Beautiful Things
The poem A Thing of Beauty by John Keats conveys the message that Beauty is everywhere, and upon examination may be found. The theme of this work is largely centered on nature, as were many of Keats' works. In this particular poem Keats describes the affects that beauty can have on a person. "Some shape of beauty moves away the pall / from our dark spirits" (12-13). According to Keats this beauty never diminishes and its affect is felt long after it is gone. Keats emphasizes that beauty is, "Made for our searching," meaning that some people may find beauty in places that others may not (10). The theme of this poem is that beauty can be found anywhere, and when appreciated can be used to raise your spirits in times of gloom.
One of the poetic elements Keats uses to express his theme is rhyme. One example of how rhyming can be helpful in conveying the meaning of the poem to the reader is found in the very first two lines of the poem.
Portrait of John Keats by his friend Charles Brown...
John Keats, Portrait by William Hilton, after Jose...
John Keats, Portrait by Charles Brown, 1819."A thing of beauty is a joy forever: / its loveliness increases; it will never" (1-2). Not only do these lines help the reader to understand the theme of the work, the fact that they rhyme makes them even more meaningful. Another example of how Keats used rhyme to express his theme can be found in the very last line of the poem. The poem was written using rhyming couplets; however the last line does not have another line after it with which to rhyme. "They always must be with us, or we die" (33). This line stands out due to the fact that every other line in the poem is part of a rhyming couplet. By purposely having this line is the...