Poem Analysis - How Many Bards Gild The Lapses Of Time

A Gentle Appreciation of Poetic Influence

Keats' sonnet, "How Many Bards Gild The Lapses Of Time!," offers a reflective and appreciative view of the influence of past poets. The poem radiates a tone of serene admiration, acknowledging the presence of these literary figures in the speaker's creative process. It moves from a specific focus on poets to a broader contemplation of natural sounds, suggesting a unified experience of artistic and natural inspiration. The overall mood is peaceful and contemplative, celebrating the harmonious blend of past and present influences on the speaker's creativity.

The Legacy of Literary Giants

While the poem doesn't explicitly address Keats' historical context, it's important to acknowledge his deep engagement with the literary tradition. Keats, as a Romantic poet, often looked to the past for inspiration, particularly to classical and Renaissance literature. This poem reflects that tendency, demonstrating a reverence for the "bards" who came before him and shaped his own poetic sensibilities. The poem suggests that these literary ancestors are not a burden, but rather a source of enrichment.

The Harmonious Cohabitation of Inspiration: Theme of Artistic Influence

One of the main themes is the harmonious cohabitation of past artistic influence with present creative endeavors. The opening lines establish the sheer number of poets ("bards") who have contributed to the flow of time and artistic creation. The speaker notes that these figures are "the food / Of my delighted fancy," indicating a joyful and nourishing influence. The images of these poets "intrud[ing]" upon the speaker's mind might suggest disruption, but Keats quickly dispels this notion by stating that they cause "no confusion, no disturbance rude," but instead a "pleasing chime." This suggests that the speaker welcomes and integrates these influences seamlessly into his own creative work.

Nature's Orchestra: The Symbiotic Relationship with the Natural World

Another theme explored is the symbiotic relationship between artistic inspiration and the natural world. The poem shifts from the influence of bards to the "unnumbered sounds that evening store." These sounds, including "songs of birds," "whispering of the leaves," and "the voice of waters," are presented as a parallel source of inspiration. Just as the poets of the past don't cause "wild uproar," but "pleasing music," the sounds of nature, even when numerous and potentially overwhelming, blend together into a harmonious whole. The poem suggests that both literary tradition and the natural world contribute to a rich and fulfilling creative experience.

The Alchemy of Distance: The Distillation of Inspiration Into Art

The poem develops a subtle but vital theme of the transformative power of distance and perspective. This is evident in the line, "That distance of recognizance bereaves." The speaker suggests that when sounds are too close or too easily recognizable, they might be jarring or overwhelming. However, when distance softens and obscures the specific details, these sounds blend together into a more harmonious and pleasing whole. This concept could also be applied to the influence of the bards: time and distance may blur the specific details of their work, but their overall impact remains a powerful and harmonious force in the speaker's creative life. The poem thus posits that a certain level of abstraction or distancing can be essential for transforming raw experience into art.

Evening's Echoes: Vivid Imagery and Their Significance

The imagery in the second half of the poem is particularly vivid and evocative. The "evening store" overflowing with sounds paints a picture of a world alive with subtle and varied sensory experiences. The "great bell that heaves / With solemn sound" is a powerful image that evokes a sense of grandeur and timelessness. These images of nature, alongside the earlier image of bards as "food," contribute to the overall message of the poem: that artistic inspiration comes from a variety of sources, both internal (the minds of the poets) and external (the sounds of nature), and that these sources are deeply interconnected and nourishing.

A Lasting Harmony

In conclusion, "How Many Bards Gild The Lapses Of Time!" is a thoughtful exploration of artistic influence and inspiration. Keats celebrates the presence of past poets in his creative life, seeing them not as a source of burden, but as a harmonious chorus. The poem draws a parallel between the influence of literary tradition and the sounds of nature, suggesting that both contribute to a rich and fulfilling artistic experience. Ultimately, the poem emphasizes the power of distance and perspective to transform raw experience into art, highlighting the harmonious and interconnected nature of all creative endeavors.