to autumn

Question 1

themes

Answer 1

Humanity versus nature; connection to and separation of
Passing of time / seasons
The beauty of nature
Acceptance of the uncontrollable and beautiful aspects of nature
Inevitability that time is beyond our control
Acceptance of death
Life and nature is cyclical

Question 2

context 1

Answer 2

13. To Autumn
    Keats uses the poem as a cathartic means to process and come to terms with his ever- increasing awareness of his own mortality.
    * Keats heralds the beauty in every season of life - from birth all the way through to death. * Keats draws comfort from the knowledge that the cycle of life goes on, and nature will persist after our own lives come to an end.

Question 3

context 2

Answer 3

To Autumn (1819)
Ode form: an ode is a lyrical poem, usually directed to a specific subject, conveying exaltation and celebration. Here, Keats addresses the season of autumn, celebrating its beauty and power.
Romanticism: Keats was a second wave Romantic poet, who explores the transience of human life in time and the natural beauty of things that are not normally considered beautiful, like autumn and death. Romantic poets believed they had a deeper understanding of the purpose and meaning of life. Keats understood that like Autumn, the meaning of life is not to live or last forever but to leave a legacy and appreciate life’s unique beauty. Tuberculosis: The year Keats wrote To Autumn, he experienced the first signs of the tuberculosis that would end his life. As a mediche could probably tell that he was sick and going to die soon, so To Autumn can be seen as an ode to both autumn and his life.