Poem Analysis - Robin Hood

A Lament for a Lost Past

John Keats' "Robin Hood" is a wistful elegy for a bygone era, a time of freedom, merriment, and communal living embodied by the legendary outlaw and his band. The poem opens with a tone of deep regret and nostalgia, mourning the irretrievable loss of this idealized past. As the poem progresses, it shifts slightly, moving from lament to a spirited celebration of the memory of Robin Hood and his world, albeit tinged with the recognition of its ultimate disappearance. The final stanzas are a call to remember and honor, even as the reality remains that those days are "gone away."

The Fading Ideal of Freedom and Community

One of the central themes of the poem is the loss of freedom and a sense of community. The opening lines emphasize the passage of time and the crushing weight of societal changes. The phrase "down-trodden pall/Of the leaves of many years" powerfully conveys how the natural world, once a symbol of liberty, has been buried under the accumulation of time and societal constraints. The "whispering fleeces" of the forest, a metaphor for a simpler, more natural way of life, are contrasted with the introduction of "rent nor leases," suggesting the encroachment of property ownership and economic control. This loss is further emphasized by the absence of the sounds of merriment: "No, the bugle sounds no more,/And the twanging bow no more." The silence signifies the silencing of a way of life.

The Power of Memory and Imagination

Another important theme is the enduring power of memory and imagination. Though Robin Hood and his world are gone, the poem actively seeks to keep their memory alive. Keats achieves this through vivid descriptions of the characters and their activities. He evokes images of "Little John, or Robin bold" thrumming on an empty can, and "maid Marian," creating a sense of their vibrant presence even in their absence. The poem suggests that even though the reality of Robin Hood's world is lost, its spirit can be sustained through stories, songs, and the collective imagination. The ending verses with the call to “honour” different aspects of Robin Hood’s life and legacy highlights the importance of keeping the memory alive.

Symbolism of Nature and its Decline

Nature serves as a powerful symbol throughout the poem. The "woods unshorn" and the "Lincoln green" represent the untamed freedom and natural abundance that characterized Robin Hood's world. However, this natural world is depicted as being under threat. The reference to "winter's shears" and the "dockyard strokes" that have felled the oaks suggests the destructive forces of industry and societal progress. The contrast between Marian's "wild bees" and the inability to obtain honey "without hard money!" underscores the shift from a natural economy to a monetary one, implying that nature's bounty has been commodified and made inaccessible to those without wealth. The image of fallen trees highlights the destruction of natural beauty. Is it a metaphor of destruction of old values?

A Lasting Echo of a Lost Ideal

In conclusion, "Robin Hood" is more than just a nostalgic lament for a lost hero; it's a meditation on the passage of time, the loss of freedom and community, and the enduring power of memory. Keats uses vivid imagery and evocative language to create a powerful sense of loss, but also to celebrate the spirit of Robin Hood and his world. The poem’s significance lies in its recognition that while the past may be irretrievable, its ideals can still inspire and inform the present, reminding us of the importance of freedom, community, and a connection to the natural world. The ending’s call to celebrate those aspects emphasizes this point strongly.