To Autumn

Question 1

Context on the poem

Answer 1

• Considered one of the best romatic poets
• He died at the age of 25 from tuberculosis - influenced his poetry on death
• Focuses on nature - romanticism creates strongs connection to the natural world
• Viewed nature as a source of inspiration, beauty and a reflection of the human spirit
• The poem is allegory for the cycle of life and death

Question 2

Form

Answer 2

An ode – a lyrical poem written in praise of something.

Written in iambic pentameter.

Changing rhyme scheme (first four lines of each stanza follow an ABAB pattern).

Unlike Keats’ other odes with ten-line stanzas, this one has eleven, reinforcing a sense of abundance.

Question 3

Structure

Answer 3

Follows a passage of time:
- Morning and early autumn.
- Mid-autumn (harvest).
- Late autumn (approach of winter and death).

First line of each stanza introduces an aspect of autumn, expanded upon in the remaining lines.

Question 4

Summary of Poem

Answer 4

Stanza 1: Describes the plentiful nature of early autumn.

Stanza 2: Focuses on the hard work during harvest.

Stanza 3: Reflects on time passing as autumn fades into winter.

Narrator admires the power and beauty of nature but senses the coming of winter.

Question 5

Language

Answer 5

Personification of Autumn - hardworking yet relaxed

Sensory Language - Touch, sight, sound

symbolises the passage of time and the transition from life to death

Question 6

Mood

Answer 6

Takes delight in beauty and abundance.

Sense of awe but also sorrow as autumn signifies the start of winter and the end of life.

Gentle and peaceful tone, but with an underlying sadness.

Question 7

Key Quotes

Answer 7

Seasons of mists and mellow fruitfulness

Thou watchest the last oozing hours by hours

Sinking as the light wind lives or dies

Question 8

Sinking as the light wind lives or dies

Answer 8

• ‘Sinking’ - loss/defeat
• Juxtaposition captures the balance between life and death
• imagery reflects a peaceful end - death is soft and inevitable
• Nature is cyclical

Question 9

Seasons of mists and mellow fruitfulness

Answer 9

• Alliteration - autumn is quite/gentle/peaceful
• Narrator addresses Autumn
• Exclaimation mark = awe
• abundance of Autumn
• ‘Fruitfulness’ - gentle, ripe beauty - peak of life before decay

Question 10

Thou watchest the last oozing hours by hours

Answer 10

• Repetition - slows down the rythm
• symbolisises the time trickling away
• slow passing of time
• time is thick and meaningful
• ‘oozings’ - sensual, slow and rich