Poem Analysis - Written Before Re Reading King Lear

Introduction: A Farewell to Romance

John Keats' "Written Before Re-reading King Lear" is a poem of anticipation and a reluctant farewell. The speaker, poised to delve into the tragic depths of Shakespeare's play, bids adieu to the lighter, more fanciful world of romance. The tone begins with a sense of reverence for that romantic realm, personified and alluring, but quickly shifts to one of determined acceptance as the speaker steels himself for the demanding intellectual and emotional journey ahead. There's a hopeful undertone, however, that this harrowing experience will be transformative, ultimately leading to renewal.

Theme: The Allure and Necessity of Darkness

One central theme is the allure of darkness and suffering as a pathway to profound understanding. Keats contrasts the "golden-tongued Romance" and "Fair plumed Syren" with the "fierce dispute / Betwixt damnation and impassioned clay." This juxtaposition highlights the speaker's deliberate choice to confront the difficult realities of human existence as portrayed in King Lear, rather than remaining in the comforting embrace of idealized stories. The "bitter-sweet" taste of "this Shakespearean fruit" suggests that while the experience will be painful, it will also be enriching and ultimately necessary for growth. The poem portrays the darker side of human experience as not something to be avoided, but something to be embraced to reach a deeper understanding of life and self.

Theme: Transformation Through Trial

The poem also explores the theme of transformation through trial. The speaker anticipates being "consumed in the Fire" – a powerful image of purification and intense emotional experience. This consuming fire, representing the suffering and insights gained from King Lear, is not seen as destructive but as a catalyst for rebirth. The plea to be granted "new Phoenix wings to fly at my desire" explicitly links the experience with the mythical Phoenix, a symbol of resurrection and renewal. This suggests that the speaker believes that confronting the harsh realities of King Lear will ultimately lead to a personal transformation, allowing him to rise above his previous limitations.

Theme: The Burden and Gift of Artistic Inspiration

The burden and gift of artistic inspiration forms another theme. Keats addresses not just Shakespeare ("Chief Poet!") but also "ye clouds of Albion," invoking the natural landscape of England as a source of creative power. He acknowledges that these forces are "Begetters of our deep eternal theme," suggesting that great art arises from a profound engagement with the world, both beautiful and tragic. However, he also expresses a fear of being lost in a "barren dream" after this intense experience, highlighting the artist's vulnerability and the risk of creative stagnation. The poem questions whether the dark exploration will lead to continued inspiration or a creative block.

Symbolism: Fire and Flight

The recurring symbols of fire and flight are central to the poem's message. The fire symbolizes the intense emotional and intellectual experience of engaging with King Lear. It represents the destruction of old perspectives and the purification of the soul. Flight, embodied in the image of the Phoenix, represents the possibility of transcending these trials and achieving a new level of understanding and creative power. The speaker desires not just to survive the fire, but to emerge from it with the ability to "fly at my desire," suggesting a liberation of creative expression. It is possible that the 'fire' refers to the play itself, while the 'flight' alludes to the power of Keats' own poetry to endure and find new heights.

Conclusion: Embracing Tragedy for Transcendence

In conclusion, "Written Before Re-reading King Lear" is a powerful statement about the artist's commitment to confronting difficult truths as a means of achieving transcendence. Keats embraces the challenge of engaging with a profoundly tragic work, recognizing that through suffering and destruction comes the potential for rebirth and renewed artistic vision. The poem's enduring significance lies in its exploration of the transformative power of art and the necessity of embracing the full spectrum of human experience, both light and dark, to achieve a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.