The Poetry of Earth - Substance

Q: Write the substance of the poem ‘The Poetry of Earth’. OR, Discuss ‘The Poetry of Earth’ as a sonnet.

A:     Sensuous romantic poet Keats, in his sonnet ‘The Poetry of Earth’ has used music as a symbol of poetry. The music of the earth never ceases. It is a continuous celebration through the cycle of seasons.

          In the octave, Keats presents the music of summer in the voice of Grasshopper. In summer, when the birds become exhausted owing to the scorching rays of the sun and take rest in the shadowy trees, a song is still heard. The song runs from hedge to hedge in the meadow, where the grass has been newly cut. It is the Grasshopper, who takes the lead in summer enjoyment. His delight never comes to an end. Having been tired of playing he rests beneath some pleasant grasses.

          But the song of nature never ceases. In the sestet, he presents the music of winter in the song of the Cricket. On a quiet evening of winter, when the frost has silenced other voices of the country – side, from behind the fire – place there sounds the chirping of the cricket. To one who is sitting over the fire, half asleep, it seems to be a continuation of the Grasshopper’s song on the grassy hills.