Addressed to Haydon
Addressed to Haydon - form Summary
Sonnet of Concentrated Praise
This poem is a compact sonnet that praises steadfast artistic ambition. Keats admires Haydon’s single-minded devotion, locating noble qualities even among the obscure and arguing that true genius earns public honor despite envy and commerce. The poem turns from observation of humble, persistent virtue to a confident assertion that the country will ultimately recognize and applaud such unbending champions of art.
Read Complete AnalysesHigh-mindedness, a jealousy for good, A loving-kindness for the great man's fame, Dwells here and there with people of no name, In noisome alley, and in pathless wood: And where we think the truth least understood, Oft may be found a "singleness of aim," That ought to frighten into hooded shame A money-mongering, pitiable brood. How glorious this affection for the cause Of steadfast genius, toiling gallantly! What when a stout unbending champion awes Envy and malice to their native sty? Unnumbered souls breathe out a still applause, Proud to behold him in his country's eye.
Feel free to be first to leave comment.