silence and stillness Flashcards
overview
“sound asleep.”
“half-reap’d furrow.”
One quote that shows silence and stillness is “sound asleep.” This phrase is used to describe Autumn personified, lying on a “half-reap’d furrow.” The alliteration of the ‘s’ sound creates a soothing and calming effect, which matches the peaceful image of someone drifting off in the countryside. The verb “asleep” reflects a moment of complete stillness and lack of movement. The tone here is tranquil and lazy, showing how nature itself is slowing down as autumn arrives.
“watchest the last oozings hours by hours.”
Another quote is “watchest the last oozings hours by hours.” The repetition of “hours by hours” slows the pace right down, mirroring the steady trickle of cider from the press. The verb “watchest” suggests stillness, as the speaker is not acting, just observing. The tone is patient and reflective, showing how Autumn brings a calmness to the world. The image of slow dripping also symbolises time running out quietly, adding to the theme of silence.
“Drows’d with the fume of poppies”
“Drows’d with the fume of poppies” is another powerful quote. “Drows’d” shows a dreamy, sleepy state, like a hazy calm where everything feels slowed down. Poppies are often linked with sleep and even death, which connects with the idea of silence being linked with the end of things. The tone here is heavy and almost hypnotic, creating a sense of stillness that feels deep and overwhelming, as if nature itself is falling into a gentle sleep.
“Thee sitting careless on a granary floor”
“Thee sitting careless on a granary floor” also shows this theme. The word “careless” implies a relaxed, unbothered attitude, where Autumn is just sitting, doing nothing. The image of someone resting on a granary floor is very still and peaceful. It contrasts with the idea of spring’s energy or summer’s heat. The tone is calm and unhurried, making this moment feel timeless and quiet.
“Soft-lifted by the winnowing wind”
“Soft-lifted by the winnowing wind” shows a delicate kind of stillness. The adjective “soft” and the gentle verb “lifted” suggest slow, peaceful movement, not action or chaos. The use of natural imagery gives the sense that everything is flowing gently with the wind, rather than rushing or being loud. The tone here is graceful and serene, as Keats captures the gentle beauty of nature at rest.
“The light wind lives or dies”
“The light wind lives or dies” is a quote full of quietness. The metaphor of the wind “dying” shows how the day is coming to an end, and the world is slowly becoming still. The use of “light” makes the wind feel gentle, barely there. This reflects the silence and peacefulness of an autumn evening. The tone is melancholic but accepting, showing how Keats finds beauty in the peaceful ending of things.
structure
In terms of structure, the poem is made up of three stanzas, each focusing on a different part of the day and a different side of Autumn. The first stanza is full of ripeness and still activity, but it’s gentle and slow. The second stanza becomes more peaceful, showing Autumn as lazy and restful. The final stanza focuses on the quiet music of the season, with natural sounds replacing human song. The structure reflects a slow winding down — like a day turning to night — which mirrors the theme of stillness. The slow rhythm of the poem and use of enjambment also make it feel flowing and soft, adding to the calm mood.
context
The context of the poem also adds to this theme. Keats wrote To Autumn in 1819, during the last few years of his life, when he was suffering from illness. This poem can be seen as a reflection on life coming to an end, but finding beauty in that peacefulness. Instead of focusing on spring (which usually means beginnings), he focuses on Autumn, which is about the end of a cycle. The silence and stillness in the poem could reflect his acceptance of death, not as something scary, but as something natural and gentle.
conclusion
In conclusion, Keats uses gentle imagery, soft sounds, and slow-paced structure to show silence and stillness throughout To Autumn. Through personification, natural symbols, and calm tone, he presents the season not just as an ending, but as a peaceful, rich time that deserves to be appreciated. The quiet moments in the poem are not empty, but full of beauty and meaning, which reflects how Keats finds comfort in the stillness of nature and life itself.
