Keats once said about Byron, "He describes what he sees- I describe what I imagine, mine is the hardest task". To Autumn is evidence of his way of thinking, as the poem is a vivid, lyrical portrayal of the English Autumn as he imagined it.

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Ode to Autumn

  Keats once said about Byron, “He describes what he sees- I describe what I imagine, mine is the hardest task”. To Autumn is evidence of his way of thinking, as the poem is a vivid, lyrical portrayal of the English Autumn as he imagined it.

   The poem follows the traditional framework of an ode. It is overly lyrical and has a rhyme scheme, generally common to all three stanzas, with the exception of the third stanza. The poem also employs iambic pentameter and throughout the poem uses powerful language to achieve effect. It constantly makes use of imagery, exaggerated language and onomatopoeia.

   To Autumn celebrates autumn as a season of abundance, reflection, and a season of preparation for Winter. Keats’ also sees autumn as a season worthy of admiration, comparing it to what romantic poetry usually focuses on- Spring.

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   The first stanza of the ode is a building process for Keats where he gives us a picture of the landscape,

“And fills fruit with all ripeness to the core”

“To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells”.

   

This use of language creates a rather humble and peaceful atmosphere for the reader. It emphasizes the harmony of autumn, and it could be seen as a metaphor for the slowing down of life during autumn.

   In the second stanza, Keats starts filling up an almost perfect picture with his imagination, moving the background ...

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