Analysis of "On First Looking Chapman's Homer" by John Keats

Throughout the poem many of the allusions relate to a person in history.  For example, in line three Round many western islands have I been which relates to the voyages of Odysseus, the hero of Homer's “Odyssey.”  Another example, found in line four Which bards in fealty to Apollo hold, And many goodly states and kingdoms seen; Round many western islands have I been  all three of these allusions show the high or in some cases holy role of poets in society. This shows that poets are servants of a god, in this case Apollo, who he shows his dedication to.  One very interesting fact about these pieces is that Keats relates many of his line to Homer. For example, in line six That deep browed Homer ruled as his demesne this allusion relates to Homers intellect by using the word “Deep browed.”  These allusions show and relate to people in history and intense the meaning of the poem, however, allusions extend beyond history.

 Imagery is a large part in any poem that intensifies the readers understanding of the poem.  Many allusions in the poem intensify the imagery, for example, Yet did I never breathe its pure serene the imagery in this statement depicts a bright clear sky and the clear air.  The allusion of this line is that poetry is important as breathing as well as contributing to the idea that Homer was genius.  A second example, Silent upon a peak in Darien depicts the image of Cortez and his men standing one the Darien mountains range. By using allusions to add to the imagery expands the meaning as well as specifying an event that adds much to the poem.  

This Italian sonnet is full of allusions that are not visible to the average reader, however, when looked at under a lens they appear adding much to the poem the reader must be aware of the allusion and must be familiar with what it alludes to.  By using the allusions the author helps the reader visualize by creating a mental picture.  Keats poem having many allusions in it creates a great effect on the imagery as well as the relation to people throughout history.  A piece full of allusions will evoke thought, however in the reader is not well read the images that should be instilled in their mind will be absent.