A Critical Analysis- John Keats, “Ode on a Grecian Urn” The Romantic Period introduced a variety of writing styles. The authors of the early eighteenth century altered many of the earlier romantic pieces. The early writers primary area of concern was nature. It was not until the ladder part of the eighteenth century that authors began to focus on the supernatural as well as nature. John Keats unique style of writing gave the world a great respect for his work. Keats felt his poetry should effect the readers emotions, and only great poetry could move the reader to the point of enjoyment. In doing this Keats felt the only way to achieve his goal of “moving his audience” was to surrender to uncertainties, or by believing much of life is unexplainable, especially human beings, who strive on emotion that guide their wants and needs. In the “Ode on a Grecian Urn”, the urn represents a story without regard to time. (Bloom 16). The changing marble arrests time through the urn. (Bloom 16). “When old age shall this generation waste, Thou shalt remain” (lines 46-47), describes the unchanging marbles and the characters on the urn. With the unchanging marble, the urn has slowed time towards eternity, making artwork immortal (bloom 16). This shows the immortal side of the Grecian urn physical appearance. The unchangeable urn also displays a tale of an everyday place. The urn show the people with their endless deeds. “Fair youth, beneath the trees, thou canst not leave Thy song, nor ever can those trees be bare;Bold Lover, never, never canst thou kiss,Tough winning near the goal- ye, She cannot fade, though thou hadt not thy bliss, Forever wilt thou love, and she be fair!” (lines 15-20). Life is halted and can never continue from this point. The fair youth, th...
