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'Ode to a Nightingale' This essay discusses the numerous symbolism and imagery John Keats uses throughout his poem.

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In his poem "Ode to a Nightingale," John Keats uses powerful, distinct symbolism and imagery. The nightingale, for instance, is interpreted by many to be a symbol of Keats ' poetic inspiration and satisfaction. This symbolism can be seen by the vivid descriptions Keats hives the nightingale. However, the nightingale is definitely not the only item of symbolism in "Ode to a Nightingale." In a short piece of art, Keats apparently has mastered using many different items, phrases, and brilliant, descriptive metaphorical text to symbolize something he yearns for. Countless pieces of the poem indicate that he also wishes for immortality and the ability to escape from reality and into another state of consciousness and the ecstasy of the …show more content…

By an effort of the imagination, Keats attempts to suppress all knowledge of the human

suffering made evident in stanza three. He seeks to completely enter into the ecstasy of the nightingale 's song so he becomes nothing more than an instrument recording the tiniest of physical sensation. For example, in stanza five, Keats describes the beauty of a place in the most minute detail. Since he is unable to actually "see" this place, he is using the sheer force of his imagination. In this particular stanza, the use of imagery is indeed present. The soft sounds and descriptions of flowers yield a very enchanting and beautiful atmosphere. Where Keats says, "Now more than ever seems it rich to die, / To cease upon the midnight with no pain, / While thou art pouring forth thy soul abroad / In such an ecstasy!" (lines 55-58), is an indication of how he believes it would be marvelous for his life to end in such a state of blissful heaven. However, the irony of this is that, in Keats ' case, death would mean the end of the nightingale 's song. He realizes this when he says, "Still wouldst thou sing, and I have ears in vain - / to thy high requiem become a sod." (lines 59-60). This piece is an indication of Keats ' enchantment with the nightingale and its song.

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