To Autumn

Question 1

Context on the poem

Answer 1

Written by John Keats, an English Romantic poet.

This was his last major work before his death.

He had tuberculosis, which caused his health to deteriorate quickly, and he died at age 25.

Celebrates nature and feelings, typical of Romantic poetry

Question 2

Form

Answer 2

An ode – a lyrical poem written in praise of something.

Written in iambic pentameter.

Changing rhyme scheme (first four lines of each stanza follow an ABAB pattern).

Unlike Keats’ other odes with ten-line stanzas, this one has eleven, reinforcing a sense of abundance.

Question 3

Structure

Answer 3

Follows a passage of time:
- Morning and early autumn.
- Mid-autumn (harvest).
- Late autumn (approach of winter and death).

First line of each stanza introduces an aspect of autumn, expanded upon in the remaining lines.

Question 4

Summary of Poem

Answer 4

Stanza 1: Describes the plentiful nature of early autumn.

Stanza 2: Focuses on the hard work during harvest.

Stanza 3: Reflects on time passing as autumn fades into winter.

Narrator admires the power and beauty of nature but senses the coming of winter.

Question 5

Language

Answer 5

Personification of Autumn - hardworking yet relaxed

Sensory Language - Touch, sight, sound

symbolises the passage of time and the transition from life to death

Question 6

Mood

Answer 6

Takes delight in beauty and abundance.

Sense of awe but also sorrow as autumn signifies the start of winter and the end of life.

Gentle and peaceful tone, but with an underlying sadness.

Question 7

Key Quotes

Answer 7

Seasons of mists and mellow fruitfulness
- Alliteration - autumn is quite/gentle/peaceful
- Narrator addresses Autumn
- Exclaimation mark = awe

Thou watchest the last oozing hours by hours
- Repetition - slows down the rythm
- symbolisises the time trickling awat

Sinking as the light wind lives or dies
- ‘Sinking’ - loss/defeat
- contrast between life and death - mix of emotions