Poem Analysis - As Hermes Once Took To His Feathers Light

Introduction: A Flight from Sorrow

Keats's "As Hermes Once Took To His Feathers Light" is a poem steeped in classical allusion and romantic melancholy. The speaker describes a metaphorical escape from a world of watchful observation into a realm of shared sorrow, a personal descent into a self-constructed hell. The tone begins with a confident air of triumph, drawing a parallel to the swift escape of Hermes, but quickly shifts to a somber and mournful reflection on love and loss. This poem encapsulates the Romantic fascination with intense emotion and the power of imagination to both create and escape reality.

The Allusion to Myth and Its Significance

The poem opens with a direct reference to the Greek myth of Hermes, who lulled the hundred-eyed giant Argus to sleep in order to free Io. This allusion is not merely decorative; it serves as a crucial analogy for the speaker's own experience. The "dragon-world" with its "hundred eyes" can be interpreted as a representation of societal judgment, perhaps romantic scrutiny, or even the weight of earthly concerns. By mimicking Hermes's flight, the speaker suggests that he too has overcome some form of oppressive observation, though the ultimate destination is not freedom, but a different kind of confinement. The use of classical allusion situates the personal sorrow within a framework of universal human experience, giving it a timeless quality.

The Theme of Escape: Finding Solace in Shared Sorrow

One of the central themes of the poem is escape, but not into joy or paradise. The speaker consciously chooses a "second circle of sad hell," a place characterized by "gust, the whirlwind, and the flaw / Of rain and hail-stones." This environment, although harsh, offers a peculiar comfort: the shared suffering of other lovers. In this realm, the speaker finds communion, a place where the burden of individual sorrow is lightened by the presence of others experiencing similar pain. The act of fleeing to hell is paradoxical, but it highlights the idea that isolation can be more painful than misery itself. It's a rejection of earthly paradises like "pure Ida" and "Tempe," suggesting that these idealized landscapes cannot offer solace to the speaker's particular grief. The speaker is not seeking escape from pain, but to a place where pain is understood.

The Imagery of Melancholy and Lost Love

The poem is rich in imagery that evokes a sense of profound melancholy and lost love. The "pale" lips that the speaker kisses suggest a passion that has faded or been extinguished. The "melancholy storm" that surrounds them is not just a physical environment but a reflection of their internal state. The act of floating "about that melancholy storm" implies a state of suspension, neither fully alive nor truly dead, caught in an endless cycle of sorrow. The storm itself can be seen as a symbol of the tumultuous emotions that overwhelm the lovers in this hellish circle. There is an interesting ambiguity as to who the speaker is with in this storm, is it a lost love or a person who can empathize with the experience? This ambiguity allows for various interpretations regarding the nature of the relationship and the speaker's emotional state.

A Final Descent: The Significance of Shared Sorrow

In conclusion, "As Hermes Once Took To His Feathers Light" is a powerful exploration of sorrow, escape, and the strange comfort that can be found in shared suffering. Through vivid imagery, classical allusion, and a tone of romantic melancholy, Keats crafts a compelling portrait of a speaker who deliberately chooses a personal hell rather than face the judgment of the world or the emptiness of unacknowledged grief. The poem suggests that even in the depths of despair, connection and understanding can offer a form of solace, highlighting the profound human need for empathy. The escape to shared sorrow becomes a testament to the complexity of human emotions and the enduring power of love, even in its most painful forms.