’ refers to our legendary heroes. The heroic tales/struggles of their life, as
well as death, are a source of inspiration for a future generation. The glorious tales of our
heroes fill us with a sense of pride and are thus a thing of beauty, as they fill us with
pleasure and motivation. Even though they are dead but their heroic tales are still alive and
are an elixir pouring from heaven.
26.What rich bounty has the heaven given us? Answer on the basis of your reading A Thing
of Beauty.

Answer:

Heaven has given us many bounties. Nature with its virgin landscape and innocent
creatures imparts unforgettable impressions of joyful experiences. The world of art and
literature provides perennial inspiration in form of stories of our brave and fearless heroes
which provide succour to us and motivates us to face the hardships with dignity and
courage.

27.What makes human beings love life in spite of all troubles they face?

Answer:

Human beings love life in spite of all the troubles they face because of the existence of
several things of beauty which surround them. These things never fade and are humans
best friend. These things remove their despondent state and allow them to enjoy the beauty
of nature. These things of natural beauty give joy and optimism to the human mind and thus
spread positivity everywhere and help overcome the sufferings.

28.How do beautiful things help us to live a happy life? Answer in reference to the poem A
Thing of Beauty.

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. Beautiful things bind us
to the Earth and help us strengthen our relationship with nature. They provide us relief from
our everyday trials and tribulations and help us live a happy life. These beautiful things
remove the pall from our dark spirits and help us rediscover ourselves.

29.What does Keats consider nature an endless fountain of immortal drink and why does
he call it so?

Answer:

Keats considers nature’s beauty as an endless fountain of immortal drink. He says that the
beautiful things are like an endless fountain pouring on us from the heavens. He calls this
drink immortal as the pleasure and delight given by it never ends and only increases with
time.

30.Why does a thing of beauty never pass into nothingness?

Answer:
The joy provided by a thing of beauty is everlasting. John Keats, in his poem, has conveyed
to us that an object of beauty gives us perennial joy. It leaves an indelible imprint on our
mind. Its loveliness increases manifold each time we think about it and thus we are forever
able to relive the joyful experience.