John Keats', Ode on Melancholy - worksheet

Hello everyone,

We will be discussing the following questions on  'Ode to Melancholy' John Keats (1819) today.

I have uploaded this handout   (by Mrs Purcell, I'll be honest ;-) which covers many of the main ideas, but - rather than have you just listen to me warble on and read the handout to you - I'd like you to work through the poem in pairs.

So, this is your task for the next 25 minutes:
 In pairs, I would like you to phone each other and  respond to the following questions.
Be ready to write your answers into the chat of our online classroom.

1. What is melancholy in the context of this poem?

2. What advice does Keats give to the sufferer?

3. Pick out language that appeals to each of the senses and say what effect the words have.

4. Pick out the imperative words that Keats uses in Stanza 1 and 2. What kind of tone does this create?

5. Structure The ode  could be considered an argument: Map out the plan.



I. Exposition of the problem: What is the problem?


II. Development of the Argument: What is Keats' first solution?



III. Resolution: To what extent does Keats find an answer in this stanza?
 Or is it open-ended?



Symbolism and Imagery

1.Why do you think there is so much death imagery in Stanza 1?





2. How does Stanza 2 mix images of beauty and sadness? What is the effect of this mixing?





3. Why do you think Melancholy is presented as a female figure?





4. Why do you think the beloved's anger is presented as a spectacle upon which the seeker of pleasure may feed?













Possible Essay Questions:
How does the poem explore deep feelings?
How is nature presented in the poem?
Is 'Ode to Melancholy' about sadness or happiness?
What kind of person does the poem represent?
How do opposites work together in this poem?
Compare this poem with one other poem in the anthology and say why this poem is more effective than the other one for you.



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