The Question - Shelley Flashcards
When was The Question written?
1819/1820
What does Shelley explicitly reference in the opening and closing lines of stanza 1?
Dreams suggesting a other-worldly tone
Compare the presentation of reality in The Question and one other poem
Wordsworth - reality of nature
Blake’s Holy Thursday (Experience)/London
Keats - negative capability
When is the meaning of the title The Question revealed?
At the very end
Why is the meaning of the title The Question revealed at the very end?
Creates suspense for the reader who initially reads the poem with a meaningless title
On the second reading, the title reminds the reader of the reality that haunts the poem
Summary of The Question
Tells of a dream in which a speaker encountered a vast forest of pristine, blooming flowers
Possible inspiration for The Question?
Shelley’s later years were especially tragic
- crafts the dream as a kind of retreat
- BUT first person narrator is not necessarily Shelley himself
What is the structure of The Question?
5 stanzas of octaves
Structured rhyme scheme with alternating end sounds
- ABABABCC
What is the significance of using iambic pentameter in The Question?
Very consistent pace
Somewhat meditative and peaceful
What might The Question be dedicated to?
New love interest for Jane Williams
Themes in The Question
Poetry and Artistic Inspiration
Beauty and Power of the Imagination
Artistry and Audience