Poem Analysis - On Sitting Down To Read King Lear Once Again

A Fond Farewell to Romance

John Keats's "On Sitting Down to Read King Lear Once Again" is a powerful sonnet that marks a deliberate turning away from the lighter, more fanciful realm of romance in favor of the profound and often painful depths of Shakespearean tragedy. The poem begins with a tone of affectionate farewell, but quickly transitions to one of determined resignation and ultimately, hopeful aspiration. Keats acknowledges the allure of "golden-tongued Romance," but recognizes the necessity of confronting the harsh realities explored in King Lear. This creates a compelling tension that underscores the poem's central themes.

Facing the Abyss: Mortality and Human Suffering

One of the primary themes in this poem is the confrontation with mortality and the inevitability of human suffering. Keats uses phrases like "fierce dispute, / Betwixt damnation and impassion'd clay" to evoke the intense struggle between good and evil, flesh and spirit, that permeates King Lear. The "bitter-sweet" fruit of Shakespeare's work suggests that even in tragedy, there is a profound and valuable experience to be gleaned. By choosing to "burn through" this emotional fire, Keats willingly subjects himself to the pain and complexities of the human condition, signaling a deeper understanding of life's inherent fragility.

The Power of Art as Transformation

Another significant theme is the transformative power of art, particularly the art of Shakespeare. Keats doesn't simply read King Lear; he "assays" it, implying a careful and deliberate engagement with the text. The act of reading becomes a metaphorical journey, where he is "consumed in the fire" of the play's emotional intensity. This fiery consumption, however, is not destructive. Instead, it holds the potential for renewal, symbolized by the desire for "new Phoenix wings to fly at my desire." This imagery suggests that through deep engagement with art, one can be reborn, gaining new perspectives and creative energy.

Imagery of Fire, Flight, and the Bard

The poem utilizes vivid imagery to convey its themes. The recurring image of fire represents the intense emotional and intellectual experience of reading King Lear. It is a destructive force, but also a purifying one, capable of forging new understanding. The "Phoenix wings" symbolize resurrection and creative rebirth, suggesting that through confronting tragedy, one can achieve a higher level of artistic and personal insight. Furthermore, referring to Shakespeare as "Chief Poet!" establishes him as a source of inspiration and authority, whose works offer profound truths about the human experience. "Clouds of Albion" may symbolize the inspiration Keats draws from the English landscape and literary tradition.

A Cycle of Destruction and Rebirth

In conclusion, "On Sitting Down to Read King Lear Once Again" is a powerful testament to the enduring relevance of Shakespearean tragedy. Keats moves from a reluctant farewell to romance to a determined embrace of the difficult truths presented in King Lear. The poem explores themes of mortality, suffering, and the transformative power of art through potent imagery of fire and flight. Ultimately, the desire for "new Phoenix wings" encapsulates the poem's central message: that through facing the darkest aspects of human existence, we can achieve a greater understanding of ourselves and the world around us, enabling artistic and personal renewal. The poem's significance lies in its honest portrayal of the emotional and intellectual labor required to engage with profound art, and the potential for transformation that such engagement holds.