Written Before Re-reading King Lear
Written Before Re-reading King Lear - context Summary
Re-reading King Lear, 1818
Keats wrote this sonnet in 1818 as he prepared to re-read Shakespeare's King Lear. Addressing Shakespeare and the poetic tradition, he renounces easy romantic escape and asks for the intense, purging confrontation with tragedy that will renew his poetic powers. The poem frames Lear as a testing ground: Keats seeks to be consumed and reborn, invoking Phoenix imagery for creative regeneration rather than sentimental consolation.
Read Complete AnalysesO golden-tongued Romance with serene lute! Fair plumed Syren! Queen of far away! Leave melodizing on this wintry day, Shut up thine olden pages, and be mute. Adieu! for once again the fierce dispute Betwixt damnation and impassioned clay Must I burn through; once more humbly assay The bitter-sweet of this Shakespearean fruit. Chief Poet! and ye clouds of Albion, Begetters of our deep eternal theme, When through the old oak Forest I am gone, Let me not wander in a barren dream, But when I am consumed in the Fire, Give me new Phoenix wings to fly at my desire.
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