Analysis of "Bright Star" by John Keats
Question #2
Explore the apparent contradictions in the phrase "sweet unrest" (12). How do they anticipate the final line?
The contradiction of "sweet unrest" (Keats, 792) is the fact that unrest is usually a state of discomfort, and can thus hardly be considered "sweet." However, as the speaker is describing his love for a certain woman, he claims that he would love to stay awake forever, despite the discomfort it might bring him, just to hear her breathe. Along with the preceding content of the poem, this helps give the reader perspective on the intensity of his love for the woman. Thus, the use of "sweet unrest" anticipates the final line that reads "And so live ever-or else swoon to death" (Keats, 792). This line should come as no surprise to the reader. The speaker obviously wishes to follow his lover in life or into death. Thus, he wishes either to live with her forever, or to love her until death and beyond. This implies that the speaker's love is the only motivation for his life. This helps to explain why he wishes to be "steadfast" and constant like a star. He wants his love to be with the woman no matter what.
The font is a little hard to read, but regardless, the info is very helpful. THANK YOU! :D
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