4.1 A Thing of Beauty is a Joy For Ever - Class 10 - Kumarbharati

Aug 9
4 min read

Poet: John Keats

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Std X

Genre: Romantic / Nature Poetry

Summary

The poem, an excerpt from Keats’ long work Endymion, celebrates the everlasting charm and healing power of beauty. According to the poet, a thing of beauty gives joy forever and its loveliness only increases over time. Such beauty provides peace, health, and sweet dreams, offering relief from the gloom, despair, and negativity of life.

The poet lists natural beauties like the sun, moon, trees, daffodils, clear streams, musk-rose flowers, and shady forests. He also includes beautiful creations of the human mind, such as heroic stories and noble deeds of great people. These become a source of inspiration and strength. Beauty acts as an eternal fountain of joy, flowing from heaven to the human heart.

Theme / Central Idea

The poem conveys that beauty, whether in nature, art, or noble deeds, is everlasting and uplifting. It has the power to remove sadness, provide comfort, and inspire the human spirit. Beauty binds us to life with a positive and hopeful outlook.

Word Meanings

Word/Phrase	Meaning
Bower	Shady place under trees or plants
Morrow	The next day
Wreathing	Twisting flowers together
Despondence	State of low spirits
Dearth	Shortage
Pall	Cover for the dead
Boon	Blessing or gift
Rills	Small streams
Brake	Area overgrown with ferns
Brink	Edge
Dooms	Final days
Poesy	Poetry

Figures of Speech

Line from Poem	Figure of Speech	Explanation
“A thing of beauty is a joy forever”	Epigram	A short, memorable statement with a deep meaning.
“Some shape of beauty moves away the pall”	Personification	Beauty is given the human quality of moving away sadness.
“Trees old and young, sprouting a shady boon”	Personification	Trees are described as if they can give a gift.
“An endless fountain of immortal drink”	Metaphor	Compares beauty to an eternal life-giving drink.
“Flowery band to bind us to the earth”	Metaphor	Beauty is compared to a chain of flowers connecting us to life.

Personal Response Questions

Q1. How does beauty help us overcome difficulties?

→ Beauty helps overcome difficulties by uplifting our spirits and filling our minds with peace and joy. It acts as a constant source of comfort and hope, even in the face of despair and sadness.

Q2. Which things of beauty mentioned in the poem appeal to you the most? Why?

→ The daffodils and clear streams appeal the most because they symbolise freshness, purity, and the gentle charm of nature. They create a calming effect and remind one of life’s simple joys.

Q3. Why does the poet say that beauty never passes into nothingness?

→ The poet says beauty never passes into nothingness because its memory and impact stay with us forever. Even after the physical object is gone, the joy and inspiration it gives remain in our hearts.

True or False

Beauty loses its charm after some time. → False
The poem describes both natural and man-made beauty. → True
Musk-rose blooms are mentioned as an example of beauty. → True

Probable Board Questions

Q1. What things of beauty does the poet mention in the poem?

→ The poet mentions natural beauties like the sun, moon, trees, daffodils, clear streams, and musk-rose flowers, as well as inspiring tales and the noble deeds of great men. These bring joy and hope to human life.

Q2. How does beauty bind us to the earth?

→ Beauty binds us to the earth by creating a strong connection between life and happiness. It acts like a flowery band, making us appreciate life despite its hardships and motivating us to live with hope.

Q3. What is meant by ‘an endless fountain of immortal drink’?

→ ‘An endless fountain of immortal drink’ refers to the everlasting joy and inspiration that beauty provides. It is like a divine gift from heaven that refreshes and nourishes the soul.

Q4. What contrasting elements does the poet mention, and how are they resolved?→ The poet mentions sadness, gloom, and scarcity of noble values, which are resolved by the uplifting power of beauty. Beauty removes the darkness from our minds and replaces it with peace and happiness.

Appreciation of the Poem

“A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever” is an excerpt from John Keats’ romantic poem Endymion. Written in rhyming couplets, it follows the rhyme scheme aa, bb, cc, etc. The poem is rich in imagery, describing beauty in nature and noble human deeds. Figures of speech like Metaphor, Personification, and Epigram enhance its appeal. The tone is uplifting and reflective, celebrating the timeless and healing power of beauty. The poem inspires readers to find joy in life’s beautiful moments and to value the positive forces that keep us connected to the world.

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